SECTION II

EMPLOYERS' OBLIGATIONS

General principles for prevention of risks associated with hazardous chemical agents and application of this Directive in relation to assessment of risks
Article 5
1
In carrying out his obligation to ensure the health and safety of workers in any activity involving hazardous chemical agents the employer shall take the necessary preventive measures set out in Article 6(1) and (2) of Directive 89/391/EEC and include the measures set out in this Directive.
2
Risks to the health and safety of workers at work involving hazardous chemical agents shall be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by:
- the design and organisation of systems of work at the workplace,
- the provision of suitable equipment for work with chemical agents and maintenance procedures which ensure the health and safety of workers at work,
- reducing to a minimum the number of workers exposed or likely to be exposed,
- reducing to a minimum the duration and intensity of exposure,
- appropriate hygiene measures,
- reducing the quantity of chemical agents present at the workplace to the minimum required for the type of work concerned,
- 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.
Practical guidelines for preventive measures to control risk shall be developed in accordance with Article 12(2).
3
Where the results of the assessment referred to in Article 4(1) reveal a risk to the safety and health of workers, the specific protection, prevention and monitoring measures laid down in Articles 6, 7 and 10 shall be applied.
4
Where the results of the risk assessment referred to in Article 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 safety and health of workers, and the measures taken in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article are sufficient to reduce that risk, the provisions of Articles 6, 7 and 10 shall not apply.