The AGS is a consultative body of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on issues of the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances. Experts from all areas of occupational health and safety are working together to create a framework of rules.

The AGS has its legal basis in section 20 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV).

Its tasks are in particular:

• to determine how the requirements set out in the GefStoffV can be met and to develop the rules and findings corresponding to the respective state of technology and medicine, and
• to advise the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) on all questions concerning hazardous substances.

Composition

The AGS was reappointed by the BMAS for a new term of office 2019 - 2022 and currently has 20 members and representatives. They provide the expertise and the issues of their respective groupings and work on a voluntarily basis.

Modus operandi

The AGS meets twice a year to advise and decide on work results, in particular Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS). Resolutions are broadly agreed on, which is of particular importance for acceptance by practice.

Technical rules for hazardous substances

The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) conducts the business of AGS and, for example, makes known the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances and other work results in the Joint Ministerial Gazette (GMBI) and on BAuA's homepage. A newsletter provides information on current changes to TRGS.

The AGS answers questions about the management and takes suggestions from practice to build up the rules. If the AGS complies with a technical rule, the management communicates this on the AGS website and asks users for comments and tips. These are taken into account during the revision by the AGS.

"AGSpublik" events with the participation of the interested specialist public take place on new topics and questions or topics of focus.

For further information please refer to our German Website.