Unit 2.4: Biological agents

Moulds, bacteria, endotoxins: Measurement, analysis and consultation

Unit 2.4, "Biological agents", of Division 2 is the contact-point for all questions concerning possible hazards posed by biological agents at the workplace.

The key tasks of the unit are consulting and research on:

• Microbiological issues
• The production of guides to risk assessment
• Development of measurement and analysis methods
• Standardization in the area of bioaerosols

In the German Social Accident Insurance institutions' MGU measurement system for exposure assessment, Unit 2.4 is responsible for supporting the metrological services in:

• Consulting regarding biological agents
• Training of authorized staff in microbiological sampling techniques
• Performance of measurements of biological agents (measurement strategy, analysis methods, classification, evaluation)
• Development of standard methods and analysis of microbiological samples (study of atmospheric and material samples for fungi, bacteria, endotoxins)
• Quality assurance during sampling and analysis
• Issues concerning methods and application
• Organization of measurement programmes for biological agents

Unit 2.4 is involved in addressing biological issues within various areas of activity of the German Social Accident Insurance institutions (such as those for the woodworking and metalworking industries and for the building trade).

The interests of the German Social Accident Insurance institutions are also represented on state committees such as Subcommittee 2 (UA 2), "protective measures", of the ABAS committee for biological agents. In ABAS UA 2, the unit is responsible for heading the workplace assessment working group. In addition, the unit's technical experience is channelled into the work of establishing guidelines and standards in the area of bioaerosols at the Commission on Air Pollution Prevention (KRdL) at VDI and DIN.