Health and Safety of Workers
The rules for both science teachers (employees) and principals (or other employers) regarding chemical safety are included in an EU directive about the health and safety of workers at work, as well as an individual directive on risks related to chemical agents at work.
The directives require the employer to determine whether any hazardous chemical agents are present in the workplace. If so, the employer must:
- Ensure that the worker has adequate time and training to be able to perform the safety work.
- Consult workers on all matters relating to safety and health at work.
- Designate a sufficient number of workers to carry out activities related to the protection and prevention of occupational risks for the establishment. These designated workers shall be allowed adequate time to fulfil their obligations and must possess the necessary capabilities and the means.
- Assess any risk to the health and safety of workers, including risks related to chemical substances, equipment or work procedures.
- Take the necessary preventive measures for health and safety.
- Take appropriate measures to ensure that workers receive all the necessary information regarding health and safety risks, as well as protective and preventive measures.
It is, however, the responsibility of each worker to take care of their own safety, as far as possible. The Directive 89/391/EEC therefore states that the worker is obliged to cooperate with the employer to ensure safe working conditions including to:
- Use equipment, tools, and dangerous substances correctly.
- Take care, as far as possible, of their own safety in accordance with their training and the instructions given by the employer.
- Immediately inform the employer of any shortcomings of protective arrangements. For example, if the correct cupboard to store a gas container is not available, this should be reported.
- Cooperate with the employer to fulfil any imposed safety tasks or requirements.
In addition, Member States are required to establish specific arrangements for conducting appropriate health surveillance of workers. It is therefore necessary to consult relevant national legislation regarding that matter.
Protection from Carcinogens and Mutagens at Work
The Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive outlines the minimum requirements for protecting workers from health and safety risks arising, or likely to arise, from exposure to carcinogenic, mutagic and reproductive toxic chemicals (CMRs) in the workplace. It includes obligations for both employers and workers involved in the activities concerned. These substances are also identified as substances of very high concern, which is discussed in Restrictions due to Health or Environmental Hazards.