Hygienic limits are set in order to protect personnel from harmful substances. The limits are continuously reviewed; for example, at the end of 2025 the value for asbestos was decreased from 0.1 to 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre of air. In April, stricter limits will be introduced for three more substances: lead, diisocyanates and chromium VI compounds, also known as hexavalent chromium. Changes to regulations at the EU level mean that people working on Swedish controlled ships under a different European flag, such as the Danish or Faroese flag, will also be affected by the changes. The substances that fall under stricter regulations are found in different types of materials and products and have different paths of exposure and varying health risks. While diisocyanates on board ships are mainly found in two-component paints, hexavalent chromium can be released in connection with welding stainless steel, for example. The use of lead has decreased in general and exposure is less as a result, although it is still used in electrical batteries and fluorescent lamps.
“If there is something in general to be said about the limits that are now being tightened, it is that risks linked to things such as welding fumes or other fumes tend to be forgotten. These are not products on a shelf with safety data sheets, but substances that can occur during hot work, for instance. It is a chemical risk that we must be aware of,” says Ann-Louise Jonsson, expert at the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
She points out the importance of employers or managers ensuring that risk assessments are carried out based on the new limits to check whether the work environment meets requirements.
“Every employer must carry out a risk assessment. Do we have any of these substances? How do personnel come into contact with them and how high are the levels? If you are unable to carry out risk assessments internally, you must outsource to occupational health care or a similar organisation,” says Ann-Louise Jonsson.
The STOP principle
This is a procedure for taking measures to minimise risks in the work environment, recommended by the Swedish Work Environment Authority:
1. Substitute a less harmful product or process if possible.
2. Technical protective measures must be taken, such as installing ventilation systems or shielding hazardous processes, to reduce exposure.
3. Organisational protective measures are introduced, such as limiting the time personnel spend in a risk area or by adapting work schedules.
4. Personal protective equipment is used as the last resort to limit exposure. Such equipment must be adapted to the user and risks must be assessed.
The employer is also obliged to inform personnel about any chemical risks present in the work environment. Information must be provided about the type of harm that may occur, who is at risk of exposure, instructions for handling and safety during work, work methods to minimize exposure and actions to be taken if something goes wrong. This information must be available at the workplace and the employer must check that employees have understood what is involved.
Source: Work Environment Authority