News Item: Consultation on Workplace Exposure Limits For a Range of Carcinogens - Deadline 7th June

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation that will propose the implementation of amending the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (2004/37/EC). This introduces or changes current exposure limit values in the workplace, for a number of carcinogens, including hardwood dust. RCS (Respirable Crystalline Silica) has also been classified as a carcinogen, when it is generated as a result of a work process. RCS comes from crystalline silica, which is a mineral found in almost every type of rock. When products containing crystalline silica are used in industrial workplaces, a very fine dust can be produced (RCS), which can pose a risk to workers.

The consultation sets out HSE’s proposals for the substances mentioned in the amendments to the Directive (these are subject to ongoing negotiations on our relationship with the EU). The consultation proposes to do this by revising the HSE publication "EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits".

Further information on the consultation, including the consultation documents and online response form can be found by clicking here.

The HSE would welcome comments on the proposals by 7th June 2019.