After an intensive discussion between the social partners, labour inspectors of the Federal States and occupational accident insurance funds (Berufsgenossenschaften BG) as well as other experts, the Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) developed a "Risk Concept for Carcinogenic Substances". The particular aim is concretising the requirement to minimise exposure set out in the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances. The risk concept will replace the former technology-based approach. In addition to the existing system based on occupational exposure limit values and procedure and substance-related criteria, it introduces new substance specific assessment values and a graduated system of risk control measures. The aim is to ensure transparency and provide planning and legal certainty to inspection services, employers and workers. By means of the "Announcement 910 on Hazardous Substances 'Risk figures and exposure-risk relationships in activities involving carcinogenic hazardous substances‘" and TRGS 400, the risk concept has been incorporated into the regulations related to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance. Now it will be applied and further tested in the framework of practical risk assessment. This leaflet aims at ensuring a greater diffusion of the risk concept and intends to support its test phase.

A feedback on your experience would be welcome and help the Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) further develop the risk concept in view of incorporating it into the Hazardous Substances Ordinance by 2015 at the latest.