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EUROPEAN REVIEW

ISSUE 25 - Page 7

EU passes stronger laws on oil tankers after two disasters

IN OCTOBER THE EUROPEAN UNION"S NEW LEGISLATION on single-hulled ships carrying oil products came into effect. With immediate effect such ships were banned from carrying heavy fuel oil, heavy crude, used oil and bitumen and tar to or from all ports within the EU. The move follows at least two major disasters involving this type of vessel. In November last year the 'Prestige' broke up off Galicia in north-west Spain and in 1999 the 'Erika' sank off Brittany. On both occasions hundreds of miles of coastline were seriously polluted with devastating effects both on wildlife and the fishing and shellfish industries.

After the 'Erika' sinking tougher regulations were proposed but the age limit for single hulled tankers was relaxed during negotiations from the Commission's original proposal of 23 to 28 years. It is poignant to speculate on the possible phasing out of the 25-year old 'Prestige' before the disaster had the original proposals gone through. After the event agreement was quickly reached to revert to the 23-year limit. All tankers of this type will be totally banned from 2005.

In addition recent legislation contains measures on combating the deliberate discharge of pollutants, setting up a European Maritime Safety Agency and increased monitoring of ships at sea and inspections in port. The agency will also assess training of seafarers in non- EU countries. After the 'Erika' sinking tougher regulations were proposed but the age limit for single hulled tankers was relaxed during negotiations from the Commission's

Prestige sinking

original proposal of 23 to 28 years. It is poignant to speculate on the possible phasing out of the 25-year old 'Prestige' before the disaster had the original proposals gone through. After the event agreement was quickly reached to revert to the 23-year limit. All tankers of this type will be totally banned from 2005. In addition recent legislation contains measures on combating the deliberate discharge of pollutants, setting up a European Maritime Safety

The stricken oil tanker 'Prestige' about to break in half

Agency and increased monitoring of ships at sea and inspections in port. The agency will also assess training of seafarers in non-EU countries. Internationally the EU has proposed similar measures to the International Maritime Organisation including the designation of most of the EU's Atlantic coast as a 'particularly vulnerable maritime area' and is in talks with the oil industry though neither of these initiatives has yet borne fruit.

Electro-magnetic radiation next on list for health and safety drive

THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS RECENTLY came to an agreement on the third leg of the four-part legislation on protecting workers from the risks arising from exposure to physical agents. Originally envisaged as one comprehensive directive, lack of progress led to it being split into four in 1999. With measures on vibration and noise (see issue 15 page 7) already passed the

Member States turned their attention to electromagnetic fields and waves.
The text agreed broadly follows the framework of the previous directives. Risk assessments are required to be carried out by the employer and level of exposure found must be below a maximum. There is also a lower level, above which employers must take preventive measures, both organisational and technical, to reduce exposure. Warning signs must be put up and training and information given to workers who may be at risk. Indirect effects of radiation must also be taken into account, such as those on heart pacemakers or flammable materials. The directive applies to all sectors of industry

but those groups of workers most at risk are thought to be in steel and metallurgical treatment as well as those working for long periods near TV and radio broadcasting installations, radar and mobile phone masts. Even a cashier whose shop uses anti-theft devices could be affected. The likely effects are induced electric currents in the body, shocks and burns, and the absorption of thermal energy produced by electromagnetic fields. 'We are all committed to achieving better protection of the health and safety of workers exposed to risks at work', said Employment Commissioner Diamantopoulou. 'The scientific data available shows that over exposure to electromagnetic fields can have serious consequences for workers' health'.

phone mast sign

Mobile phone masts could pose hazard for workers

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In addition recent legislation contains measures on combating the deliberate discharge of pollutants, setting up a European Maritime Safety Agency and increased monitoring of ships at sea and inspections in port. The agency will also assess training of seafarers in non- EU countries. After the 'Erika' sinking tougher regulations were proposed but the age limit for single hulled tankers was relaxed during negotiations from the Commission's			original proposal of 23 to 28 years. It is poignant to speculate on the possible phasing out of the 25-year old 'Prestige' before the disaster had the original proposals gone through. After the event agreement was quickly reached to revert to the 23-year limit. All tankers of this type will be totally banned from 2005. In addition recent legislation contains measures on combating the deliberate discharge of pollutants, setting up a European Maritime Safety
	The stricken oil tanker 'Prestige' about to break in half

Member States turned their attention to electromagnetic fields and waves. The text agreed broadly follows the framework of the previous directives. Risk assessments are required to be carried out by the employer and level of exposure found must be below a maximum. There is also a lower level, above which employers must take preventive measures, both organisational and technical, to reduce exposure. Warning signs must be put up and training and information given to workers who may be at risk. Indirect effects of radiation must also be taken into account, such as those on heart pacemakers or flammable materials. The directive applies to all sectors of industry		but those groups of workers most at risk are thought to be in steel and metallurgical treatment as well as those working for long periods near TV and radio broadcasting installations, radar and mobile phone masts. Even a cashier whose shop uses anti-theft devices could be affected. The likely effects are induced electric currents in the body, shocks and burns, and the absorption of thermal energy produced by electromagnetic fields. 'We are all committed to achieving better protection of the health and safety of workers exposed to risks at work', said Employment Commissioner Diamantopoulou. 'The scientific data available shows that over exposure to electromagnetic fields can have serious consequences for workers' health'.

	Mobile phone masts could pose hazard for workers

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