From March 2021 - What changes for the S1 laboratory area with the new GenTSV?

Let us reiterate: The new GenTSV has been in force since March 2021. What changes have been made to personal protective equipment in S1 laboratories? As already stated in previous newsletters, the amended GenTSV contains many specific details. For example, there is now a more detailed description of the prescribed measures for personal protective equipment (Appendix 2 to Section 14 Para. AI c GenTSV). It is pointed out that a lab coat or comparable protective clothing must be worn in the work area. Furthermore, it is pointed out that additional protective equipment, such as gloves or safety goggles, may be necessary. This need must always be considered in the light of the previous risk assessment and therefore individually adapted to the conditions in the respective work area. In addition, separate storage of worn protective clothing from street clothes is provided to avoid possible contamination or spread. This regulation was only found in the old GenTSV in laboratories from safety level 2 onwards. This also prohibits the storage of street clothes, bags, etc., in the work area. Therefore, appropriate storage facilities must be created outside the work area, such as rooms or lockers. For laboratory clothing, a tidy and orderly laboratory requires appropriate storage facilities, such as coat hooks in the entrance area. These must be available in sufficient numbers to ensure that laboratory staff have the opportunity to store their work clothes and avoid cross-contamination, for example, if coats hang on top of each other due to insufficient storage space.