Understand substances. Organise workplace protection.

Look beyond the container to the work itself

A product name alone does not describe the risk. What matters is how a substance is used and what may be generated or released during work, such as cleaning, processing or maintenance. Skin contact, inhalation and workplace conditions are also relevant.

Start with actual activities and the existing risk assessment. This helps identify missing information, existing protective measures and responsibilities that need clarification.

For an initial discussion, useful information includes the organisational reason, a description of activities and available substance information. We agree the specific scope personally; health information does not belong in this enquiry.

Connect substance information with the workplace

Labels, available safety data sheets and information about use provide important information. They need to be related to workplace activities; a filed safety data sheet is not a substitute for risk assessment.

Where required, a hazardous-substance inventory provides an overview and references the corresponding safety data sheets. Up-to-date information and understandable access help those responsible keep track of changes in work.

Choose protection according to the risk

First consider whether a hazardous substance or process can be replaced. Further measures concern technical arrangements, work organisation and, where necessary, personal protective equipment. Selection follows the specific assessment, not a standard checklist.

Responsibilities, safe processes and checks of effectiveness need to fit together. The employer retains responsibility; general website information does not replace the workplace assessment.

Turn information into understandable action

Operating instructions translate the assessment into understandable guidance for the activity: hazards, protection, conduct and what to do during disruptions or emergencies. Employees need to be able to relate the information to their workplace.

Staff instruction connects this information with actual work and allows questions. Format, language and workplace documentation are matched to the specific context, rather than simply copied from a safety data sheet.

Clarify surveillance. Preserve medical confidentiality.

Work involving hazardous substances may trigger mandatory or offered surveillance under the conditions in ArbMedVV; surveillance requested by an employee is considered separately. Relevant occasions depend on activities, exposure and the statutory conditions.

Risk assessment, staff instruction and individual medical advice serve different purposes. Personal health information does not belong in an organisational enquiry, the website form or email. Organisational arrangements are discussed separately.