Commission launches the sixth amendment.

In mid-July – shortly before the summer break – the European Commission published its proposal for the sixth amendment of the Directive on Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances (CMRD). The purpose of the directive is to further improve the protection of workers against hazardous substances at the workplace. A central element of the proposal is the inclusion of welding fumes as well as the introduction of new binding occupational exposure limit values for cobalt, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 1,4-dioxane.

Inclusion of welding fumes

Work involving welding fumes that contain carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances is to be included in this list in the future. This primarily concerns welding fumes that contain harmful substances such as chromium, nickel, and cadmium compounds. The explicit inclusion of these specific welding activities makes it clear that employers must implement protective measures that increase workers’ safety and promote a healthier working environment.

Stronger protection in work with future technologies

Since national limit values for cobalt, PAHs, and 1,4-dioxane vary considerably among the Member States, the European Commission sees a need for action to provide workers with the best possible protection across the EU. Particularly in fast-growing industries such as battery production, the limit value for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds is intended to close existing gaps. This sector is becoming increasingly important, especially with regard to electromobility. Specifically, the Commission proposes a limit value of 0.01 mg/m³ for inhalable particles and 0.0025 mg/m³ for respirable particles. Transitional limit values are intended to give industry six years to adapt.

Further harmonisation of limit values

In addition to cobalt, 1,4-dioxane, which is frequently used as a solvent, will also be newly added to Annex III of the CMRD. The use of this substance is widespread, for example, in the chemical and textile industries as well as in cleaning and washing agents. The proposed general limit value is 7.3 mg/m³, complemented by a short-term limit value of 73 mg/m³. In addition, the proposal foresees, for the first time, a biological limit value.

PAHs, which mainly arise in heavy industry and are also demonstrably found in welding fumes, are to receive a new occupational limit value of 0.00007 mg/m³. To facilitate adjustment for the affected sectors, the proposal – as already with cobalt – provides for a six-year transitional arrangement.

Occupational safety as a clear priority for Denmark

Keeping with the motto “Safe and healthy working lives with fair working conditions,” the Danish Council Presidency has declared the strengthening of occupational safety and health to be one of its priorities. A focus is placed on promoting negotiations on the sixth amendment of the CMRD. While the Council has already begun its work, the European Parliament is still in an early phase of defining its position.

Commission continues the course

With the proposal for the sixth amendment of the CMRD, the European Commission continues its chosen course of systematically improving the protection of workers against CMR substances. The amendment draft not only creates more legal certainty for employers in all Member States but also supports central EU initiatives: the Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021–2027, the European Cancer Plan, and the European Pillar of Social Rights. It is now up to the European Parliament and the Council to take up and further negotiate the proposals. At the same time, the Commission is already preparing the next revision of the directive with a new study.