Glossary · Existing plants and retrofit
Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV)
Also known as: GefStoffV, Hazardous Substances Ordinance
German: Gefahrstoffverordnung
The German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (Gefahrstoffverordnung, GefStoffV) sets the employer's duties for activities involving hazardous substances, including the risk assessment of fire and explosion hazards, the classification of hazardous areas into zones and the explosion protection document.
- Compliance
- German source term
In one sentence
The GefStoffV governs work with hazardous substances in Germany, including explosion risk assessment, Ex zones and the explosion protection document.
Example
A solvent store is extended by a second filling station; under § 6 GefStoffV the operator updates the risk assessment and the explosion protection document before the new station is used.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
- Betriebsanweisung: one German word, many operator documentsWhat is a Betriebsanweisung, and how does it differ from the manufacturer’s operating manual?UKDeutsch
- The explosion protection document after a conversionWhen does the explosion protection document have to be updated?UKDeutsch
- BetrSichV or GefStoffV: which ordinance carries the duty?Does the duty to keep the explosion protection document current come from the BetrSichV or the GefStoffV?UKDeutsch
How it applies
- Risk assessment: § 6 GefStoffV requires the employer to assess activities with hazardous substances and to document the result. § 6(9) requires hazards from dangerous explosive mixtures to be shown separately in that documentation — the explosion protection document. § 6(10) requires the assessment to be reviewed regularly and updated promptly when significant changes or new information require it.
- Explosion protection: Annex I No. 1 sets the measures against fire and explosion hazards, including the classification into Ex zones. In Germany the ordinance transposes the workplace directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137); the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) concretize it.
- Existing plants: A conversion, an extension or a moved booth is exactly the kind of change that requires an update. There is no grandfathering for an outdated assessment.
GefStoffV vs. BetrSichV
The explosion protection document rests on § 6 GefStoffV, not on the BetrSichV. The BetrSichV comes in for the work equipment in the zones and its inspections. The outcome is often the same — keep the assessment current — but the legal basis is different, and naming the wrong one weakens any argument built on it.