From March 2021 - What changes for the S1 greenhouse sector with the new GenTSV?

Let's reiterate: The new GenTSV comes into force in March. What does this mean for personal protective equipment in an S1 greenhouse? While previously regulations regarding protective clothing for activities in greenhouses only existed from safety level 2 (S2) onwards, the amended GenTSV requires appropriate protective or work clothing in greenhouses from safety level 1 (S1) onwards, and this clothing should not be worn outside the genetic engineering facility (Annex 3 to Section 15, GenTSV). As is also known from the laboratory sector, used protective clothing must be stored separately from street clothes. It also states that street clothes and bags may not be brought into the work area. Firstly, it must first be made clear that this protective clothing is not necessarily a lab coat. It may also be useful to consider the regular work clothing of gardeners who work in greenhouses. Secondly, it is important to consider that clothing must be removed or changed accordingly before leaving the genetic engineering facility. Different groups of greenhouse users may need to be considered here. Staff who work predominantly there, such as gardeners , should ideally be given the opportunity to change their work clothes in the genetic engineering facility and then leave the greenhouse wearing uncontaminated clothing and, if necessary, work in other work areas. For scientists or technical staff who only work part-time in the greenhouse, a protective gown worn over normal clothing, as is common in laboratories, is certainly suitable. Another consideration certainly concerns footwear worn if there is a possibility that, for example, genetically modified seeds could be picked up from the soil via the shoes. In order to implement this new requirement from the GenTSV, it is therefore important to consider which groups of users work in the greenhouse. Furthermore, the length of stay should be considered in order to decide which protective and work clothing is appropriate for each group, as well as whether there are options for changing and storing both work and protective clothing and street clothing. The next AGCT-Gentechnik.report will continue with the laboratory area.