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Themes of particular interest and focus



 


Waste
ScopeThe revision of the Waste Framework Directive aims at the prevention or reduction of waste production and its harmfulness and, secondly, at the recovery of waste by means of re-use, recycling and other recovery operations. Recycling, reuse recovery and waste will be defined and binding targets set.
ImpactPotential new requirements for recycling


Thematic strategy on sustainable use of resources
ScopeTo reduce the negative environmental impacts generated by the use of natural resources in a growing economy. It is a long term strategy (25 years) which emphasise integration of environmental concerns into other policies. The Commission will, probably by 2008, develop indicators (use of natural resources, decoupling of negative environmental impact from resource use and eco-friendly indicator).
Impact Potentially additional revenues from secondary materials.


Batteries
ScopeCovers all batteries (portable, automotive and industrial) and the collection and recycling of these batteries. Contains specific requirements regarding substances used in batteries. The definition of the producer is broader than just the manufacturers of batteries. Importers of batteries are also included
ImpactPossible restriction of the use of certain types pyrotechnic equipment and explosives.


Physical agents - Noise
ScopeApplies to workers which are exposed to risks from noise (a daily and weekly exposure level). Specific exposure limit values and exposure action values are laid down in this directive. Further, an employer is required to undertake specific risk assessment which should result in specific actions in relation to avoiding or reducing the exposure and employee information and training.
ImpactPotential further limitation of workforce flexibility and additional equipment requirements.


Physical agents - Vibrations
ScopeHand-arm vibration and whole body vibration. Specific exposure limit values and exposure action values are laid down in this directive. Further,  an employer is required to undertake specific risk assessment which should result in specific actions in relation to avoiding or reducing the exposure and employee information and training.
ImpactPotential further limitation of workforce flexibility and additional equipment requirements.


Asbestos
ScopeThe protection of workers against the exposure to dust arising from asbestos. The maximum exposure is 0,1 fibres per cm³ per day. Further, a risk assessment is required to determine degree of exposure. Authorities should be notified of any activity resulting in exposure to asbestos. Specific measures for demolition activities are required in case the maximum level will be exceeded (e.g. protective equipment).
ImpactPotential further limitation of workforce flexibility and additional (protective) equipment requirements.


E-procurement
ScopePublic supply and service contracts. Public work contracts (including demolition and renting of demolition equipment) over € 6,242,000. The directive promotes the use of e-procurement which contains equal treatment for e-communication in a traditional context. This directive is transposed 31th January 2006 and the Commission developed an action plan which sets out how the directive can best be implemented. The guidance note on low value contracts is not within the scope of this directive.
ImpactRisk of reverse auctions.


Gypsum
ScopeRevision waste directive, revision construction products directive, groundwater protection against pollution, fire safety and conformity rules.


Machinery directive
ScopeThis directive provides the regulatory basis for harmonisation of the essential health and safety requirements for machinery at European level.
ImpactKey issue of liability equipment manufacturers and importance of certified training.


High Reach Demolition
ScopeThe NFDC has published guidance notes for the use of working with high reach equipment. During the conference of the EDA in Cyprus in 2004 a kick off meeting was held for composing this document. The NFDC has taken up this initiative and finished these Guidance Notes. It is the intention of the EDA to promote these Guidance Notes in Brussels as a proposal for a European standard for working with high reach demolition equipment.