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Health and safety during refinishing

Regulations for safe work procedures

Health and safety is an important part of a company's obligations in a bodyshop. The particular setting makes undertaking a risk assessment for the people working in the bodyshop indispensable. It is also prescribed by law.

In the section below, we would like to explain what this means in detail and what you need to keep in mind. There are a number of rules and ordinances prescribed by law that regulate occupational safety and safe handling of hazardous materials.

Important documents and tools include the following:

  • RISK ASSESSMENTS
  • MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
  • OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
  • INSTRUCTIONS

– to name just a few. These documents and tools are described in various laws and regulations, They serve as the first important basis to provide you with an initial overview.

By observing all of the regulations, you will ensure that your employees will enjoy the safety they need for their daily work in the bodyshop. In addition, you have to use safety instructions to raise and promote your employees' awareness about health and safety.

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Risk assessment in accordance with Section 5 of the German occupational safety act

The employer must ensure that a risk assessment is carried out in accordance with Section 5 of the German occupational safety act. The employer must prepare suitable operating instructions based on this risk assessment.

The German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) stipulates that the operating instructions must meet the following requirements:

  • They must be prepared using a format and language that can be understood by the employees
  • They must be accessible to the employees
  • They must provide information about the hazardous materials present or originating at the workplace
  • They must provide the designation of the hazardous materials, their labeling and potential health and safety risks
  • They must provide information on precautions and measures employees must take for their own protection and the protection of others
  • They must provide information about measures and prevention to be taken for/during operational disturbances, accidents and emergencies
  • They must provide hygiene regulations
  • They must provide information on the wearing and use of personal protective equipment and protective clothing

The operating instructions must be displayed in a suitable place and employees must receive training annually based on the instructions.

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The employer is particularly obligated to provide information and care for pregnant women with respect to the following:

  • possible risks to the mother and her baby
  • employment restrictions.

The content of the instructions must be laid down in writing and verified with a signature. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the employees particularly have access to the material safety data sheets for the products in use.

For bodyshops using products that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction of category 1 or 2, particular precautions must be in place (cf. German Hazardous Substances Ordinance). The formation of explosive atmospheres must also be assessed.