Asbestos

European legislation has sought to prohibit the use of asbestos, and to set strict standards for the protection of workers who may be at risk of exposure. With a view to tightening existing laws to reduce the risks from asbestos which remains in workplace buildings, Directive 2003/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amends Council Directive 83/477/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. The updated directive enlarges the scope to cover workers in sea and air transport. As well as giving guidelines for classifying the various types of fibrous silicates in existence and measuring asbestos content in the air, the directive sets exposure limit values for workers, defines company responsibilities and sets out practical recommendations for health examinations for workers. The date for compliance by Member States is 15 April 2006.

See also: dangerous substances; dangerous workplaces.