Hinweise zur Anwendung der TRGS 954 Empfehlungen zur Erteilung von Ausnahmegenehmigungen von 15 a Abs. 1 GefStoffV für den Umgang mit asbesthaltigen mineralischen Rohstoffen und Erzeugnissen in Steinbrüchen

For some rock deposits mined in Germany it is impossible to exclude the presence of asbestos. The German technical regulation TRGS 954 explains, under which circumstances an exceptional authorisation can be obtained to derogate from the official asbestos exposure ban. The BG expert committee Nonmetallic minerals co-ordinated the work on guidelines describing the main steps and strategies to be followed in connection with potentially asbestos-containing rock deposits. The necessary measuring methods are described. Measuring readings from quarries collected since 1992 give an overview of the exposure situation and the asbestos content in inhalable dust. It is of particular importance that protective measures are defined in close co-operation between employers, supervising authorities and accident insurance and prevention institutions. The guidelines also refer to the special occupational medical check-ups of workers likely to be exposed to asbestos. Medical information and information on the occupational disease situation as concerns asbestos-exposed quarry workers is given elsewhere.