According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG), the instruction must be adequate and suitable to the task at hand (§ 12). Adequate means sufficiently frequent and detailed. Suitable means in a way that the person receiving instruction understands best, e.g. by direct demonstration. Other specific provisions, such as statutory ordinances and DGUV regulations, specify these basic requirements: for example, some explicitly require that instruction be based on operating instructions. It also states which instructions are to be documented in writing in order to be able to later provide evidence to health and safety authorities, employers’ liability insurance associations, etc.
General instruction obligation
| Target group / activities | Laws / ordinances / regulations | Frequency: Before starting work and additionally … | Remarks |
| Activities with hazardous substances (This refers to the handling of fluorine and its reactants.) |
GefStoffV § 14 Fluorine and hydrogen fluoride Waste from reactions |
At least once a year based on the operating instructions; written documentation of the instruction | Part of such instruction is also a general occupational medical toxicological consultation by the company doctor (if required) or by a qualified person familiar with common practices. |
| All employees | ArbSchG (German Working Conditions Act) § 12, DGUV regulation (prevention) § 4 | Once a year and for new or different hazards | Written documentation of the instruction |
| Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) | + PSA-BV § 3 + DGUV regulation 1 § 31: For personal protective equipment intended to provide protection against fatal hazards or permanent damage to health |
Once a year + Before the first use of such PPE |
+ “If necessary” + Instruction with exercises |
BFI-Fluor der Kooperations-Partner der WTB-Elektro
