Section 1: General provisions
Article R4512-1
When, after the start of a project, a subcontractor uses new subcontractors, the procedures set out in this chapter are once again applicable to the new subcontractors.
Section 2: Joint preliminary inspection
Article R4512-2
Before an operation is carried out by a subcontractor, a joint inspection is carried out of the workplace, the installations there and any equipment made available to the subcontractors.
Article R4512-3
During the joint preliminary inspection, the head of the user company :
1° Delimits the area where outside contractors will be working
2° Identifies areas in this sector that may present hazards for workers
3° Indicate the traffic lanes that may be used by these workers as well as by vehicles and equipment of all kinds belonging to outside companies.
4° Defines the access routes for these workers to the premises and facilities used by outside contractors, as provided for in Article R. 4513-8.
Article R4512-4
The head of the user company communicates to the heads of external companies his safety instructions applicable to workers carrying out the operation, including during their movements.
Article R4512-5
Employers provide each other with all the information needed to prevent risks, in particular a description of the work to be carried out, the equipment used and the operating procedures whenever these have an impact on health and safety.
Section 3: Prevention plan
Article R4512-6
In the light of the information and elements gathered during the prior joint inspection, the heads of the user and contractor companies jointly analyze the risks that may result from interference between activities, installations and equipment.
Where such risks exist, employers agree on a prevention plan before work begins, defining the measures taken by each company to prevent such risks.
Article R4512-7
The prevention plan is drawn up in writing and approved before work begins in the following two cases:
1° Whenever the operation to be carried out by outside contractors, including any subcontractors they may call upon, represents a total number of foreseeable working hours equal to at least 400 hours over a period of less than or equal to twelve months, whether the work is continuous or discontinuous. The same applies if, during the course of the work, it becomes apparent that the number of working hours must reach 400;
2° Regardless of the foreseeable duration of the operation, when the work to be carried out is among the dangerous jobs on a list established by order of the Minister of Labor and the Minister of Agriculture respectively.
Article R4512-8
The measures provided for in the prevention plan include at least the following provisions:
1° The definition of dangerous phases of activity and the corresponding specific means of prevention;
2° The adaptation of equipment, installations and devices to the nature of the operations to be carried out, and the definition of their maintenance conditions;
3° Instructions to be given to workers ;
4° The organization set up to provide first aid in the event of an emergency and a description of the measures taken by the user company for this purpose;
5° The conditions for the participation of workers from one company in work carried out by another, with a view to ensuring the coordination required to maintain safety and, in particular, the organization of command.
Article R4512-9
Each company concerned provides a list of the workstations occupied by workers likely to be covered by the enhanced medical surveillance provided for by Article R. 4624-19 or, in the case of agricultural employees, by Article R. 717-16 of the French Rural Code, due to the risks associated with the work carried out in the user company. This list is included in the prevention plan.
Article R4512-10
The prevention plan sets out how maintenance costs are to be shared between external companies whose workers use the premises and facilities provided for in article R. 4513-8 and made available by the user company.
Article R4512-11
Technical files containing information on the search for and identification of asbestos-containing materials, as provided for in articles R. 1334-22, R. 1334-27 and R. 1334-28 of the French Public Health Code, are attached to the prevention plan.
Article R4512-12
When it is mandatory to draw up a written prevention plan, in application of article R. 4512-7 :
1° This plan is kept available throughout the duration of the work for the Labour Inspectorate, prevention officers from social security organizations and, where applicable, the Organisme professionnel de prévention du bâtiment et des travaux publics ;
2° The head of the user company informs the labor inspectorate in writing of the start of work.
Section 4: Isolated work
Article R4512-13
When the operation is carried out at night or in an isolated location, or at a time when the activity of the user company is interrupted, the head of the outside company concerned takes the necessary measures to ensure that no worker works alone at a point where he could not be rescued quickly in the event of an accident.
Article R4512-14
For work carried out in an agricultural establishment, the provisions of article R. 4512-13 apply only to work carried out on or near the premises of the farm, business or establishment.
Section 5: Worker information
Article R4512-15
Before work begins and on the site where the work is to be carried out, the head of the subcontractor shall inform all workers assigned to the work of the specific hazards to which they are exposed and of the preventive measures taken in application of this title.
In particular, it specifies danger zones and the means adopted to mark them. It explains the use of collective and individual protective devices.
He shows these workers the routes to take to access and leave the site, and to access the premises and facilities provided, as well as any emergency exits.
Article R4512-16
Time devoted to informing employees is treated as actual working time.
