The Permanent Senate Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area of the DFG has now published the English version of its latest research-based recommendations on the risk assessment of substances used at the workplace. The recommendations have been submitted to the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs in July. Compiled in 2024 for the 60th time, the annually prepared list of recommended limit values serves as an essential basis for amendments to the Hazardous Substances Ordinance ( GefStoffV ) in Germany and is also used in other countries.
The digital version of the recommendations is also available in English and Spanish in open access so that it may serve as a basis for occupational health and safety internationally. The recommendations put forward by the Senate Commission on the handling of hazardous substances are first assessed by the Federal Ministry of Labour's Committee on Hazardous Substances, and statutory regulations are subsequently drawn up on this basis as necessary. Regarding the list of the last year, the Committee adopted all but one of the proposed limit values.
This reflects the outstanding scientific quality and longstanding experience of the Commission with regard to health protection in the occupational context. The Senate Commission makes a significant contribution here in terms of the DFG's mandate to provide scientific policy advice as stipulated in its statutes." Dr.
Andrea Hartwig, Commission C.
