Directive 2009/148/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council

Direttiva 2009/148/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill

of 30 November 2009

tat- 30 ta’ Novembru 2009

on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work

dwar il-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema mir-riskji konnessi mal-espożizzjoni għall-asbestos fuq ix-xogħol

(codified version)

(verżjoni kodifikata)

(Text with EEA relevance)

(Test b’relevanza għaż-ŻEE)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

IL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW U L-KUNSILL TAL-UNJONI EWROPEA,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 137(2) thereof,

Wara li kkunsidraw it-Trattat li jistabbilixxi l-Komunità Ekonomika Ewropea, u b’mod partikolari l-Artikolu 137(2) tiegħu,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Wara li kkunsidraw il-proposta mill-Kummissjoni,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee [1],

Wara li kkunsidraw l-opinjoni tal-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali Ewropew [1],

After consulting the Committee of the Regions,

Wara li kkonsultaw mal-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty [2],

Filwaqt li jaġixxu skont il-proċedura stabbilita fl-Artikolu 251 tat-Trattat [2],

Whereas:

Billi:

(1) Council Directive 83/477/EEC of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (second individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC) [3] has been substantially amended several times [4]. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Directive should be codified.

(1) Id-Direttiva 83/477/KEE tal-Kunsill tad- 19 ta’ Settembru 1983 dwar il-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema mir-riskji konnessi mal-espożizzjoni għall-asbestos fuq ix-xogħol (it-tieni Direttiva individwali skont it-tifsira tal-Artikolu 8 tad-Direttiva 80/1107/KEE) [3] ġiet emendata kemm-il darba [4] b’mod sostanzjali. Għal iktar ċarezza u razzjonalital-imsemmija Direttiva għandha tiġi kkodifikata.

(2) Asbestos is a particularly dangerous agent which may cause serious diseases and which is found in a large number of circumstances at work. Many workers are therefore exposed to a potential health risk. Crocidolite is considered to be a particularly dangerous type of asbestos.

(2) L-asbestos huwa sustanza partikolarment perikoluża li tista’ tikkawża mard gravi u li jinsab f’numru kbir ta’ ċirkustanzi fuq ix-xogħol. Għalhekk huma ħafna l-ħaddiema esposti għal riskju potenzjali għal saħħithom. Il-kroċidolite huwa kkunsidrat tip ta’ asbestos li huwa partikolarment perikoluż.

(3) Although current scientific knowledge is not such that a level can be established below which risks to health cease to exist, a reduction in exposure to asbestos will nonetheless reduce the risk of developing asbestos-related disease. It is accordingly necessary to provide for the establishment of specific harmonised procedures regarding the protection of workers with respect to asbestos. This Directive includes minimum requirements which will be reviewed on the basis of experience acquired and of developments in technology in this area.

(3) Għalkemm it-tagħrif xjentifiku kurrenti mhux tali li jista’ jiġi stabbilit livell li taħtu ma jibqgħux jeżistu r-riskji għas-saħħa, tnaqqis fl-esposizzjoni għall-asbestos għandu madanakollu jnaqqas ir-riskju li wieħed jiżviluppa mard konness mal-asbestos. Huwa għalhekk neċessarju li jitwaqqfu proċeduri speċifiċi armonizzati li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema mill-asbestos. Din id-Direttiva tinkludi kondizzjonijiet minimi li ser jiġu eżaminati mill-ġdid fuq il-bażi tal-esperjenza miksuba u l-iżviluppi fit-teknoloġija f’dan il-qasam.

(4) Optical microscopy, although it does not allow a counting of the smallest fibres detrimental to health, is the most currently used method for the regular measuring of asbestos.

(4) Il-mikroskopija ottika, għalkemm ma tippermettix l-għadd tal-iżgħar fibri li jagħmlu ħsara lis-saħħa, hija l-metodu li bħalissa qed jiġi aktar użat għat-tkejjil normali tal-asbestos.

(5) Preventive measures for the protection of the health of workers exposed to asbestos and the commitment envisaged for Member States with regard to the surveillance of their health are important.

(5) Miżuri preventivi għall-protezzjoni tas-saħħa tal-ħaddiema li huma esposti għall-asbestos u l-impenn maħsub mill-Istati Membri f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mal-ħarsien tas-saħħa huma importanti.

(6) In order to ensure clarity in the definition of the fibres, they should be defined either in mineralogical terms or by reference to their Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.

(6) Sabiex tiġi assigurata kjarezza fid-definizzjoni tal-fibri, dawn għandhom ikunu definiti jew f’termini mineraloġiċi jew fir-rigward tan-numru tas-Servizz Kimiku Astratt (CAS) tagħhom.

(7) Without prejudice to other Community provisions concerning the marketing and use of asbestos, limiting the activities involving exposure to asbestos should play a very important role in preventing the diseases associated with such exposure.

(7) Mingħajr preġudizzju għad-dispożizzjonijiet l-oħra tal-Komunità li jikkonċernaw il-marketing u l-użu tal-asbestos, l-illimitar tal-attivitajiet li jinvolvu espożizzjoni għall-asbestos għandu jkollu rwol importanti ħafna fil-prevenzjoni ta’ mard assoċjat ma’ dik l-espożizzjoni.

(8) The notification system for activities involving exposure to asbestos should be adapted to new work situations.

(8) Is-sistema ta’ notifika tal-attivitajiet li jinvolvu espożizzjoni għall-asbestos għandha tiġi adattata għal sitwazzjonijiet ġodda tax-xogħol.

(9) The prohibition on the application of asbestos by means of the spraying process is not sufficient to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into the air. It is also important to prohibit activities which expose workers to asbestos fibres during the extraction of asbestos or the manufacture and processing of asbestos products or the manufacture and processing of products containing intentionally added asbestos fibres, in view of their high and unpredictable level of exposure.

(9) Il-projbizzjoni tal-applikazzjoni tal-asbestos bi proċess ta’ traxxix m’huwiex bizzejjed biex jimpedixxi r-rilaxx tal-fibri tal-asbestos fl-atmosfera. Jeħtieġ ukoll li jkunu pprojbiti attivitajiet li jesponu l-ħaddiema għall-fibri tal-asbestos matul l-estrazzjoni tal-asbestos jew il-manifattura u l-ipproċessar ta’ prodotti tal-asbestos jew il-manifattura u l-ipproċessar ta’ prodotti li jkun fihom fibri tal-asbestos miżjuda apposta, minħabba l-livell għoli tagħhom u li ma jistgħax jiġi prevvist ta’ espożizzjoni.

(10) Taking account of the latest technical expertise, it is necessary to specify the sampling methodology to be used to measure the asbestos level in air and the method of counting fibres.

(10) Waqt li jittieħed kont tal-kapaċità teknika l-aktar reċenti, huwa meħtieġ li tiġi speċifikata l-metodoloġija tal-kampjunament użata biex tkejjel il-livell ta’ asbestos fl-arja u l-metodu ta’ kif jingħaddu l-fibri.

(11) Even though it has not yet been possible to identify the exposure threshold below which asbestos does not involve a cancer risk, occupational exposure of workers to asbestos should be reduced to a minimum.

(11) Għalkemm s’issa għadu ma kienx possibbli li jiġi identifikat il-livell ta’ espożizzjoni li taħtu l-asbestos ma jinvolvix ir-riskju tal-kanċer, għandu jitnaqqas kemm jista’ jkun il-livell ta’ espożizzjoni tal-ħaddiema għall-asbestos fuq ix-xogħol.

(12) Employers should be required to record, before the start of any asbestos removal project, the presence or presumed presence of asbestos in buildings or installations and communicate this information to others who may be exposed to asbestos as a result of its use, of maintenance or of other activities in or on buildings.

(12) L-impjegati għandhom ikunu meħtieġa li jirrekordjaw, qabel il-bidu ta’ xi proġett ta’ tneħħija ta’ asbestos, il-presenza jew il-presenza preżunta ta’ asbestos f’bini jew installazzjonijiet u jikkomunikaw din l-informazzjoni lil persuni oħra li jistgħu jkunu esposti għall-asbestos bħala riżultat tal-użu tiegħu, tal-manutenzjoni jew ta’ attivitajiet oħrajn fi jew fuq il-bini.

(13) It should be ensured that demolition or asbestos removal work is carried out by undertakings which are familiar with all the precautions to be taken in order to protect workers.

(13) Għandu jiġi assigurat li t-twaqqigħ jew ix-xogħol ta’ tneħħija tal-asbestos jitwettaq minn impriżi li huma familjari mal-prekawzjonijiet kollha li għandhom jittieħdu biex jiġu protetti l-ħaddiema.

(14) Special training for workers exposed or likely to be exposed to asbestos should be provided in order significantly to contribute to reducing the risks related to such exposure.

(14) Taħriġ speċjali għall-ħaddiema esposti jew li x’aktarx ikunu esposti għall-asbestos għandu jiġi provdut sabiex jikkontribwixxi b’mod sinifikattiv għat-tnaqqis tar-riskji relatati ma’ dik l-espożizzjoni.

(15) Practical recommendations on the clinical surveillance of exposed workers should be laid down in the light of the latest medical expertise with a view to the early detection of pathologies linked to asbestos.

(15) Jeħtieġ li jkunu previsti rakkomandazzjonijiet prattiċi dwar is-sorveljanza klinika ta’ ħaddiema esposti fid-dawl tal-għarfien mediku l-aktar reċenti bil-ħsieb ta’ kxif kmieni ta’ patoloġiji marbuta mal-asbestos.

(16) Since the objective of the proposed action, namely improvement in the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale and effects of the action, be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Directive does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve that objective.

(16) L-objettiv tal-azzjoni proposta, jiġifieri t-titjib fil-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema mir-riskji relatati mal-espożizzjoni ta’ asbestos fuq ix-xogħol, ma jistgħax jinkiseb suffiċjentement mill-Istati Membri u jista’ għalhekk, minħabba l-iskala u l-effetti tal-azzjoni, jinkiseb aħjar fil-livell tal-Komunità, il-Komunità tista’ tadotta miżuri, skont il-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà kif preskritt fl-Artikolu 5 tat-Trattat. Skond il-prinċipju tal-proporzjonalità kif preskritt f’dak l-Artikolu, din id-Direttiva ma tmurx lil hinn minn dak li huwa meħtieġ biex jinkiseb dak l-objettiv.

(17) The provisions contained in this Directive constitute a concrete contribution towards creating the social dimension of the internal market. These provisions are limited to the minimum in order not to impose an unnecessary burden on the creation and development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

(17) Id-dispożizzjonijiet li jinsabu f’din id-Direttiva jikkostitwixxu kontribuzzjoni konkreta lejn il-ħolqien ta’ dimensjoni soċjali fis-suq intern. Dawn id-dispożizzjonijiet huma limitati għall-minimu sabiex ma jimponux piż żejjed fuq il-ħolqien u l-iżvilupp ta’ intrapriżi żgħar u ta’ daqs medju.

(18) This Directive is without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States concerning the time limits for transposition into national law and application of the Directives set out in Annex II, Part B,

(18) Din id-Direttiva hija mingħajr preġudizzju għall-obbligi tal-Istati Membri li jikkonċernaw il-limiti ta’ żmien għat-traspożizzjoni fid-dritt nazzjonali tad-direttivi msemmija fl-Anness II, Parti B,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:

ADOTTAW DIN ID-DIRETTIVA:

Article 1

Artikolu 1

1. This Directive has as its aim the protection of workers against risks to their health, including the prevention of such risks, arising or likely to arise from exposure to asbestos at work.

1. Din id-Direttiva, għandha bħala l-għan tagħha l-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema kontra r-riskji għal saħħithom, inkluża l-prevenzjoni ta’ riskji ta’ din ix-xorta, li jiġu jew aktarx jiġu mill-fatt li jkunu esposti għall-asbestos fuq ix-xogħol.

It lays down the limit values for this exposure, as well as other specific requirements.

Hija tistabbilixxi l-limitu ta’ din l-espożizzjoni kif ukoll kondizzjonijiet oħra speċifiċi.

2. This Directive shall not prejudice the right of Member States to apply or introduce laws, regulations or administrative provisions ensuring greater protection for workers, in particular as regards the replacement of asbestos by less dangerous substitutes.

2. Din id-Direttiva hija mingħajr preġudizzju għad-dritt tal-Istati Membri li japplikaw jew idaħħlu liġijiet, regolamenti jew dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi li jagħtu protezzjoni ikbar għall-ħaddiema, b’mod partikolari f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mal-bdil tal-asbestos b’sostituti anqas perikolużi.

Article 2

Artikolu 2

For the purposes of this Directive, "asbestos" means the following fibrous silicates:

Għall-finijiet ta’ din id-Direttiva, "asbestos" tfisser is-silikati fibrużi li ġejjin:

(a) asbestos actinolite, CAS No 77536-66-4 [5];

(a) Asbestos actinolite, CAS Nru 77536–66–4 [5];

(b) asbestos grunerite (amosite), CAS No 12172-73-5 [5];

(b) Asbestos gruenerite (amosite) CAS Nru 12172–73–5 [5];

(d) chrysotile, CAS No 12001-29-5 [5];

(d) Chrysotile, CAS Nru 12001–29–5 [5];

(e) crocidolite, CAS No 12001-28-4 [5];

(e) Crocidolite, CAS Nru 12001–28–4 [5];

(f) asbestos tremolite, CAS No 77536-68-6 [5].

(f) Asbestos tremolite, CAS Nru 77536–68–6 [5].

Article 3

Artikolu 3

1. This Directive shall apply to activities in which workers are or may be exposed in the course of their work to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos.

1. Din id-Direttiva tapplika għall-attivitajiet li fihom il-ħaddiema huma jew jistgħu jkunu esposti waqt xogħolhom għat-trab li jiġi mill-asbestos jew materjali li fihom l-asbestos.

2. In the case of any activity likely to involve a risk of exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos, this risk must be assessed in such a way as to determine the nature and degree of the workers’ exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos.

2. Fil-każ ta’ kull attività li x’aktarx tinvolvi xi riskju li jiġu esposti għat-trab li jiġi mill-asbestos jew xi materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos, dan ir-riskju għandu jiġi stmat b’mod li tiġi stabbilita n-natura jew il-grad tal-espożizzjoni għat-trab li ġej mill-asbestos jew minn materjali li fihom l-asbestos.

3. Provided that worker exposure is sporadic and of low intensity, and if it is clear from the results of the risk assessment referred to in paragraph 2 that the exposure limit for asbestos will not be exceeded in the air of the working area, Articles 4, 18 and 19 may be waived where the work involves:

3. Sakemm l-espożizzjoni tal-ħaddiema tkun sporadika u ta’ intensità baxxa, u meta jkun ċar mir-riżultati tal-istima tar-riskju msemmija fil-paragrafu 2 li l-limitu tal-espożizzjoni għall-asbestos m’għandux jinqabeż fl-arja taż-żona tax-xogħol, l-Artikoli 4, 18 u 19 jistgħu ma jiġux applikati meta x-xogħol jinvolvi:

(a) short, non-continuous maintenance activities in which only non-friable materials are handled;

(a) attivitajiet ta’ manutenzjoni qosra, mhux kontinwi li fihom jintmissu biss materjali li li ma jinkisrux malajr;

(b) removal without deterioration of non-degraded materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix;

(b) it-tneħħija mingħajr deterjorazzjoni ta’ materjali mhux degradati li fihom il-fibri tal-asbestos huma mqabbda sew mal-matriċi;

(d) air monitoring and control, and the collection of samples to ascertain whether a specific material contains asbestos.

(d) monitoraġġ u kontroll tal-arja, u l-kampjunament biex jiġi aċċertat jekk materjal speċifiku jkunx fih l-asbestos.

4. Member States shall, following consultation with representatives from both sides of industry, in accordance with national law and practice, lay down practical guidelines for the determination of sporadic and low-intensity exposure, as provided for in paragraph 3.

4. L-Istati Membri għandhom, wara konsultazzjoni mal-imsieħba soċjali, skont il-liġi u l-prattika nazzjonali jippreskrivu linji gwida prattiċi għall-istabbiliment ta’ espożizzjoni sporadika u ta’ intensità baxxa, hekk kif provdut fil-paragrafu 3.

5. The assessment referred to in paragraph 2 shall be the subject of consultation with the workers and/or their representatives within the undertaking or establishment and shall be revised where there is reason to believe that it is incorrect or there is a material change in the work.

5. L-istima msemmiija fil-paragrafu 2 għandha tkun suġġetta għal konsultazzjoni mal-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew fl-istabbiliment u għandhom jerġgħu jiġu eżaminati meta jkun hemm raġuni li wieħed jaħseb li mhijiex korretta jew hemm xi bdil materjali fix-xogħol.

Article 4

Artikolu 4

1. Subject to Article 3(3), the measures referred to in paragraphs 2 to 5 shall be taken.

1. Bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 3(3), għandhom jittieħdu miżuri previsti fil-paragrafi 2 sa 5.

2. The activities referred to in Article 3(1) must be covered by a notification system administered by the responsible authority of the Member State.

2. L-attivitajiet imsemmija fl-Artikolu 3(1) għandhom jiġu rregolati b’sistema ta’ notifika amministrata mill-awtorità responsabbli tal-Istat Membru.

3. The notification referred to in paragraph 2 shall be submitted by the employer to the responsible authority of the Member State, before the work commences, in accordance with national laws, regulations and administrative provisions.

3. In-notifika skont il-paragrafu 2 għandha tintbagħat minn min iħaddem lill-awtorità responsabbli tal-Istat Membru, qabel ma jinbeda x-xogħol, skont il-liġijiet, ir-regolamenti u d-dispożizzjonijiet amministrattivi nazzjonali.

The notification must include at least a brief description of:

Din in-notifika għandha tinkludi tal-anqas deskrizzjoni qasira ta’:

(a) the location of the worksite;

(a) fejn jinsab s-sit tax-xogħol;

(b) the type and quantities of asbestos used or handled;

(b) it-tip u l-kwantitajiet ta’ asbestos użati jew immaniġġjati;

(d) the number of workers involved;

(d) in-numru ta’ ħaddiema involuti;

(e) the starting date and duration of the work;

(e) id-data tal-bidu tax-xogħol u t-tul ta’ żmien;

(f) measures taken to limit the exposure of workers to asbestos.

(f) miżuri meħuda biex jillimitaw l-espożizzjoni tal-ħaddiema għall-asbestos.

4. Workers and/or their representatives in undertakings or establishments shall have access to the documents which are the subject of the notification referred to in paragraph 2 concerning their own undertaking or establishment in accordance with national laws.

4. Il-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriżi jew fl-istabbilimenti għandhom ikollhom aċċess għad-dokumenti li jaqgħu taħt in-notifika msemmija fit-tieni paragrafu li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-impriża jew l-istabbiliment tagħhom stess b’mod konformi mal-liġijiet nazzjonali.

5. Each time a change in working conditions is likely to result in a significant increase in exposure to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos, a new notification must be submitted.

5. Kull darba li bidla fil-kondizzjonijiet tax-xogħol x’aktarx li tirriżulta f’żieda sinifikanti f’espożizzjoni għat-trab tal-asbestos jew materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos, għandha tintbagħat notifika ġdida.

Article 5

Artikolu 5

The application of asbestos by means of the spraying process and working procedures that involve using low-density (less than 1 g/cm3) insulating or soundproofing materials which contain asbestos shall be prohibited.

L-applikazzjoni tal-asbestos bi proċess ta’ traxxix u proċeduri ta’ xogħol li jinvolvu l-użu ta’ materjali iżolanti jew li jwaqqfu l-ħoss ta’ densità baxxa (anqas minn 1 g/ċm3) li jkun jinsab fihom l-asbestos huma pprojbiti.

Without prejudice to the application of other Community provisions on the marketing and use of asbestos, activities which expose workers to asbestos fibres during the extraction of asbestos or the manufacture and processing of asbestos products or the manufacture and processing of products containing intentionally added asbestos shall be prohibited, with the exception of the treatment and disposal of products resulting from demolition and asbestos removal.

Mingħajr preġudizzju għall-applikazzjoni ta’ dispożizzjonijiet oħra tal-Komunità dwar il-marketing u l-użu tal-asbestos, attivitajiet li jesponu lill-ħaddiema għall-fibri tal-asbestos matul l-estrazzjoni ta’ asbestos jew il-manifattura u l-ipproċessar ta’ prodotti tal-asbestos jew il-manifattura u l-ipproċessar ta’ prodotti li jkun fihom asbestos miżjud apposta għandhom ikunu projbiti, bl-eċċezzjoni tat-trattament u d-disponiment ta’ prodotti li jirriżultaw mit-twaqqigħ u t-tneħħija tal-asbestos.

Article 6

Artikolu 6

For all activities referred to in Article 3(1), the exposure of workers to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos at the place of work must be reduced to a minimum and in any case below the limit value laid down in Article 8, in particular through the following measures:

Għall-attivitajiet kollha msemmija fl-Artikolu 3(1), l-espożizzjoni ta’ ħaddiema għal trab li joħroġ mill-asbestos jew materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos fuq il-post tax-xogħol għandha titnaqqas għal minimu u f’kull każ taħt il-limitu tal-valur preskritt fl-Artikolu 8, b’mod partikolari permezz tal-miżuri li ġejjin:

(a) the number of workers exposed or likely to be exposed to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos must be limited to the lowest possible figure;

(a) in-numru ta’ ħaddiema esposti jew x’aktarx li jkunu esposti għat-trab li joħroġ mill-asbestos jew materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos għandu jkun limitat għall-figura l-aktar baxxa possibbli;

(b) work processes must be designed so as not to produce asbestos dust or, if that proves impossible, to avoid the release of asbestos dust into the air;

(b) il-proċessi tax-xogħol għandhom ikunu disinjati biex ma jipproduċux trab tal-asbestos jew, jekk dan ikun impossibbli, li jiġi evitat ir-rilaxx ta’ trab tal-asbestos fl-arja;

(c) all premises and equipment involved in the treatment of asbestos must be capable of being regularly and effectively cleaned and maintained;

(c) il-postijiet kollha u l-apparat involut fit-trattament ta’ asbestos għandu jkun kapaċi li jiġi regolarment u effettivament imnaddaf u mantnut;

(d) asbestos or dust-generating asbestos-containing material must be stored and transported in suitable sealed packing;

(d) l-asbestos jew materjal li fih l-asbestos li jiġġenera t-trab għandu jiġi maħżun u trasportat f’pakketti ssiġillati kif imiss;

(e) waste must be collected and removed from the place of work as soon as possible in suitable sealed packing with labels indicating that it contains asbestos; this measure shall not apply to mining activities; such waste shall then be dealt with in accordance with Council Directive 91/689/EEC of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste [6].

(e) l-iskart għandu jinġabar u jitneħħa mill-post tax-xogħol kemm jista’ jkun malajr f’pakketti ssiġillati kif imiss b’tabelli li jindikaw li jkun fihom l-asbestos; din il-miżura ma tapplikax għal attivitajiet tal-minjieri; dak ir-rimi għandu mbagħad jiġi ttrattat skont id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 91/689/KEE tat- 12 ta’ Diċembru 1991 dwar skart perikoluż [6].

Article 7

Artikolu 7

1. Depending on the results of the initial risk assessment, and in order to ensure compliance with the limit value laid down in Article 8, measurement of asbestos fibres in the air at the workplace shall be carried out regularly.

1. Skond ir-riżultati tal-stima inizjali tar-riskju, u sabiex tiġi assigurata konformità mal-limitu preskritt fl-Artikolu 8, il-kejl tal-fibri tal-asbestos fl-arja fil-post tax-xogħol għandu jitwettaq regolarment.

2. Sampling must be representative of the personal exposure of the worker to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos.

2. Il-kampjunament għandu jkun rappreżentattiv tal-espożizzjoni personali tal-ħaddiema għal trab li joħroġ mill-asbestos jew materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos.

3. Sampling shall be carried out after consultation of the workers and/or their representatives within the undertaking or establishment.

3. Il-kampjunament għandu jitwettaq wara konsultazzjoni mal-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew stabbiliment.

4. Sampling shall be carried out by suitably qualified personnel. The samples taken shall be subsequently analysed, in accordance with paragraph 6, in laboratories equipped for fibre counting.

4. Il-kampjunament għandu jitwettaq minn persunal kwalifikat kif imiss. Il-kampjuni meħuda għandhom sussegwentement ikunu analizzati, skont il-paragrafu 6, f’laboratorji mgħammra biex jingħaddu l-fibri.

5. The duration of sampling must be such that representative exposure can be established for an 8-hour reference period (one shift) by means of measurements or time-weighted calculations.

5. It-tul ta’ żmien tal-kampjunament għandu jkun tali li espożizzjoni rappreżentattiva tista’ tiġi stabbilita għal perjodu ta’ referenza ta’ tmien sigħat (xift wieħed) permezz ta’ kejl jew kalkolazzjonijiet peżati skont il-ħin.

6. Fibre counting shall be carried out wherever possible by phase-contrast microscope (PCM) in accordance with the method recommended in 1997 by the World Health Organization (WHO) [7] or any other method giving equivalent results.

6. L-għadd tal-fibri għandu jitwettaq kull fejn possibbli permezz ta’ phase-contrast microscope (PCM) skont il-metodu rakkomandat tal-1997 mill-Organizzazzjoni Dinjija tas-Saħħa (WHO) [7] jew xi metodu ieħor li jagħti riżultati ekwivalenti.

For the purpose of measuring asbestos in the air, as referred to in paragraph 1, only fibres with a length of more than 5 micrometres, a breadth of less than 3 micrometres and a length/breadth ratio greater than 3:1 shall be taken into consideration.

Għall-għanijiet tal-kejl tal-asbestos fl-arja, kif imsemmija fl-ewwel paragrafu, għandhom jiġu kkunsidrati biss dawk il-fibri biss b’tul ta’ aktar minn 5 mikrometri u wisa’ ta’ inqas minn 3 mikrometri u proporzjon ta’ tul/wisa’ akbar minn 3:1.

Article 8

Artikolu 8

Employers shall ensure that no worker is exposed to an airborne concentration of asbestos in excess of 0,1 fibres per cm3 as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA).

Min iħaddem għandu jassigura li ebda ħaddiem ma jiġi espost għall-konċentrazzjoni ta’ asbestos fl-arja li teċċedi ż-0,1 fibri kull cm3 fuq medja ta’ perjodu ta’ tmien sigħat peżat skont il-ħin (TWA).

Article 9

Artikolu 9

The amendments necessary to adapt Annex I to this Directive to technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 17 of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work [8].

L-emendi meħtieġa sabiex jaddattaw l-Anness I ta’ din id-Direttiva għall-progress tekniku għandhom jiġu adottati skont il-proċedura stabbilita fl-Artikolu 17 tad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill 89/391/KEE tat- 12 ta’ Ġunju 1989 dwar l-introduzzjoni ta’ miżuri li jinkoraġġixxu titjib fis-sigurtà u s-saħħa tal-ħaddiema fuq ix-xogħol [8].

Article 10

Artikolu 10

1. Where the limit value laid down in Article 8 is exceeded, the reasons for the limit being exceeded must be identified and appropriate measures to remedy the situation must be taken as soon as possible.

1. Fejn il-limitu preskritt fl-Artikolu 8 jinqabeż, ir-raġunijiet għaliex il-limitu jkun inqabeż għandhom jiġu identifikati u miżuri adattati biex tiġi rimedjata s-sitwazzjoni għandom jittieħdu mill-aktar fis possibbli.

Work may not be continued in the affected area until adequate measures have been taken for the protection of the workers concerned.

Ma jistax jibqa’ jsir xogħol fiż-żona affetwata sakemm ma jkunux ittieħdu l-miżuri xierqa għall-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema interessati.

2. In order to check the effectiveness of the measures mentioned in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1, a further determination of the asbestos-in-air concentrations shall be carried out immediately.

2. Biex jiġi kkontrollat kemm huma effettivi l-miżuri msemmija fl-ewwel subparagrafu tal-paragrafu 1, għandhom jiġu stabbiliti għal darb’oħra u minnufih il-konċentrazzjonijiet tal-asbestos fl-arja.

3. Where exposure cannot be reduced by other means and where compliance with the limit value makes necessary the wearing of individual protective breathing equipment, this may not be permanent and shall be kept to the strict minimum necessary for each worker. During periods of work which require the use of such equipment, provision shall be made for breaks appropriate to the physical and climatological conditions and, where relevant, in consultation with the workers and/or their representatives within the undertaking or establishment, in accordance with national laws and practice.

3. Fejn l-espożizzjoni ma tistgħax titnaqqas b’mezzi oħra u fejn il-konformità mal-limitu teħtieġ l-ilbies ta’ apparat tan-nifs individwali protettiv, dan m’għandux ikun permanenti u għandu jinżamm għall-minimu strett meħtieġ għal kull ħaddiem. Matul perjodi ta’ xogħol li jeħtieġu l-użu ta’ dak l-apparat tan-nifs, għandha ssir dispożizzjoni għal perjodi ta’ mistrieħ adattati għall-kondizzjonijiet fiżiċi u klimatoloġiċi u, fejn relevanti, b’konsultazzjoni mal-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew stabbiliment, skont il-liġijiet u l-prattika nazzjonali.

Article 11

Artikolu 11

Before beginning demolition or maintenance work, employers shall take, if appropriate by obtaining information from the owners of the premises, all necessary steps to identify presumed asbestos-containing materials.

Qabel ma jinbeda xogħol ta’ twaqqigħ jew manutenzjoni, min iħaddem għandu jieħu, fejn xieraq, billi jikseb informazzjoni mis-sidien tal-post, il-passi kollha meħtieġa biex jidentifika materjali li huwa maħsub li fihom l-asbestos.

If there is any doubt about the presence of asbestos in a material or construction, the applicable provisions of this Directive shall be observed.

Jekk ikun hemm xi dubju dwar il-preżenza ta’ asbestos f’materjal jew kostruzzjoni, id-dispożizzjonijiet applikabbli ta’ din id-Direttiva għandhom jiġu osservati.

Article 12

Artikolu 12

In the case of certain activities such as demolition, asbestos removal work, repairing and maintenance, in respect of which it is foreseeable that the limit value set out in Article 8 will be exceeded despite the use of technical preventive measures for limiting asbestos in air concentrations, the employer shall determine the measures intended to ensure protection of the workers while they are engaged in such activities, in particular the following:

Fil-każ ta’ ċerti attivitajiet bħal xogħolijiet ta’ twaqqigħ, tneħħija, tiswija u manutenzjoni li fir-rigward tagħhom ikun prevvist li l-limitu tal-valur stipulat fl-Artikolu 8 jinqabeż minkejja l-użu ta’ miżuri tekniċi preventivi għall-illimitar ta’ konċentrazzjoni ta’ asbestos fl-arja, min iħaddem għandu jistabbilixxi l-miżuri maħsuba biex tiġi assigurata l-protezzjoni tal-ħaddiema waqt li jkunu qed jaħdmu f’dawk l-attivitajiet, b’mod partikolari dan li ġej:

(a) workers shall be issued with suitable respiratory and other personal protective equipment, which must be worn;

(a) il-ħaddiema għandu jinħarġilhom apparat respiratorju adattat u apparat ieħor personali protettiv, li għandu jintlibes,

(b) warning signs shall be put up indicating that it is foreseeable that the limit value laid down in Article 8 will be exceeded; and

(b) għandhom jitqiegħdu sinjali ta’ twissija li juru li huwa prevvist li l-limitu preskritt fl-Artikolu 8 sejjer jinqabeż, u

(c) the spread of dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos outside the premises or site of action shall be prevented.

(c) it-tixrid ta’ trab li joħroġ mill-asbestos jew materjali li fihom l-asbestos barra l-post jew is-sit tal-azzjoni għandu jkun evitat.

The workers and/or their representatives in the undertaking or establishment shall be consulted on these measures before the activities concerned are carried out.

Il-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew fl-istabbiliment għandhom jiġu kkonsultati dwar dawn il-miżuri qabel ma jsiru l-attivitajiet ikkonċernati.

Article 13

Artikolu 13

1. A plan of work shall be drawn up before demolition work or work on removing asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products from buildings, structures, plant or installations or from ships is started.

1. Għandu jitfassal pjan ta’ xogħol qabel ma jinbeda xi xogħol ta’ twaqqigħ jew xogħol ta’ tneħħija tal-asbestos u/jew ta’ prodotti li jkun fihom l-asbestos minn bini, strutturi, impjanti jew installazzjonijiet jew minn vapuri.

2. The plan referred to in paragraph 1 must prescribe the measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of workers at the place of work.

2. Il-pjan imsemmi fil-paragrafu 1 għandu jippreskrivi l-miżuri meħtieġa biex jassiguraw is-sigurtà u s-saħħa tal-ħaddiema fuq il-post tax-xogħol.

The plan must in particular specify that:

Il-pjan għandu b’mod partikolari jispeċifika li:

(a) asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products are to be removed before demolition techniques are applied, except where this would cause a greater risk to workers than if the asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products had been left in place;

(a) asbestos u/jew prodotti li fihom l-asbestos għandhom jitneħħew qabel ma tiġi applikata t-teknika tat-twaqqigħ, ħlief fejn dan joħloq riskju akbar għall-ħaddiema milli jekk l-asbestos jew il-prodotti li fihom l-asbestos jitħallew fil-post;

(b) the personal protective equipment referred to in point (a) of the first paragraph of Article 12 shall be provided, where necessary;

(b) l-apparat personali protettiv imsemmi fl-Artikolu 12(1)(a) għandu jkun provdut, fejn meħtieġ;

(c) when the asbestos demolition or removal work has been completed, the absence of asbestos exposure risks in the workplace shall be verified in compliance with national laws and practice.

(c) meta x-xogħol tat-twaqqigħ jew tneħħija tal-asbestos ikun tlesta, l-assenza ta’ riskji ta’ espożizzjoni għall-asbestos fil-post tax-xogħol għandha tiġi verifikata b’konformità mal-leġislazzjoni u l-prattika nazzjonali.

At the request of the competent authorities, the plan shall include information on the following:

Fuq it-talba tal-awtoritajiet kompetenti, il-pjan għandu jinkludi informazzjoni dwar dan li ġej:

(a) the nature and probable duration of the work;

(a) in-natura tax-xogħol u kemm x’aktarx li jdum sejjer;

(b) the place where the work is carried out;

(b) il-post fejn isir ix-xogħol;

(c) il-metodi li jiġu applikati meta x-xogħol jinvolvi l-immaniġġar tal-asbestos jew ta’ materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos;

(d) the characteristics of the equipment used for:

(d) il-karatteristiċi tal-apparat użat għal:

(i) protection and decontamination of those carrying out the work;

(i) protezzjoni u d-dekontaminazzjoni ta’ dawk li qed jagħmlu x-xogħol,

(ii) protection of other persons present on or near the worksite.

(ii) protezzjoni tal-persuni l-oħra preżenti jew qrib tal-post tax-xogħol.

3. At the request of the competent authorities, the plan referred to in paragraph 1 must be notified to them before the start of the projected work.

3. Fuq it-talba tal-awtoritajiet kompetenti, il-pjan imsemmi fil-paragrafu 1 għandu jiġi nnotifikat lilhom qabel il-bidu tax-xogħol proġettat.

Article 14

Artikolu 14

1. Employers shall provide appropriate training for all workers who are, or are likely to be, exposed to dust from asbestos or materials containing asbestos. Such training must be provided at regular intervals and at no cost to the workers.

1. Min iħaddem għandu jipprovdi taħriġ adattat għall-ħaddiema kollha li huma, jew li x’aktarx ikunu, esposti għal trab li joriġina mill-asbestos jew materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos. Dak it-taħriġ għandu jkun provdut f’intervalli regolari u bla ebda spiża għall-ħaddiema.

2. The content of the training must be easily understandable for workers. It must enable them to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in terms of prevention and safety, particularly as regards:

2. Il-kontenut tat-taħriġ għandu jkun jiftiehem faċilment mill-ħaddiema. Għandu jippermettilhom li jiksbu l-għerf u l-kapaċitajiet meħtieġa f’termini ta’ prevenzjoni u sigurtà, partikolarment fir-rigward ta’:

(a) the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including the synergistic effect of smoking;

(a) il-proprjetajiet tal-asbestos u l-effetti tiegħu fuq is-saħħa, inkluż l-effett sinerġiku tat-tipjip;

(b) the types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos;

(b) it-tipi ta’ prodotti u materjali li x’aktarx ikun fihom l-asbestos;

(c) the operations that could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure;

(c) l-operazzjonijiet li jistgħu jirriżultaw f’espożizzjoni għall-asbestos u l-importanza ta’ kontrolli preventivi biex tiġi minimizzata l-espożizzjoni;

(d) safe work practices, controls and protective equipment;

(d) prattika ta’ xogħol bla perikolu, kontrolli u apparat protettiv;

(e) the appropriate role, choice, selection, limitations and proper use of respiratory equipment;

(e) ir-rwol xieraq, l-għażla, l-għażla, is-selezzjoni, il-limitazzjonijiet u l-użu kif imiss ta’ apparat respiratorju;

(f) emergency procedures;

(f) proċeduri ta’ emerġenza;

(g) decontamination procedures;

(g) proċeduri ta’ dekontaminazzjoni;

(h) waste disposal;

(h) rimi tal-iskart;

(i) medical surveillance requirements.

(i) ħtiġiet ta’ eżami mediku.

3. Practical guidelines for the training of asbestos removal workers shall be developed at Community level.

3. Linji gwida prattiċi għat-taħriġ ta’ ħaddiema li jneħħu l-asbestos għandhom ikunu żviluppati fil-livell tal-Komunità.

Article 15

Artikolu 15

Before carrying out demolition or asbestos removal work, firms must provide evidence of their ability in this field. The evidence shall be established in accordance with national laws and/or practice.

Qabel ma jitwettaq xogħol ta’ twaqqigħ jew tneħħija ta’ asbestos, id-ditti għandhom jipprovdu evidenza tal-abbiltà tagħhom f’dan il-qasam. L-evidenza għandha tiġi stabbilita skont il-liġijiet u/jew prattika nazzjonali.

Article 16

Artikolu 16

1. In the case of all activities referred to in Article 3(1), and subject to Article 3(3), appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that:

1. Fir-rigward tal-attivitajiet kollha msemmija fl-Artikolu 3(1), u bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 3(3), għandhom jittieħdu l-miżuri xierqa biex jiżguraw li:

(a) the places in which the above activities take place:

(a) il-postijiet fejn isiru l-attivitajiet msemmija aktar ‘il fuq għandhom:

(i) are clearly demarcated and indicated by warning signs;

(i) ikunu mmarkati b’mod ċar u indikati b’sinjali ta’ twissija;

(ii) are not accessible to workers other than those who by reason of their work or duties are required to enter them;

(ii) ma jkunux aċċessibbli għall-ħaddiema ħlief għal dawk li għandhom bżonn jidħlu fihom minħabba x-xogħol jew id-dmirijiet tagħhom;

(iii) constitute areas where there should be no smoking;

(iii) ikunu żoni fejn ma jkunx permess tipjip;

(b) areas are set aside where workers can eat and drink without risking contamination by asbestos dust;

(b) jitwarrbu żoni fejn il-ħaddiema jistgħu jieklu u jixorbu mingħajr ir-riskju ta’ tniġġis mit-trab tal-asbestos;

(c) workers are provided with appropriate working or protective clothing; this working or protective clothing remains within the undertaking; it may, however, be laundered in establishments outside the undertaking which are equipped for this sort of work if the undertaking does not carry out the cleaning itself; in that event the clothing shall be transported in closed containers;

(c) il-ħaddiema jiġu pprovduti b’ilbies tax-xogħol xieraq jew protettiv; dan l-ilbies tax-xogħol jew protettiv jibqa’ ġewwa l-impriża; iżda, jista’ jinħasel fi stabbilimenti barra l-impriza li huma mgħammra għal dan it-tip ta’ xogħol kemm-il darba l-impriża stess ma tagħmilx it-tindif; f’dak il-każ l-ilbies għandu jinġarr f’kontenituri magħluqa;

(d) separate storage places are provided for working or protective clothing and for street clothes;

(d) jiġu pprovduti postijiet separati għaż-żamma tal-ilbies tax-xogħol jew protettiv u l-ilbies ta’ barra;

(e) workers are provided with appropriate and adequate washing and toilet facilities, including showers in the case of dusty operations;

(e) il-ħaddiema jiġu pprovduti b’faċilitajiet xierqa għall-ħasil u twaletta, inklużi doċoċ fil-każ ta’ ħidmiet fit-trab;

(f) protective equipment is placed in a well-defined place and checked and cleaned after each use, and appropriate measures are taken to repair or replace defective equipment before further use.

(f) l-apparat protettiv jitqiegħed f’post definit tajjeb u jiġi kkontrollat u mnaddaf wara kull darba li jintuża u għandhom jittieħdu l-miżuri xierqa biex jissewwa jew jinbidel apparat difettuż qabel ma jerġa’ jintuża.

2. Workers may not be charged with the cost of measures taken pursuant to paragraph 1.

2. Il-ħaddiema ma jistgħux jiġu mġiegħla jħallsu għan-nefqa tal-miżuri meħuda skont il-paragrafu 1.

Article 17

Artikolu 17

1. In the case of all activities referred to in Article 3(1), appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that workers and their representatives in the undertaking or establishment receive adequate information concerning:

1. Fil-każ tal-attivitajiet imsemmija fl-Artikolu 3(1), għandhom jittieħdu l-miżuri xierqa biex jiżguraw li l-ħaddiema u r-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew fl-istabbiliment jirċievu informazzjoni xierqa dwar:

(a) the potential risks to health from exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos;

(a) ir-riskji potenzjali għas-saħħa meta jiġu esposti għat-trab li jiġi mill-asbestos jew minn materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos;

(b) the existence of statutory limit values and the need for the atmosphere to be monitored;

(b) l-eżistenza ta’ limiti statutorji u l-ħtieġa li l-arja tkun immonitorjata;

(d) the precautions to be taken as regards the wearing and use of protective equipment and clothing;

(d) il-prekawzjonijiet li għandhom jittieħdu f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mal-ilbies u l-użu ta’ apparat u ilbies protettivi;

(e) special precautions designed to minimise exposure to asbestos.

(e) il-prekawzjonijiet speċjali maħsuba biex inaqqsu kemm jista’ jkun il-livell ta’ espożizzjoni għall-asbestos.

2. In addition to the measures referred to in paragraph 1, and subject to Article 3(3), appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that:

2. Barra mill-miżuri msemmija fil-paragrafu 1, u bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 3(3), għandhom jittieħdu miżuri xierqa li jiżguraw li:

(a) workers and/or their representatives in the undertaking or establishment have access to the results of asbestos-in-air concentration measurements and can be given explanations of the significance of those results;

(a) il-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew fl-istabbiliment ikollhom aċċess għar-riżultati tat-tkejjil tal-konċentrazzjoni tal-asbestos fl-arja u jistgħu jingħataw tifsiriet ta’ xi jfissru dawk ir-riżultati;

(b) if the results exceed the limit value laid down in Article 8, the workers concerned and their representatives in the undertaking or establishment are informed as quickly as possible of the fact and the reasons for it and the workers and/or their representatives in the undertaking or establishment are consulted on the measures to be taken or, in an emergency, are informed of the measures which have been taken.

(b) jekk ir-riżultati jeċċedu l-limitu preskritt fl-Artikolu 8 il-ħaddiema konċernati u r-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew stabbiliment ikunu informati kemm jista’ jkun malajr bil-fatt u bir-raġunijiet għal dan u l-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti tagħhom fl-impriża jew stabbiliment ikunu konsultati dwar il-miżuri li għandhom jittieħdu jew, f’emerġenza, jiġi infurmati bil-miżuri li jkunu ttieħdu.

Article 18

Artikolu 18

1. Subject to Article 3(3), the measures referred to in paragraphs 2 to 5 shall be taken.

1. Bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 3(3) għandhom jittieħdu l-miżuri mniżżla fil-paragrafi 2 sa 5:

2. An assessment of each worker’s state of health must be available prior to the beginning of exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos at the place of work.

2. Għandha tkun disponibbli stima tal-istat tas-saħħa ta’ kull ħaddiem qabel ma jibdew ikunu esposti għall-asbestos jew għall-materjali li jkun fihom l-asbestos fuq il-post tax-xogħol.

This assessment must include a specific examination of the chest. Annex I gives practical recommendations to which the Member States may refer for the clinical surveillance of workers; these recommendations shall be adapted to technical progress in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 17 of Directive 89/391/EEC.

Din l-istima għandha tinkludi eżami speċifiku tas-sider. L-Anness I jagħti rakkomandazzjonijiet prattiċi li l-Istati Membri jistgħu jirriferu għalihom għas-sorveljanza klinika tal-ħaddiema; dawn ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet għandhom jiġu adattati għall-progress tekniku skont il-proċedura stabbilita fl-Artikolu 17 tad-Direttiva 89/391/KEE.

A new assessment must be available at least once every 3 years for as long as exposure continues.

Stima ġdida għandha tkun disponibbli mill-inqas darba kull tliet snin sakemm tkompli l-espożizzjoni.

An individual health record shall be established in accordance with national laws and/or practices for each worker referred to in the first subparagraph.

Għandu jitwaqqaf rekord individwali tas-saħħa, skont il-liġijiet u/jew il-prattika nazzjonali għal kull ħaddiem.

3. Following the clinical surveillance referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 2, the doctor or authority responsible for the medical surveillance of the workers shall, in accordance with national laws, advise on any individual protective or preventive measures to be taken or determine such measures.

3. Wara s-sorveljanza klinika msemmija fit-tieni sentenza tal-paragrafu 2, it-tabib jew l-awtorità responsabbli għas-sorveljanza medika tal-ħaddiema għandhom, skont il-liġijiet nazzjonali, jagħtu parir dwar il-miżuri individwali protettivi jew preventivi li għandhom eventwalment jittieħdu jew jistabbilixxu dawn il-miżuri.

Those measures may include, where appropriate, the withdrawal of the worker concerned from all exposure to asbestos.

Dawk il-miżuri jistgħu jinkludu, fejn huwa xieraq, it-tneħħija tal-ħaddiem ikkonċernat minn kwalunkwe espożizzjoni għat-trab ġej mill-asbestos jew mill-materjali li jkollhom l-asbestos.

4. Information and advice must be given to workers regarding any assessment of their health which they may undergo following the end of exposure.

4. Għandhom jingħataw lill-ħaddiema informazzjoni u pariri fir-rigward ta’ kull stima tas-saħħa tagħhom li jistgħu jgħaddu minnha wara t-tmiem tal-espożizzjoni.

The doctor or authority responsible for the medical surveillance of workers may indicate that medical surveillance must continue after the end of exposure for as long as they consider it necessary to safeguard the health of the person concerned.

It-tabib jew l-awtorità responsabbli għas-sorveljanza medika ta’ ħaddiema jistgħu jindikaw li s-sorveljanza medika għandha tkompli wara t-tmiem tal-espożizzjoni sakemm huma jqisu li dan ikun meħtieġ biex tiġi salvagwardjata s-saħħa tal-persuna kkonċernata.

Such continuing surveillance shall be carried out in accordance with national laws and/or practice.

Dik is-sorveljanza li tkompli għandha titwettaq skont il-liġijiet u/jew il-prattika nazzjonali.

5. The worker concerned or the employer may request a review of the assessments referred to in paragraph 3, in accordance with national laws.

5. Il-ħaddiem ikkonċernat jew min iħaddmu jista’ jitlob li l-istima msemmija fil-paragrafu 3 tiġi riveduta b’mod konformi mal-liġijiet nazzjonali.

Article 19

Artikolu 19

1. Subject to Article 3(3), the measures referred to in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 shall be taken.

1. Bla ħsara għall-Artikolu 3(3) għandhom jittieħdu l-miżuri msemmija fil-paragrafi 2, 3 u 4:

2. The employer must enter the workers responsible for carrying out the activities referred to in Article 3(1) in a register, indicating the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure to which they have been subjected. The doctor and/or the authority responsible for medical surveillance shall have access to this register. Each worker shall have access to the results in the register which relate to him personally. The workers and/or their representatives shall have access to anonymous, collective information in the register.

2. Min iħaddem irid idaħħal lill-ħaddiema li jkunu responsabbli li jwettqu l-attivitajiet imsemmija fl-Artikolu 3(1) f’reġistru, li jindika n-natura u d-dewmien tal-attività u l-livell tal-espożizzjoni tagħhom. It-tabib u/jew l-awtorità responsabbli għas-sorveljanza medika għandhom ikollhom aċċess għal dan ir-reġistru. Kull ħaddiem ikkonċernat għandu jkollu aċċess għar-riżultati fir-reġistru li għandhom x’jaqsmu miegħu personalment. Il-ħaddiema u/jew ir-rappreżentanti fl-impriża jew l-istabbiliment tagħhom għandhom jkollhom aċċess għall-informazzjoni anonima u kollettiva li jkun hemm fir-reġistru.

3. The register referred to in paragraph 2 and the medical records referred to in the fourth subparagraph of Article 18(2) shall be kept for at least 40 years following the end of exposure, in accordance with national laws and/or practice.

3. Ir-reġistru msemmi fil-paragrafu 2 u rekords mediċi msemmija fl-Artikolu 18 (2), ir-raba’ sentenza, għandhom jinżammu għal tal-anqas erbgħin sena wara t-tmiem tal-espożizzjoni, skont il-liġijiet u/jew il-prattika nazzjonali.

4. The documents referred to in paragraph 3 shall be made available to the responsible authority in cases where the undertaking ceases trading, in accordance with national laws and/or practice.

4. Id-dokumenti msemmija fil-paragrafu 3 għandhom jitqiegħdu għad-dispożizzjoni tal-awtorità responsabbli fil-każi fejn l-impriża ma tibqax bl-attivita’ tagħha, skont il-liġijiet u/jew il-prattika nazzjonali.

Article 20

Artikolu 20

Member States shall provide for adequate penalties to be applicable in the event of infringement of national legislation adopted pursuant to this Directive. These penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

L-Istati Membri għandhom jipprovdu għal sanzjonijiet adegwati li jkunu applikabbli fil-każ ta’ ksur tal-liġijiet nazzjonali adottata bis-saħħa ta’ din id-Direttiva. Dawn is-sanzjonijiet għandhom ikunu effettivi, proporzjonati u disswassivi.

Article 21

Artikolu 21

Member States shall keep a register of recognised cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma.

L-Istati Membri jridu jżommu reġistru tal-każijiet kollha magħrufa ta’ asbestożi u tal-mesoteljoma.

Article 22

Artikolu 22

Every 5 years, Member States shall submit to the Commission a report on the practical implementation of this Directive in the form of a specific chapter in the single report provided for in Article 17a(1), (2) and (3) of Directive 89/391/EEC, which serves as a basis for the evaluation carried out by the Commission under Article 17a(4) of that Directive.

Kull ħames snin, l-Istati Membri għandhom jippreżentaw rapport lill-Kummissjoni dwar l-implimentazzjoni ta’ din id-Direttiva fil-forma ta’ Kapitolu speċifiku tar-rapport uniku previst fl-Artiklu 17(a)(1), (2) u (3) tad-Direttiva 89/391/KEE, li għandu jservi bħala bażi tal-evalwazzjoni li għandha ssir mill-Kummissjoni skont l-istess Artikolu 17(a)(4).

Article 23

Artikolu 23

Member States shall communicate to the Commission the provisions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

L-Istati Membri għandhom jgħaddu lill-Kummissjoni d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-liġi nazzjonali li jadottaw fil-qasam li jaqa’ taħt din id-Direttiva.

Article 24

Artikolu 24

Directive 83/477/EEC, as amended by the Directives listed in Annex II, is repealed, without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States relating to the time limits for transposition into national law of the Directives set out in Annex II, Part B.

Id-Direttiva 83/477/KEE, kif emendata mid-Direttivi elenkati fl-Anness II, hija b’dan imħassra, bla ħsara għall-obbligi tal-Istati Membri rigward il-limiti ta’ żmien għat-traspożizzjoni fil-liġi nazzjonali tad-Direttivi elenkati fil-Parti B tal-Anness II.

References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex III.

Ir-referenzi għad-Direttiva mħassra għandhom jinftiehmu bħala referenzi għal din id-Direttiva u għandhom jinqraw skont it-tabella ta’ korrelazzjoni fl-Anness III.

Article 25

Artikolu 25

This Directive shall enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Din id-Direttiva għandha tidħol fis-seħħ fl-għoxrin jum wara l-pubblikazzjoni tagħha f’Il-Ġurnal Uffiċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Article 26

Artikolu 26

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

Din id-Direttiva hija indirizzata lill-Istati Membri.

Done at Brussels, 30 November 2009.

Magħmul fi Brussell, it- 30 ta’ Novembru 2009.

For the European Parliament

Għall-Parlament Ewropew

The President

Il-President

J. Buzek

For the Council

Għall-Kunsill

The President

Il-President

B. Ask

[1] Opinion of 10 June 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

[1] Opinjoni tal- 10 ta’ Ġunju 2009 (għadha mhijiex pubblikata fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali).

[2] Opinion of the European Parliament of 20 October 2009 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 26 November 2009.

[2] Opinjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew tal- 20 ta’ Ottubru 2009 (għadha mhijiex pubblikata fil-Ġurnal Uffiċjali) u Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill tas- 26 ta’ Novembru 2009

[3] OJ L 263, 24.9.1983, p. 25.

[3] ĠU L 263, 24.9.1983, p. 25.

[4] See Annex II, Part A.

[4] Ara l-Anness II, parti A.

[5] Number in the register of the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS).

[5] Numru fir-reġistru tas-Servizz Kimiku Astratt (CAS).

[6] OJ L 377, 31.12.1991, p. 20.

[6] ĠU L 377, 31.12.1991, p. 20.

[7] Determination of airborne fibre concentrations. A recommended method, by phase-contrast optical microscopy (membrane filter method), WHO, Geneva 1997 (ISBN 92 4 154496 1).

[7] Stabbiliment ta’ konċentrazzjonijiet ta’ fibri li jinġarru fl-arja. Metodu rakkomandat, permezz ta’ phase-contrast optical microscopy (metodu membrane filter), WHO, Geneva 1997, ISBN 92-4-154496-1.

[8] OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.

[8] ĠU L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.

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ANNEX I

ANNESS I

Practical recommendations for the clinical assessment of workers, as referred to in Article 18(2), second subparagraph

Rakkomandazzjonijiet prattiċi għall-monitoraġġ kliniku tal-ħaddiema previsti fl-Artikolu 18 (2), it-tieni sentenza

1. Current knowledge indicates that exposure to free asbestos fibres can give rise to the following diseases:

1. It-tagħrif kurrenti jindika li l-fatt li l-espożizzjoni għall-fibri ħielsa tal-asbestos jista’ jġib il-mard li ġej:

- asbestosis,

- asbestożi,

- mesothelioma,

- mesoteljoma,

- bronchial carcinoma,

- karċinoma fil-bronki,

- gastro-intestinal carcinoma.

- karċinoma gastro-intestinali.

2. The doctor and/or authority responsible for the medical surveillance of workers exposed to asbestos must be familiar with the exposure conditions or circumstances of each worker.

2. It-tabib u/jew l-awtorità responsabbli għas-sorveljanza medika tal-ħaddiema esposti għall-asbestos għandhom ikunu familjari mal-kondizzjonijiet jew ċirkostanzi li għalihom ikun espost kull ħaddiem.

3. Health examination of workers should be carried out in accordance with the principles and practices of occupational medicine. It should include at least the following measures:

3. L-eżami tas-saħħa tal-ħaddiema għandu jitwettaq skont il-prinċipji u l-prattika ta’ mediċina okkupazzjonali. Għandu jinkludi tal-anqas il-miżuri li ġejjin:

- keeping records of a worker’s medical and occupational history,

- iż-żamma ta’ records tal-istorja medika u okkupazzjonali tal-ħaddiem,

- a personal interview,

- intervista personali,

- a general clinical examination, with particular reference to the chest,

- eżami kliniku ġenerali, b’referenza partikolari għas-sider,

- lung function tests (respiratory flow volumes and rates).

- testijiet tal-funzjoni tal-pulmun (volumi u rati tal-kurrent respiratorju).

The doctor and/or authority responsible for health surveillance should decide on further examinations, such as sputum cytology tests or a chest X-ray or a tomodensitometry, in the light of the latest occupational health knowledge available.

It-tabib u/jew l-awtorità responsabbli għas-sorveljanza tas-saħħa għandu jiddeċiedi dwar aktar eżamijiet, bħal testijiet ta’ sputum cytology jew X-ray tas-sider jew tomodensitometry, fid-dawl tal-għerf dwar is-saħħa okkupazzjonali l-aktar reċenti disponibbli.

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ANNEX II

ANNESS II

PART A

PARTI A

Repealed Directive with list of its successive amendments

Direttiva mħassra flimkien ma’ lista tal-emendi suċċessivi tagħha

(referred to in Article 24)

(imsemmija fl-Artikolu 24)

Council Directive 83/477/EEC (OJ L 263, 24.9.1983, p. 25) | |

Direttiva tal-Kunsill 83/477/KEE (ĠU L 263, 24.9.1983. p. 25) | |

Council Directive 91/382/EEC (OJ L 206, 29.7.1991, p. 16) | |

Direttiva tal-Kunsill 91/382/KEE (ĠU L 206, 29.7.1991, p. 16) | |

Council Directive 98/24/EC (OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11) | only Article 13(2) |

Direttiva tal-Kunsill 98/24/KE (ĠU L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11) | l-Artikolu 13(2) tiegħu biss |

Directive 2003/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 97, 15.4.2003, p. 48) | |

Direttiva tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill 2003/18/KE (ĠU L 97, 15.4.2003, p. 48) | |

Directive 2007/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 165, 27.6.2007, p. 21) | only Article 2(1) |

Direttiva tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill 2007/30/KE (ĠU L 165, 27.6.2007, p. 21) | l-Artikolu 2(1)tiegħu biss |

PART B

PARTI B

List of time limits for transposition into national law

Lista tal-limiti ta’ żmien għat-traspożizzjoni fil-liġi nazzjonali

(referred to in Article 24)

(imsemmija fl-Artikolu 24)

Directive | Time limit for transposition |

Direttiva | Limitu ta’ żmien għat-traspożizzjoni |

83/477/EEC | 31 December 1986 [1] |

83/477/KEE | fil- 31 ta’ Diċembru 1986 [1] |

91/382/EEC | 1 January 1993 [2] |

91/382/KEE | fl- 1 ta’ Jannar 1993 [2] |

98/24/EC | 5 May 2001 |

98/24/KE | fil- 5 ta’ Mejju 2001. |

2003/18/EC | 14 April 2006 |

2003/18/KE | fl- 14 ta’ April 2006. |

2007/30/EC | 31 December 2012 |

2007/30/KE | fil- 31 ta’ Diċembru 2012. |

[1] This date is replaced by 31 December 1989 in the case of asbestos-mining activities.

[1] Din id-data hija mibdula bid-data tal- 31 ta’ Diċembru 1989 għal dak li għandu x’jaqsam ma’ attivitajiet ta’ tħaffir għall-asbestos.

[2] As regards the Hellenic Republic, the time limit for transposition of the Directive shall be 1 January 1996. However, the date of transposition of the provisions concerning asbestos-mining activities shall be 1 January 1996 for all the Member States and 1 January 1999 for the Hellenic Republic.

[2] Għal dak li għandu x’jaqsam mar-Repubblika Ellenika d-data ta’ limitu ta’ traspożizzjoni tad-Direttiva hija l- 1 ta’ Jannar 1996. Iżda, id-data tat-trapożizzjoni tad-dispożizzjonijiet dwar tħaffir għall-asbestos hija l- 1 ta’ Jannar 1996 għall-Istati Membri kollha u l- 1 ta’ Jannar 1999 għar-Repubblika Ellenika.

--------------------------------------------------

ANNEX III

ANNESS III

Correlation Table

Tabella Ta’ Korrelazzjoni

Directive 83/477/EEC | This Directive |

Direttiva 83/477/KEE | Din id-Direttiva |

Article 1(1) | Article 1(1) |

Artikolu 1(1) | Artikolu 1(1) |

Article 1(2) | — |

Artikolu 1(2) | — |

Article 1(3) | Article 1(2) |

Artikolu 1(3) | Artikolu 1(2) |

Article 2, first to sixth indents | Article 2, points (a) to (f) |

Artikolu 2, l-ewwel sas-sitt inċiż | Artikolu 2(a) sa (f) |

Article 3(1) to (3) | Article 3(1) to (3) |

Artikolu 3(1) sa (3) | Artikolu 3(1) sa (3) |

Article 3(3a) | Article 3(4) |

Artikolu 3(3)(a) | Artikolu 3(4) |

Article 3(4) | Article 3(5) |

Artikolu 3(4) | Artikolu 3(5) |

Article 4, introductory wording | Article 4(1) |

Artikolu 4, kliem tal-bidu | Artikolu 4(1) |

Article 4, point (1) | Article 4(2) |

Artikolu 4(1) | Artikolu 4(2) |

Article 4, point (2) | Article 4(3) |

Artikolu 4(2) | Artikolu 4(3) |

Article 4, point (3) | Article 4(4) |

Artikolu 4(3) | Artikolu 4(4) |

Article 4, point (4) | Article 4(5) |

Artikolu 4(4) | Artikolu 4(5) |

Article 5 | Article 5 |

Artikolu 5 | Artikolu 5 |

Article 6, points (1) to (5) | Article 6, points (a) to (e) |

Artikolu 6, punti (1) sa (5) | Artikolu 6, punti (a) sa (e) |

Articles 7 and 8 | Articles 7 and 8 |

Artikoli 7 u 8 | Artikoli 7 u 8 |

Article 9(2) | Article 9 |

Artikolu 9(2) | Artikolu 9 |

Article 10 | Article 10 |

Artikolu 10 | Artikolu 10 |

Article 10a | Article 11 |

Artikolu 10(a) | Artikolu 11 |

Article 11(1) and (2) | Article 12, first and second subparagraphs |

Artikolu 11(1) u (2) | Artikolu 12, l-ewwel u t-tieni sentenza |

Article 12(1) | Article 13(1) |

Artikolu 12(1) | Artikolu 13(1) |

Article 12(2), first subparagraph | Article 13(2), first subparagraph |

Artikolu 12(2), l-ewwel sentenza | Artikolu 13(2), l-ewwel sentenza |

Article 12(2), second subparagraph, first indent | Article 13(2), second subparagraph, point (a) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tieni sentenza, l-ewwel inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tieni sentenza, punt (a) |

Article 12(2), second subparagraph, second indent | Article 13(2), second subparagraph, point (b) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tieni sentenza, it-tieni inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tieni sentenza, punt (b) |

Article 12(2), second subparagraph, third indent | Article 13(2), second subparagraph, point (c) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tieni sentenza, it-tielet inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tieni sentenza, punt (c) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, first indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (a) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, l-ewwel inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (a) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, second indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (b) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, it-tieni inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (b) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, third indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (c) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, it-tielet inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (c) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, fourth indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (d) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, ir-raba’ inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (d) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, fourth indent, first sub-indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (d)(i) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, ir-raba’ inċiż, l-ewwel sub inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (d)(i) |

Article 12(2), third subparagraph, fourth indent, second sub-indent | Article 13(2), third subparagraph, point (d)(ii) |

Artikolu 12(2), it-tielet sentenza, ir-raba’ inċiż, it-tieni sub inċiż | Artikolu 13(2), it-tielet sentenza, punt (d)(ii) |

Article 12(3) | Article 13(3) |

Artikolu 12(3) | Artikolu 13(3) |

Article 12a | Article 14 |

Artikolu 12a | Artikolu 14 |

Article 12b | Article 15 |

Artikolu 12b | Artikolu 15 |

Article 13(1)(a) | Article 16(1)(a) |

Artikolu 13(1)(a) | Artikolu 16(1)(a) |

Article 13(1)(b) | Article 16(1)(b) |

Artikolu 13(1)(b) | Artikolu 16(1)(b) |

Article 13(1)(c)(i) and (ii) | Article 16(1)(c) |

Artikolu 13(1)(c)(i) u (ii) | Artikolu 16(1)(c) |

Article 13(1)(c)(iii) | Article 16(1)(d) |

Artikolu 13(1)(c)(iii) | Artikolu 16(1)(d) |

Article 13(1)(c)(iv) | Article 16(1)(e) |

Artikolu 13(1)(c)(iv) | Artikolu 16(1)(e) |

Article 13(1)(c)(v) | Article 16(1)(f) |

Artikolu 13(1)(c)(v) | Artikolu 16(1)(f) |

Article 13(2) | Article 16(2) |

Artikolu 13(2) | Artikolu 16(2) |

Article 14(1), introductory wording | Article 17(1), introductory wording |

Artikolu 14(1), kliem tal-bidu | Artikolu 17(1), kliem tal-bidu |

Article 14(1), first to fifth indents | Article 17(1)(a) to (e) |

Artikolu 14(1), l-ewwel sal-ħames inċiżi | Artikolu 17(1)(a) sa (e) |

Article 14(2) | Article 17(2) |

Artikolu 14(2) | Artikolu 17(2) |

Article 15, introductory wording | Article 18(1) |

Artikolu 15, kliem tal-bidu | Artikolu 18(1) |

Article 15, points (1) to (4) | Article 18(2) to (5) |

Artikolu 15, punti (1) sa (4) | Artikolu 18 (2) sa (5) |

Article 16, introductory wording | Article 19(1) |

Artikolu 16, kliem tal-bidu | Artikolu 19(1) |

Article 16, points (1) to (3) | Article 19(2) to (4) |

Artikolu 16, punti (1) sa (3) | Artikolu 19(2) sa (4) |

Article 16a | Article 20 |

Artikolu 16a | Artikolu 20 |

Article 17 | Article 21 |

Artikolu 17 | Artikolu 21 |

Article 17a | Article 22 |

Artikolu 17a | Artikolu 22 |

Article 18(1) | — |

Artikolu 18(1) | — |

Article 18(2) | Article 23 |

Artikolu 18(2) | Artikolu 23 |

— | Article 24 |

— | Artikolu 24 |

— | Article 25 |

— | Artikolu 25 |

Article 19 | Article 26 |

Artikolu 19 | Artikolu 26 |

Annex II | Annex I |

Anness II | Anness I |

— | Annex II |

— | Anness II |

— | Annex III |

— | Anness III |

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