Article 12 / Adaptation of the Annexes, preparation and adoption of technical guidance
1.
The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 12a to make strictly technical amendments to the Annexes, in order to take account of technical harmonisation and standardisation concerning chemical agents, as well as technical progress, changes in international standards or specifications and new findings with regard to chemical agents.
Where, in duly justified and exceptional cases involving imminent, direct and serious risks to workers’ and other persons’ physical health and safety, imperative grounds of urgency require action in a very short timeframe, the procedure provided for in Article 12b shall apply to delegated acts adopted pursuant to this Article.
2.
The Commission shall draw up practical guidelines of a non-binding nature. These guidelines shall address the topics referred to in Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6, and Annex II, section 1.
The Commission shall first consult the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work in accordance with Decision 74/325/EEC.
In the context of the application of this Directive, Member States shall take account as far as possible of these guidelines in drawing up their national policies for the protection of the health and safety of workers.