Algeria has just adopted a much stricter regulatory framework to protect workers exposed to lead. Published in the Official Gazette No. 28 of April 14, 2026, Executive Decree No. 26-143 of March 30, 2026, sets forth detailed requirements regarding prevention, medical surveillance, and facility inspections. This decree marks a major shift in national occupational health policy, bringing Algerian requirements into line with international standards.

A decree based on prevention and the maximum reduction of exposure

In Article 1, the decree states its objective: “to establish general requirements regarding the protection of workers from risks associated with exposure to lead and/or its compounds.” The text notes that lead is a toxic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substance, which justifies stricter regulations.

The decree mandates a strict preventive approach: limiting exposure, automating processes, working in a closed system, continuously assessing risks, and keeping exposure levels “as low as reasonably achievable.”

It also introduces a significant measure: a total ban on white lead, a pigment historically used in industrial paints.

Stricter reporting requirements for businesses

Before using or placing lead-containing substances on the market, employers, manufacturers, or importers must provide the relevant authorities—including the National Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Risks and the Labor Inspectorate—with “the information necessary to assess health risks.” In addition, anyone using lead must file a mandatory declaration with Social Security, the provincial health authority, and the Labor Inspectorate.

These requirements are intended to ensure full traceability of activities involving lead.

Strict limits that are updated regularly

This decree establishes lead exposure limits with unprecedented precision, and these limits will be updated regularly. Article 7 sets the maximum blood lead level at 400 µg/L for men and 300 µg/L for women; these thresholds are measured exclusively by accredited laboratories and reviewed every four years. Article 8 supplements these provisions by imposing an occupational exposure limit (OEL-8h) of 0.1 mg/m³ of air for lead vapors, fumes, or dust, which is also subject to review every four years. The decree further requires employers to conduct at least two annual measurements of atmospheric concentration in the workplace, thereby ensuring continuous and documented monitoring of workers’ actual exposure.

Strict and mandatory medical supervision

The decree devotes an entire chapter to medical supervision:

• Mandatory pre-employment medical examination, including a blood lead level test.
• It is prohibited to assign minors, pregnant women, or nursing mothers to hazardous positions.
• A special medical examination every six months, reduced to every three months if the thresholds are exceeded.
• Employers are required to comply with the occupational physician’s decisions, or face intervention by the labor inspectorate.
• If poisoning is suspected, the physician must have all potentially exposed staff tested.

The decree also requires a post-exposure medical examination for any employee leaving the company.

Very detailed preventive measures for businesses

The text sets forth specific and practical requirements:

• Extraction of dust and vapors; natural or mechanical ventilation.
• Regular inspections of facilities by certified organizations.
• Daily cleaning of the premises “using a wet method.”
• Changing rooms with two compartments, and an adequate number of showers and restrooms.
• Management of lead waste in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
• Provision of appropriate PPE: filtering masks, waterproof gloves, boots, and full-body work clothing that is washed by the employer.
• No eating or drinking in areas where lead is used.
• Establishment of emergency procedures in the event of a technical failure.

The decree also requires regular training for exposed workers, including information on the risks to the fetus and the child.

Finally, the employer must post a mandatory notice describing the hazards, protective measures, and required medical examinations.

A structured administrative follow-up

Each year, the occupational physician must prepare a detailed report on activities involving exposure to lead, including clinical, biological, and atmospheric data.
This report is submitted to the provincial director of health, who compiles it into a national summary.

A landmark document for occupational health in Algeria

With this decree, Algeria is significantly strengthening measures to prevent risks associated with lead. The decree mandates a comprehensive approach: process control, medical monitoring, reporting requirements, training, strict hygiene standards, and administrative oversight.

It is now the essential regulatory standard for all companies that handle lead or its compounds.