New regulations for working with lead and diisocyanates in the Netherlands
- Publication date:
What does this mean for employers in the Netherlands?
Employers in the Netherlands must comply with stricter occupational health and safety (OHS) rules for working with hazardous substances, in particular lead and diisocyanates. These changes follow EU legislation and are intended to better protect employees against health risks in the workplace.
If your organisation works with these substances, for example in industry, construction, engineering or manufacturing, the new rules create clear compliance obligations. In this article, we summarise the key changes and explain what they mean for you as an employer.
Why stricter rules for lead and diisocyanates?
Lead and diisocyanates have long been recognised as substances with serious health risks. Exposure can cause lasting harm, including neurological disorders, fertility issues, asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The European Union has therefore decided to tighten existing limit values and introduce additional obligations. The Netherlands has incorporated these rules into its occupational health and safety legislation (Arbeidsomstandighedenwet), meaning they apply directly to employers with staff in the Netherlands.
Lower exposure limits for lead
A key element of the new rules is the reduction of the permitted workplace exposure limit for lead. This means employers must take action sooner to prevent or reduce exposure.
In addition, stricter requirements apply to:
- Risk Inventory and Evaluation (Risico-Inventarisatie en -Evaluatie (RI&E))
- Periodic occupational health examination (Periodiek arbeidsgezondheidskundig onderzoek (PAGO)) for employees
- Information and instruction on safe working practices when handling lead
Employers must be able to demonstrate that they are doing everything reasonably possible to keep exposure as low as possible.
Mandatory training for working with diisocyanates
For diisocyanates, a mandatory training requirement applies to employees who work with these substances. Without documented training, employees are not permitted to work with diisocyanates.
The training must cover, at a minimum:
- The health risks of diisocyanates
- Safe working methods
- Correct use of personal protective equipment
- Incident procedures
This requirement applies not only to Dutch employers, but also to foreign employers with staff in the Netherlands.
What does this mean in practice for employers?
The stricter rules require a proactive and structured approach. Employers should verify:
- Whether lead or diisocyanates are used within the organisation
- Whether existing Risk Inventory and Evaluations (Risico-Inventarisatie en -Evaluatie (RI&E)) are still current and complete
- Whether employees have the required training and appropriate occupational health support
- Whether contracts with subcontractors and suppliers meet the new requirements
Failure to comply may result in fines, a stop-work order and liability risks.
Preparing in time helps prevent risks
As with earlier changes, the message is clear: acting in time helps prevent issues. By checking now whether your organisation complies with the new rules, you reduce the risk of surprises during inspections by the Netherlands Labour Inspectorate (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie).
For foreign employers and international organisations this is particularly important, as they are often less familiar with Dutch health & safety rules.
Need help with complying with Dutch health & safety rules?
Interfisc supports employers in meeting their Dutch employment law and occupational health and safety obligations. We can help you interpret and implement new regulations, and advise on broader issues affecting foreign employers and staff in the Netherlands.
Would you like to understand what these new health & safety rules mean for your organisation in practice? Please feel free to contact us.
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