Substitution assessment (Substitutionsprüfung)
Also: Substitutionsprüfung, substitution check, substitution
Definition
The substitution assessment is the employer's duty to check whether a hazardous substance or process can be replaced by a less hazardous substance or process (Section 6 (1) No. 4 and Section 7 of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance). The result must be documented.
Substitution comes first in the STOP principle because it eliminates the hazard rather than controlling it. TRGS 600 describes the procedure: identify alternatives, compare them in terms of health, fire and environmental hazards, assess technical suitability and costs, decide and justify. Section 3 of the safety data sheet helps compare products from different manufacturers.
Even if substitution is not possible, the assessment must be documented – supervisory authorities ask for it.
Legal basis
- Section 6 (1) No. 4, Section 7 (3) of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance
- TRGS 600
Learn more
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
