BL Mitigation Programme

The updated Blood Mitigation Programme Guidelines, February 2024, update the 2017 version of the Guidelines in line with technical progress. The update reinforces and extends the safety protocols and lead exposure reduction best practices that must be implemented by the programme’s adherents. The Guidelines support the implementation of the revised Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxicants Directive, which set a binding blood lead limit value of 15 µg/dL from 2029, with flexibility for employees with a long history of service in lead-exposed area. The new Guidelines also implements at EU level the global Voluntary Blood Lead Improvement Programme adopted by BCI, ABR, EUROBAT and ILA in 2022.

Participation in the Programme and adherence to the Guidelines is mandatory for members of EUROBAT. The programme establishes a target of no employees with measured blood lead exceeding 200 µg/L by the end of 2025, down from a target of 250 µg/L by the end of 2019. The programme only applies to battery manufacturing companies that are members of EUROBAT and therefore does not ensure harmonised protection against lead exposure for all other activities and businesses where lead exposure is possible in the EU.