Documentation guide for the modules inhalation, skin and fire and explosion
With the EMKG software, you can digitally go through all steps of the risk assessment - from identification of information to the derivation of appropriate protective measures to the evaluation of effectiveness and documentation. The EMKG modules inhalation, skin and fire and explosion are included in the software.
In terms of visual presentation and procedure, the new EMKG software corresponds to the previous version. During development, the results of the project F 2314 "Easy-to-use workplace control scheme for hazardous substances 3.0 - Technical and didactical revision of the overall concept" were used. The update includes adaptations to new developments in the hazardous substances legislation. The EMKG software can be installed as a server version and as a stand-alone version.
Variable input masks
The EMKG software guides you through all steps of the EMKG in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The standard view offers you a guided entry with detailed explanations and hints for each of the steps. The quick entry view allows you to enter data in a time-saving way if you are already familiar with the software.
Documents, such as measurement reports or safety data sheets, can be uploaded. The software also offers the option to organise and manage everything by projects, data or control strategy level.
Of course, you can also print individual data records and data views you have compiled yourself.
Server version and Stand-alone version
The EMKG software was developed on behalf of the BAuA by Systemkonzept GmbH in cooperation with dezign.de. It is constantly being further developed. We welcome your suggestions and requests for improvement.
Server version
The EMKG software can be installed on a server of your choice so that multiple authorised users can access it.
Agreements among the users of the server version are necessary! Please note that simultaneous work in the server version can lead to overlapping. If you change substance data, this affects all data records that contain information about the hazardous substance. Examples for substance data changes are the classification of a hazardous substance, the occupational exposure limit or the boiling point. Therefore, you should define responsibilities in advance and adjust the access authorisations accordingly.
Stand-Alone version
You can unpack the stand-alone version in a folder on your desktop or a USB stick and use it directly without installation. Use by multiple users, e.g. over a shared network, is not possible.
What are the system requirements?
Server version
The server version of the EMKG software is installed by your network administrator on your own server and can be opened in your web browser.
Please check if your web space meets the following requirements:
- Apache2 web server with mod_rewrite module.
Also make sure that the permission for mod_rewrite for .htaccess files has been granted (AllowOverride directive in Apache2 configuration). - PHP version 5.6 or higher (the installation process is compatible up to version 7.4, a later update to a higher PHP version is recommended), with the extensions pdo_mysql, mbstring as well as openssl.
- MySQL database from version 5.6 (recommended version 8).
Tip: Set up a separate instance on your Server for the EMKG-software, you can configure this instance with access authorisations and a password query. This allows you to manage your data in a protected area.
Stand-alone-version
For the stand-alone version you need Windows 7 or Windows 10 as an operating system.
How does the installation work?
Server version
The installation guide describes the procedure for both, a first-time installation and an update installation. So far, the installation can only be performed in German. However, this document provides detailed guidance for English-speaking users. Once installed, the software can be used in English.
Installation of the EMKG server version (PDF, 421 KB)
Stand-alone-version
Installation
- Download the zip file of the stand-alone version from the download area below.
- Create a new folder on your desktop or USB stick.
- To install, now unzip the downloaded zip file "EMKG-desktop-<version-number>.zip" in the folder created in step 2.
If you click on the file "EMKG.exe" in your folder, the EMKG software will start and is ready to use.
The stand-alone version only works if it is saved locally, e.g. on your desktop or USB stick. If you save the folder or parts of the software on a network, the software will not work as intended due to the length of the file names.
Update
Before updating the software, create a backup.
To update to a new stand-alone-version, there are several possibilities:
Option 1: Install the new version as described in the installation section. Then start the software and click on Import/Export in the banner. Now you can import and restore the backup previously created in the old version.
Option 2: Install the new version as described in the installation section. Then copy the file "emkg-desktop" from your old EMKG folder and replace the file with the same name in the new EMKG folder.
Option 3: Delete the files of the old version, except the file "emkg-desktop" from your EMKG folder. Then unpack the new version into the existing EMKG folder.
Older software versions
To transfer your data from older software versions, you need at least EMKG software 2.2 version 1.1.11. To transfer your data, the first step is to merge all data sets and create a backup. The backup function in the EMKG software can be found in the menu under: File > Export > Backup. In the second step, upload the backup into the software 3.0 as described in the section "Backup and restore data". Now you can complement your risk assessment with the data for the module fire and explosion. If your EMKG software is even older (before 2016), please contact us.
Backup and restoring data
You can create and upload backups of your data in the EMKG software. To do this, first go on the subpage for importing and exporting data:
Server version
To access the "Backups" page, enter the URL of your EMKG server in the address bar of your browser. Add "/import" to the URL.
If the URL of the EMKG installation on your server is e.g. http://www.example-server.de, you can reach the "Backups" page at http://www.example-server.de/import.
Stand-alone version
In the stand-alone version you can access the import/export by clicking on the corresponding button in the banner.
Backing up and restoring data is the same for both software versions (server and stand-alone):
If you have entered the URL correctly or clicked Import/Export in the banner, you will see the following page:
By clicking on "New Backup", the backup will be saved in the software and will automatically appear in the "Overview". In addition, you have the option to save the backup as a zip file on your computer.
The saved zip file can be used for regular backups or to transfer your data after a software update. If necessary, it can be imported via the "Upload backup" button. This will transfer the backup from your PC to the software.
If you want to edit a backup, click on the corresponding file, in the overview. The following page will appear:
By a mouse click on:
- "Save On Device" the backup can be saved on your computer.
- "Restore" the EMKG data will be reset to the state of the selected backup.
- "x" in the upper right corner or "Cancel process" the popup will be closed.
By clicking on: "Delete all data", you have the possibility to reset the EMKG software to "Factory settings". No worries, before the reset a new backup is automatically created and shown in the overview. This avoids data loss.
As a user of the server version, you cannot delete backups from the EMKG. For this purpose, please contact your network operator. He can connect to the server via FTP--File Transfer Protocol and remove the corresponding backup in the directory /api/app/src/Backups/.