Expectations for the sixth CMRD package.

Since the 1980s, the European Union (EU) has been taking steps to establish minimum standards for the protection of workers from carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances. The setting of binding maximum allowable concentrations is part of the legal framework. They are based on scientific data on health protection as well as socio-economic aspects and technical feasibility. To date, more than 20 binding maximum allowable concentrations have been adopted in the EU.

Prevention of work-related illnesses

Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (CMRD) is an important building block, as it lays down preventive and protective measures and exposure limit values for a number of substances. This directive has been amended several times in recent years to include reprotoxic substances, among others, in its scope of application.

The sixth amendment package, the proposal for which is to be published by the European Commission in the autumn, will deal with the setting of limit values for smoke generated during welding processes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), isoprene, 1,4 dioxane and cobalt and its inorganic compounds. But where exactly are these substances found in the world of work?

Focus on the sixth package

The planned changes to the CMRD will affect various areas of work. As the name suggests, welding fumes are produced during welding work. In addition to various welding processes, this also includes soldering and flame cutting. Employees come into contact with PAHs when they work in the production of graphite electrodes or in coking plants and fire damage restoration companies. Isoprene is also a hydrocarbon. This substance is mainly used in the production of synthetic rubber, which is used by the vehicle tyre industry. Cobalt and compounds play a role primarily in metal processing, dental technology, biogas production and the catalyser industry. 1,4-dioxane has a broad area of application. The substance is found in detergents, paints, coatings, adhesives and air fresheners, among other things.

The legislative process

It can be assumed that the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs will take the lead on the draft legislation. The directive will be codified in parallel with the sixth amendment to the CMRD. This means that all amendments made to the CMRD since 2004 will be summarised in a new statutory legal act without any change to the content. The European Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs is currently preparing its report on this.