Current changes to TRBA 468 and TRBA 220

In the 3rd amendment to TRBA 468 "List of cell lines and activities with cell cultures," also dated November 19, 2024, a change was made to the list of cell lines assigned to protection levels for cell line NB324K . In the right-hand column under "GMO," which identifies cell lines that are considered genetically modified according to Section 3 of the GenTG, the "yes" was removed because this cell line is not a genetically modified organism (GMO) (see also the corresponding ZKBS database). A new version of TRBA 220 "Safety and Health in Activities with Biological Agents in Wastewater Treatment Plants" (old title) has been in effect since November 19, 2024. TRBA 220 (old version December 2010) was adapted to the amended Biological Agents Ordinance of July 15, 2013. In addition, the new regulations were adapted to the new structure and organization of the technical rules for biological agents, and editorial changes were incorporated. Among other things, TRBA 220 received a new title ("Wastewater treatment plants: protective measures"), a new structure for Section 4 "Protective measures" for work and plant areas, an update of the "Table overview of possible pathogens in wastewater" (Appendix 1), the inclusion of a "Model cleaning and hygiene plan " in Appendix 2, and the relocation of the illustration showing the function of the "air curtain shut-off system for sewer and building cleaning" to Appendix 3 (previously in Section 5.2).
If employers were still conducting risk assessments using the old versions of the aforementioned TRBA, the amendments to these two TRBAs can be used as an opportunity to review the existing risk assessments and, if necessary, update them. The employer can also seek expert assistance for this.