Technical rules for hazardous substances – TRGS 400

The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances TRGS 400

The abbreviation TRGS stands for Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances and are a fundamental element of occupational health and safety. These rules specify the application of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance.

Such a risk assessment is always necessary if pollutants may be present at the workplace. The employer has a duty to protect employees from potential health hazards.


The contents of the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances – TRGS 400

There are many different technical regulations, here we will take a closer look at TRGS 400.

It is entitled “Risk assessment” and describes the Procedure for handling hazardous substances. It is supplemented by additional TRGS .
First, basic terms are defined and the areas in which they are used.

The key point is the risk assessment, which must be drawn up by the employer. This must document the pollutants used, their hazard potential and the safety measures to be taken. All necessary information must be provided.

The following TRGS supplement the basis of TRGS 400. For example, Rule 401 describes the “Hazards due to skin contact – identification, assessment, measures” and Rule 407 describes activities involving gases in more detail.


The importance of the TRGS for occupational health and safety is fundamental.

The safety concept is based on this rule and is intended to protect employees from health hazards. It must be observed when working with hazardous substances. The employer is obliged to instruct the employees concerned in the safe handling of pollutants and to demonstrate the appropriate safety measures and provide personal protective equipment.


Pollutant analyses at the workplace – checking safety concepts and limit values

A regular review of compliance with safety measures is always advisable. For example, a pollutant analysis can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety concept. A dust measurement at the workplace for example, shows whether the general dust limit value is being adhered to. If the measurement results show discrepancies, the safety regulations at the workplace can be optimized. If you have any questions about occupational safety or measurements at the workplace, please contact us at any time.


Sources:
[1]: Source of contribution image: © srapulsar38 / 123RF.com
[2]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/pdf/TRGS-400.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=7
[3]: https://www.bghw.de/presse/aktuelles/neue-vorschriften-und-regeln/information-gefahrstoffe-trgs-400-gefaehrdungsbeurteilung
[4]: https://www.bgrci.de/fileadmin/BGRCI/Downloads/DL_Praevention/Fachwissen/Gefahrstoffe/Analytik_Symposium_2009/Kleine_-_Homepage.pdf
[5]: https://regelrechtaktuell.de/neu-trgs-400-gefaehrdungsbeurteilung-fuer-taetigkeiten-mit-gefahrstoffen/
[6]: https://www.bfga.de/arbeitsschutz-lexikon-von-a-bis-z/fachbegriffe-s-u/trgs-fachbegriff/
[7]: https://www.arbeitssicherheit.de/service/lexikon/artikel/trgs.html
[8]: https://www.baua.de/DE/Angebote/Rechtstexte-und-Technische-Regeln/Regelwerk/TRGS/TRGS.html
[9]: https://www.umwelt-online.de/recht/t_regeln/trgs/ueber.htm