GESTIS Biological Agents Database

Open database

Content

The GESTIS Biological Agents Database provides detailed information on the safe handling of biological agents in the workplace. Biological agents include microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi), prions, and endo- and ectoparasites. The GESTIS Biological Agents Database is particularly relevant for people responsible for occupational health and safety and can be used, for example, to prepare risk assessments.

The database contains information on approximately 20,000 biological agents. This information is provided in biological agent data sheets and activity data sheets.

For each biological agent listed in the Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA 460, TRBA 462, TRBA 464, and TRBA 466), there is a corresponding biological agent data sheet in the database. This data sheet contains at least basic information such as the classification into a risk group and the necessary technical, organisational, and personal protective measures for "specific" activities involving this biological agent, for example in laboratories, biotechnology, and animal testing.

For a number of selected biological substances the data sheet provides additional information on infection routes, first aid, morphology and physiology, occurrence, pathogenicity, symptoms and treatment, as well as prophylaxis. The number of biological agent data sheets with such extended information is growing continuously.

Finally, special activity data sheets provide information on occupational safety for so-called "non-specific" activities. These activities are typically not directly related to one specific biological agent, but due to the nature of the activity, biological agents will be present, and employees may come into contact with them. In most cases, the specific species of biological agents are not known, and exposure cannot be estimated reliably. Non-specific activities involving biological agents occur, for example, in waste and wastewater management.

Project partners

The GESTIS Biological Agents Database is a joint project of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the raw materials and chemical industry (BG RCI) and the Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS).

Publisher

The GESTIS Biological Agents Database is compiled and managed by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA). The biological agent data sheets are issued by acknowledged experts on behalf of the BG RCI.

Usage and liability

The information may be used for the purpose of workers' protection, or to gain knowledge about risks emanating from biological agents. Commercial use as well as a partial or complete transfer to other information systems is not permitted. Online publication of pdf files of downloaded substance data sheets is also not permitted, as these will not be up-to-date after a short time. There are no objections against citing of data to a limited extent giving the source "GESTIS Biological Agents Database". Linking of GESTIS substance datasheets in websites and apps is explicitly desired and does not require special permission. The data of GESTIS database are compiled and updated carefully. Nevertheless, we cannot accept any liability, on whatever legal grounds.

Accessibility

Information on the accessibility status of the GESTIS substance database is provided in the accessibility declaration.