#2026-253Decree No. 2026-253 on Hazardous Chemical Exposure Prevention
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This decree updates the French labor code relating to exposure limits for hazardous substances in order to enhance worker safety. It introduces new biological limit values and modifies existing chemical exposure limits, particularly for substances like lead, diisocyanates, and mercury. These changes aim to reduce health risks for workers through stricter regulations and monitoring requirements, with implementation deadlines set for 2026 and 2029.
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Key Changes
- Introduces new exposure limits for diisocyanates and modifies limits for lead and mercury.
- Sets new biological limit values for lead exposure with a phased implementation.
- Mandates the communication of asbestos exposure measurement results to a designated national organism.
Obligations
What this law requires
Implement and enforce new occupational exposure limit for diisocyanates expressed in NCO at 0.006 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) and 0.012 mg/m³ (short-term), applicable from January 1, 2029
Implement new occupational exposure limit for lead and inorganic lead compounds at 0.03 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction), applicable from April 9, 2026
Enforce biological limit value for lead in blood at 150 µg/L starting January 1, 2029, with transitional measure allowing 300 µg/L until December 31, 2028
Conduct regular biological monitoring for workers with blood lead levels between 150-300 µg/L from January 1, 2029 onwards and permit continued lead work only if downward trend toward 150 µg/L is established
Establish and implement appropriate corrective measures when hazardous substance exposure is detected, prioritizing risk elimination methods per Article L. 4121-2, with written notice specifying dangerous situation and minimum 15-day execution deadline