Everything in view for the risk assessment?

In principle, the employer is responsible for occupational health and safety. The preparation of a risk assessment also falls within their area of ​​responsibility. However, in many cases, this task is delegated to responsible project managers along with project management. Conducting a risk assessment identifies hazards within the area of ​​responsibility from which employees must be protected. For this reason, the risk assessment should not be limited to biological agents alone, but must also consider hazardous substances and equipment. For practical purposes, it is of utmost importance that all individual processes are examined and evaluated with regard to the biological agents used (see also TRBA 400, paragraph 3), hazardous substances, and equipment. Once all information (e.g., including equipment manuals or safety data sheets) on potential hazards has been compiled, the necessary protective measures are developed. The STOP rule must be applied. The "S" stands for substitution testing, which requires testing to determine whether biological agents or hazardous substances with potential risk can be replaced by less risky biological agents or hazardous substances (see also TRGS 600, paragraph 3). "T" and "O" stand for technical and organizational measures (e.g., working under a safety cabinet or special marking of workplaces) that continue to protect employees from hazardous exposure. The "P" refers to personal protective equipment (e.g., hearing protection or additional splash protection). Based on the protective measures selected, the risk to employees in the work area is minimized. Here, too, the risk assessment must be carried out before activities begin so that the necessary protective measures can be implemented. I recommend a checklist structure for this usually very complex task so that the individual points are clearly presented. Remember that the risk assessment must be reviewed every two years to ensure it is up to date. Should anything change in the meantime, for example due to the purchase of a new device or the use of new biological substances, the update must be carried out immediately.