asked the Minister for Labour the directives that have been issued by the European Commission on Health and Safety in workplaces; when they were issued; and when the Government expects to implement them.
Written Answers. - EC Directives on Health and Safety.
82.
The following directives relating exclusively to safety and health in the workplace, which have been adopted by the EC Council of Ministers, are awaiting implementation in this country:
(i) Council Directive of 27 November 1980 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work (80/1107/EEC — commonly known as the "framework" Directive)
(ii) Council Directive of 28 July 1982, on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to metallic lead and its ionic compounds at work (82/605/EEC)
(iii) Council Directive of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work; asbestos (83/477/EEC).
The "framework" Directive was due for implementation on a phased and ongoing basis from December 1983. This Directive has a much wider application than the traditional scope of domestic safety legislation and consultations were necessary between Government Departments on aspects of the implementation and enforcement of the Directive.
The second and third listed Directives, relating to the protection of workers exposed to lead and asbestos, come within the umbrella of the "framework" Directive and are to be implemented by Member States by January 1986 and I January 1987 respectively. Work is in progress on preparing Regulations to implement those three Directives as early as possible.
The following Directives relating in some respects to safety and health in the workplace, which have been adopted by the EC Council, are awaiting implementation in this country:
(i) Council Directive of 15 July 1980 laying down the basic safety standards for the health protection of the general public and workers against the dangers of ionising radiation (80/836/Euratom — commonly known as the "ionising radiation" Directive)
(ii) Council Directive of 24 June 1982, on the major accident hazards of certain industrial activities (82/501/EEC — commonly known as the "Seveso" Directive).
The "ionising radiation" Directive was due for implementation from December 1982. Responsibility for its implementation rests partly with the Departments of Energy (the co-ordinating Department). Labour, Health and the Nuclear Energy Board. The parties involved have been in consultation in regard to the method and means of implementation and Regulations are being drafted to give effect to the Directive.
The "Seveso" Directive was due to be implemented from 8 January 1984, in the case of new industrial activities and was due to be implemented from 8 January 1985, in the case of existing industrial activities. The implementation of the Directive involves a number of Departments and discussions to determine their respective roles have been concluded. Regulations to implement the Directive are at present being prepared.