French Decree Sets Rules for Workplace Chemical Exposure Testing, Protection

PARIS—The French government published a decree and two related ordinances Dec. 17, 2009, modifying labor code provisions on the measurement of workplace levels of chemicals legally designated as dangerous or considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR), and on the protection of employees from these substances.

The main text, decree No. 2009-1570, says employers must, at least once a year, measure workplace exposure to dangerous chemicals and CMRs. When measurements indicate borderline levels of a dangerous chemical or CMR based on thresholds set by the code, employers must order at least one test per year by an independent certified ...