Emission of Hazardous Substances

The Emission of Hazardous Substances Section of the Hazardous Substances: Handling - Protective Measures Department tests products for their hazardous substance emissions. Where all the requirements are met, it issues corresponding certification. Suitable test specifications are often not available for newly developed product types. When new product types appear that contribute to reducing workplace exposure to hazardous substances, the Emission of Hazardous Substances Section is therefore actively involved in developing new methods and adapting existing methods by which these product types can be tested. The section also conducts projects for research into emissions of hazardous substances from machinery or work processes. Its remit also includes studying and enhancing protective measures’ effectiveness in reducing workplace exposure to hazardous substances, and providing consulting on the associated issues. The section represents OSH interests in the regulatory process through its participation on committees and in international standardisation work.

Research and development in the Emission of Hazardous Substances Section

Research and development projects are generally carried out jointly with the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions commissioning them. The primary aim of such projects is to reduce workplace exposure to hazardous substances. To this end it may, for example, be necessary to conduct simulation tests verifying the effectiveness of protective measures, to identify potential for improvement, or to define safety requirements for certain machinery or equipment and develop suitable test methods. The inclusion of descriptions of newly developed or adapted test methods in national or international standards enables the emissions of hazardous substances from the machinery or equipment concerned also to be tested subsequently against these standards by other test bodies. Participation on a range of committees, the provision of consultancy services to businesses, and presentations and publications enable the observations to be transferred for use in the field.