UPDATE – Revised guidance for risk assessments in the laboratory

Dr. Tino Köster

The leaflet T 034 “Risk assessment in the laboratory” has been updated and helps with risk assessment in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG).

The employer's obligation to conduct and document risk assessments arises from Sections 5 and 6 of the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) and the subordinate occupational health and safety regulations. A frequently expressed wish for systematic assistance in identifying and assessing hazards and exposures in employees' activities, including the necessary definition of required protective measures in the laboratory, is the need for this. The extensively revised 95-page leaflet T 034 "Risk Assessment in the Laboratory" ( DGUV Information 213-855 ) provides such assistance. The leaflet reflects the latest legal standards and changes and offers practical support for preparing risk assessments. The hazard catalog describes typical laboratory hazards and protective measures and refers to the applicable regulations and technical rules. The essential basis is the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) 526 "Laboratories" and the DGUV Information 213-850 "Laboratory Guidelines." Particularly helpful are the clear illustrations of examples, the tabular list of hazard factors including possible protective measures, and the extensive bibliography, which refers to binding legal standards as well as relevant DGUV information, leaflets, industry standards, and other helpful sources. This also includes references to information sources on specific hazards and protective measures that are required in individual cases. In addition to leaflet T 034, leaflets A 017 "Risk Assessment - Hazard Catalog," A 016 "Risk Assessment - 7 Steps to the Goal" (both also available in English), and T 032 "Laboratory Fume Hoods" (DGUV Information 213-875) can be used as additional tools for risk assessment in the laboratory. All leaflets can be found at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (baua) and/or the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) .

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