S.L. 424.24 Art. 5General principles for the prevention of risks.

(1) In carrying out his obligation to ensure the health and safety of workers in any activity involving hazardous chemical agents, the employer shall, apart from the measures set out in these regulations, take, within the context of his responsibilities, the measures necessary for the health and safety protection of workers, including prevention of occupational risks and provision of information and training, as well as provision of the necessary organization and means. The employer shall be alert to the need to adjust these measures to take account of changing circumstances and aim to improve existing situations.

(2) An employer shall implement the measures referred to in the first part of sub-regulation (1) on the basis of the requirements of article 12(2) of the Act.

(3) Risks to the health and safety of workers at work involving hazardous chemical agents shall be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by:

(a) the design and organisation of systems of work at the workplace,

(b) the provision of suitable equipment for work with chemical agents and maintenance procedures which ensure the health and safety of workers at work,

(c) reducing to a minimum the number of workers exposed or likely to be exposed,

(d) reducing to a minimum the duration and intensity of exposure,

(e) appropriate hygiene measures,

(f) reducing the quantity of chemical agents present at the workplace to the minimum required for the type of work concerned,

(g) suitable working procedures including arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport within the workplace of hazardous chemical agents and waste containing such chemical agents.

(4) Where the results of the assessment referred to in regulation 4(1) reveal a risk to the health and safety of workers, the specific protection, prevention and monitoring measures laid down in regulations 6, 7 and 10 shall be applied.

(5) Where the results of the risk assessment referred to in regulation 4(1) show that, because of the quantities of a hazardous chemical agent present in the workplace, there is only a slight risk to the health and safety of workers, and the measures taken in accordance with sub-regulations (1) and (2) are sufficient to reduce that risk, the provisions of regulations 6, 7 and 10 shall not apply.