Code of Practice 2024 Chemical Agents & Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances

This Code of Practice is effective from 5^th April 2024 and replaces the 2021 Code of Practice for the Chemical Agents and Carcinogens Regulations. 

The revised Code of Practice for the Chemical Agents & Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Regulations supports the transposition of EU Directive (EU) 2022/431 of 9^th March 2022 which introduces new limit values for benzene, acrylonitrile and nickel compounds. The limit values have different transition periods. Notations for absorption through the skin and , respiratory and dermal sensitisation are also included.

Summary of updates:

• Benzene has a “Skin” notation meaning it can be absorbed through the skin. A new transitional limit value applies immediately with a lower limit value applying after 5^th April 2026.
• Acrylontrile has a “Skin” notation meaning it can be absorbed through the skin.  It can cause sensitisation of the skin. The new limit value shall apply from 5^th April 2026.
• Nickel compounds can cause sensitisation of the skin and of the respiratory tract. The new limit values shall apply from 18 January 2025.

Layout of the Code of Practice

Schedule 1 contains a list of all EU Commission derived occupational exposures limit values (OELVs). It has been updated to include OELVs and Notations for benzene, acrylonitrile and nickel compounds.

Schedule 2 contains a list of Advisory OELVs derived from non-EU sources. This has not changed from 2021 edition.

Schedule 3 lists intended changes and those substances under review from the EU commission. 

Schedule 4 lists carcinogenic substances, mixtures and processes. There is no change from the 2021 edition.

Schedule 5 contains information on Health Surveillance and Biological Limit Values. These have been transferred from the Carcinogens Regulations and the Chemical Agents Regulations

2024 Code of Practice Chemical Agent and Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Regulations