Are you wondering what the legal obligations and essential measures are when carrying out activities involving hazardous chemicals? Whether you use them in the production process, store them, or handle them occasionally, Romanian legislation imposes a series of clear requirements designed to protect the health of workers and the safety of the work environment.
Law no. 360/2003, Government Decision no. 1218/2006, and Occupational Safety and Health Law no. 319/2006 are the main legislative references in this field. The employer is required, first and foremost, to create a list of the hazardous substances used in the business and submit it to the territorial labor inspectorate. Failure to comply with this obligation results in severe fines ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 RON.
Beyond formal compliance, an employer must conduct a chemical risk assessment, taking into account all potential hazards: intoxications, burns, toxic vapors, chronic health effects. This assessment must lead to concrete measures: clear communication with employees, displaying safety data sheets, using protective equipment, ventilation systems, marking risk zones, and implementing clear emergency procedures.
Staff must be periodically trained, not just during onboarding, and in cases where there is constant exposure to chemical agents, the employer must provide regular medical surveillance. Additionally, there must be an intervention plan in case of chemical incidents – from eye wash and neutralization to evacuation and immediate notification of authorities.
In case of non-compliance with these measures, authorities can impose corrective actions, fine the company, or even temporarily halt activities in units where there is a major risk to the health of the staff.
Prevention, accurate information, and adequate equipment are not just legal obligations – they save lives, prevent serious accidents, and reflect the seriousness of any business working with hazardous substances. If you need support in updating documentation, conducting chemical risk assessments, or training staff, our specialists are at your disposal.