Ozon und Arbeitsschutz. Teil 1

Ozone is generated as an undesirable by-product in many technical processes, as e.g. during welding, UV-drying in printing houses or while using laser printers and copy-machines. Exposure due to such processes is described and recommendations in terms of exposure reduction are given. Ozone generation during technical processes is covered by the German law on hazardous substances; it is e.g. possible to reduce or avoid workers' exposure to ozone through branch-specific regulations. However, there is still no such regulation protecting outdoor workers who, during certain weeks of the year, are exposed to high environmental ozon concentrations. An ozone law for the workplace is unlikely to pass the votes. Those who are most seriously struck by this lack of regulations are employees in the building and construction industry, but also gardeners, forest workers, drivers and others. Exposure situations of these persons are described and possible protective measures are suggested. Efficient exposure reduction is obtained by a number or organisational measures. Personal protection is possible, too (protective helmet with integrated respiration protection). Technical measures, however, are less suitable in the case of outdoor exposure. Employers have the possibility to estimate outdoor exposure to ozone on the basis of the ozone-related weather forecast. The German Berufsgenossenschaften will set up guidelines for translating official values into actual exposure-values.