Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung – BetrSichV)
The Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) is the central legal framework for the safe use of work equipment in Germany. It defines the requirements for safety and health protection of employees when using work equipment, as well as the protection of other persons in hazardous areas.
Core aspects of BetrSichV:
- Uniform risk assessment for all work equipment
- "State of the art" as a uniform safety benchmark
- Inspection obligations before commissioning and periodic re-inspections
- Minimum requirements for the design of work equipment
- TRBS 2121 Part 1 and Part 2 specify the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health for risk assessment in cases of fall hazards. TRBS 2121 Part 2 focuses specifically on the use of ladders as access routes and elevated workplaces.
Scope of TRBS 2121:
- Identification and assessment of fall hazards
- Use of portable and mobile ladders
- Protective measures for working at height
- Safety requirements for access equipment (Steigtechnik)
Occupational Health and Safety Act (Arbeitsschutzgesetz) and Workplace Ordinance (Arbeitsstättenverordnung – ArbStättV)
The Occupational Health and Safety Act obliges employers under §3 to provide employees with safe and functional work equipment. The Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) supplements these requirements with specific provisions for workplaces.
DGUV Information 208-016 (formerly BGI 694) is the central guidance document for the use of ladders and steps. It is aimed at employers who provide portable ladders and steps for their employees.
Other relevant DGUV provisions
- DGUV Information 201-011 – Guidance for work and protective scaffolds (formerly BGI/GUV-I 663)
- DGUV Information 208-032 – Selection and use of fixed ladders (formerly BGI/GUV-I 5189)
- DGUV Regulation 1 – Principles of prevention (formerly BGV A1)
- DGUV Rule 112-198 – Use of personal fall protection equipment (formerly BGR/GUV-R 198)
Special regulations for Rescue Technology (Rettungstechnik)
- Fire Service Regulation (Feuerwehrdienstvorschrift – FwDV) 10 – Portable Ladders
- DGUV Principle 305-002 – Test principles for equipment and devices used by the fire brigade (formerly BGG/GUV-G 9102)
These regulations govern the special requirements for ladders and access equipment in fire and rescue services with increased safety standards.
Technical Norms and Standards
These technical standards define the specific requirements for the design, testing and marking of access equipment (Steigtechnik) products:
- DIN EN 131 – Ladders – Requirements, testing methods, marking
- DIN EN 1004-1 – Mobile access and working towers made of prefabricated elements
- DIN 18799 Parts 1–3 – Fixed ladder systems on buildings
- DIN 4426 – Equipment for building maintenance on structures
- DIN EN ISO 14122 – Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery, working platforms and walkways
- DIN 14094 – Emergency ladder systems – Part 1: Requirements for emergency ladder systems + Part 2: Escape routes on roofs
- ASR A1.8 – Technical Rules for Workplaces – Traffic routes
Inspection obligations and responsibilities
Operator obligations under BetrSichV
According to the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), operators must:
- Have work equipment inspected before first use
- Have equipment approved after installation or modification
- Carry out regular inspections
- Document all inspections and defects
Competent inspection required
All inspections must be carried out by competent persons authorised to perform inspections, who have the necessary expertise, experience and up-to-date professional practice.
Legally compliant implementation with MUNK Service
Complete compliance coverage: MUNK Service ensures that all legal requirements are fully met.
- Standards-compliant inspections according to all relevant regulations
- Comprehensive documentation for authorities and insurers
- Competent execution by certified experts
- Timely handling in accordance with inspection deadlines
Manufacturer expertise for maximum legal certainty
As the service division of manufacturer MUNK, our inspection technicians have comprehensive knowledge of all relevant standards and regulations. We ensure the legally compliant fulfilment of your operator obligations and minimise your liability risk.
