Before looking at topics such as sanitary facilities, workplace conditions and the associated freedom of movement, or break times, you should first identify the different types of physical hazards that may be present. In addition to the most common physical hazards in everyday working environments, there are other sources of risk that should be considered in a risk assessment. These may cause acute harm or lead to longer-term health effects and can also affect employees' ability to work. The main additional hazards are outlined below.
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Mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards can arise in particular from moving or uncontrolled moving parts, sharp edges, falling objects, and trip or fall hazards.
- Unguarded parts that move in a controlled manner. These include saw and cutting blades, crushing points, gears with drawing-in action, and striking or piercing movements. Drills also fall into this category, whether they are conventional hand-held tools or heavy machinery with drill attachments.
- Moving parts that are not under control. This includes anything that may suddenly tip over, fall, roll away or otherwise move because it is not adequately secured. Goods stored on open shelving may also present this type of hazard.
- Mobile work equipment. This includes equipment that moves and may cause injury, from a manual pallet truck to a reversing heavy goods vehicle controlled remotely.
- Surfaces that are rough or have sharp or pointed irregularities that may cause injury. This also includes corners, edges and areas where crushing injuries may occur.
- Slippery surfaces and trip hazards such as cables, rugs or other obstacles.
- Places from which people could fall. Safeguards such as railings reduce the risk, but the underlying fall hazard still needs to be considered.
Thermal hazards
Very hot or very cold surfaces, media and substances can create thermal hazards and should be considered in the risk assessment where they may pose a risk to employees. Examples include:
- industrial furnaces
- high-temperature steam
- hobs
- boiler systems
- molten metals
- boiling fat
- boiling water
- other heat emissions
- refrigerants
- dry ice
The specific working conditions and the potential exposure of employees are what matter.
Electrical hazards
Electrical hazards can arise from electric shock, arc flashes, short circuits and resulting fires or explosions. The key question is whether employees may come into contact with electrical installations, equipment or live parts during their work.
Possible electrical hazards include:
- damaged cables, connectors or electrical equipment
- short circuits, overvoltages and arc flashes
- work on transformers and high-voltage installations
- work on electrical installations and distribution boards
- work near live parts
The danger posed by electric current depends on factors including the current, the duration of exposure, the path through the body and the surrounding conditions.
The protective measures required depend on the activity concerned and the outcome of the risk assessment. Work on electrical installations may only be carried out under the appropriate professional and technical conditions.
Hazardous substances
Work involving hazardous substances is subject to the requirements of the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV). A risk assessment should take particular account of the hazardous properties of the substances, the type and extent of possible exposure, and the relevant working conditions and procedures.
Relevant types of risk include:
- skin or eye contact
- inhalation and exposure via the respiratory tract
- fire hazards
- explosion hazards
- uncontrolled chemical reactions
The risk assessment should identify the properties of the substances used and the possible routes of exposure, and define suitable protective measures. These may include technical and organisational measures, appropriate personal protective equipment or training. Hazardous substances must be stored according to their properties and any potentially dangerous interactions.
Biological agents
Biological agents, or bio-agents, must be distinguished from chemical hazardous substances. These include moulds, viruses and bacteria. Activities involving biological agents are subject to separate requirements, in particular under the German Biological Agents Ordinance.
Biological agents are classified into risk groups. HIV, for example, belongs to risk group 3, while E. coli belongs to risk group 2:
- Risk group 1: biological agents that are unlikely to cause disease in humans.
- Risk group 2: biological agents that can cause disease in humans and may pose a hazard to employees; effective prevention or treatment is generally available.
- Risk group 3: biological agents that cause serious disease in humans and pose a serious hazard to employees. The risk of spread is very high. Effective prevention and treatment are generally possible.
- Risk group 4: biological agents that cause serious disease in humans and pose a serious hazard to employees. The risk of spread is very high. Effective prevention and treatment are generally not possible.
Relevant Technical Rules for Biological Agents (TRBA) include:
- TRBA 460 (fungi)
- TRBA 462 (viruses)
- TRBA 464 (parasites)
- TRBA 466 (prokaryotes: bacteria and archaea)
- TRBA 468 (cell lines and work with cell cultures)
The TRBA are published in the Joint Ministerial Gazette.
Hygiene measures
Appropriate hygiene measures must also be considered when handling hazardous substances. Cleaning products, for example, should be selected and used in a way that avoids dangerous reactions. Employees must also have suitable facilities for decontamination or cleaning in the event of unexpected skin contact. Depending on the workplace, sanitary and first-aid facilities may therefore need to be considered.
Fire and explosion hazards
Fire or explosion hazards can arise when combustible substances are present together with suitable ignition sources or when explosive atmospheres may form. Relevant materials include combustible solids, gases and flammable liquids.
When assessing fire and explosion hazards, consider not only the substances used but also the surrounding conditions. Heat and other ignition sources can increase the risk and must therefore be included in the assessment.
Other physical hazards
Other physical hazards include:
- Electromagnetic fields, which can have thermal effects on the body and may also affect certain medical implants such as pacemakers.
- Noise, where sound levels may damage hearing or make it difficult to perceive warning signals.
- High or low pressure, for example at high altitude, in aircraft or in pressure chambers.
- Vibration, where mechanical oscillations are transferred to the body and may contribute to musculoskeletal or circulatory problems.
