The Hazardous Substances Regulation is a central foundation for safe and legally compliant work in demolition, deconstruction, building gutting, natural stone extraction, as well as in rock excavation and tunnel construction. Wherever mineral dusts, vapors, aerosols, contaminated sites or operating supplies occur or are generated during work processes, it defines requirements for protective measures, organization, and documentation. For companies working with hydraulic tools such as concrete pulverizers, concrete splitter, hydraulic shear, cutting torch, or power unit, it serves as a guide to minimizing exposures and environmental impacts — from low-dust cutting to handling hydraulic fluid. This article places the Hazardous Substances Regulation in a practical context and shows its significance for the methods and products used by Darda GmbH in the aforementioned application areas.
Definition: What is meant by the Hazardous Substances Regulation
The Hazardous Substances Regulation (GefStoffV) governs the protection of employees and third parties when handling hazardous substances. It covers substances, mixtures, and articles as well as activities in which hazardous substances are generated or released — for example mineral dust during concrete demolition and deconstruction or vapors when opening tanks. It specifies duties for hazard analysis, substitution, exposure minimization, training, labeling, and storage. It is complemented by technical rules (TRGS), chemicals legislation (CLP and REACH regulations), and occupational safety requirements. In practice, it provides the framework for systematic hazardous substance management that significantly influences the selection of work methods — for example, the use of concrete pulverizers or concrete splitter.
Duties and responsibilities under the Hazardous Substances Regulation
Before work begins, employers must prepare a hazard analysis, identify hazardous substance sources, and examine substitution options. On this basis, appropriate technical, organizational, and personal protective measures must be defined in line with the STOP principle. Operating instructions, safety data sheets, and training must be provided; exposures must be monitored and documented. Hazardous substances must be labeled, safely stored, and properly disposed of. For construction and deconstruction projects, this means selecting and operating methods to minimize the generation of dust, vapors, and aerosols as well as the handling of operating supplies — such as hydraulic fluid; this explicitly includes the use of low-dust methods such as mechanical splitting or hydraulic shear, insofar as they are technically suitable.
Scope and interfaces: REACH, CLP and TRGS
The Hazardous Substances Regulation applies wherever hazardous substances are used, released, or formed by processes. It is closely linked to:
- CLP (Classification, Labeling, Packaging): Basis for pictograms, H-/P-statements, and labeling of containers, e.g., lubricants and hydraulic fluids.
- REACH: Information obligations in safety data sheets, restrictions, authorizations.
- TRGS: Technical concretizations, e.g., on dust, asbestos, solvents, operating instructions, ventilation, and measurement strategies.
For the areas of concrete demolition and special demolition, building gutting and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, as well as special operations, these interfaces are crucial to define methods, work equipment, and organizational procedures in a legally robust and practical manner.
Hazard analysis and hazardous substance list in deconstruction
The hazard analysis identifies sources of hazardous substances, assesses exposures, and defines protective measures. A hazardous substance list includes all hazardous substances used or generated and refers to safety data sheets. In practice, this includes, among other things:
- Determining material-related risks (e.g., asbestos-containing components, PAH/PCB in sealants, contaminated coatings, mineral dust from concrete, natural stone, masonry).
- Assessing process-related emissions (e.g., fine dust during cutting, aerosols during high-pressure washer operations, exhaust gases from power unit, vapors when opening tanks).
- Recording operating-supply-related hazards (hydraulic fluid, fuels, lubricants, coolants).
- Selecting methods with lower emission and hazard potential, e.g., concrete pulverizers or rock splitters instead of percussive methods, where technically suitable.
Typical hazardous substances in the application areas
Mineral dusts: respirable crystalline silica and cement dust
During the demolition of concrete, natural stone, and masonry, respirable dust can be generated that may contain respirable crystalline silica. Low-dust methods, local dust extraction, and water application are key measures to reduce exposures below workplace-related limits. Mechanical cutting or splitting methods — in particular the use of concrete pulverizers and concrete splitter — can significantly reduce dust generation compared to percussive or thermal methods.
Contaminated sites and hazardous substances in existing structures
Existing buildings may contain asbestos, PCB/PAH, heavy-metal-containing coatings, or mineral-fiber insulation materials. Investigations and, where necessary, remediation concepts are required before work begins. Activities must be planned in accordance with the relevant technical rules to avoid fiber release and contamination.
Metal dust and particles
Cutting reinforcement, sections, or tanks can produce metal dust and sparks. Hydraulic shear and cutting torch must be operated to minimize heat input, sparking, and fumes. Dust extraction, shielding, and fire protection must be planned.
Operating supplies: hydraulic fluid, fuels, lubricants
Power units and hydraulic tools require oils that can be relevant to skin and the environment. Leak-tightness, containment systems, suitable hydraulic hose line, correct quick coupling, and clean maintenance reduce the risk of leaks and aerosol formation. Substances must be stored with labeling and, in the event of release, properly collected and disposed of.
Gases and vapors in tanks and confined spaces
Opening and cutting vessels can lead to flammable or harmful atmospheres. Prior to work, inspections, clearance measurements, and ventilation measures must be provided. The functionality and application limits of cutting torch must be considered in line with explosion protection requirements.
STOP principle: Technical, organizational, and personal protective measures
Substitution and method selection
Where possible, lower-emission methods must be preferred. In practice, depending on the component and structural analysis, the use of concrete pulverizers or concrete splitter can reduce dust, noise, and vibrations and thus improve exposure conditions.
Technical measures
- Dust extraction and dust-binding water application at cutting points; dust protection walls in interior areas.
- Tight hydraulic systems; keep drip trays and absorbents ready for leaks.
- Adequate ventilation, especially during tank cutting and in tunnel/shaft areas.
- Select equipment locations so that exhaust gases and aerosols are kept away from people.
Organizational measures
- Segregation of work areas, access control, cleaning and change zones.
- Structure workflows so that dust-intensive steps are separated in time and space.
- Regular training, operating instructions visible on site, clarify responsibilities.
Personal protective measures
- Respiratory protection according to the hazard analysis (e.g., particle-filtering for dust, combined filters for vapors), eye protection, hand protection, suitable body protection.
- Skin protection and cleaning concepts to prevent dermatitis from concrete or oil contact.
Specific notes on concrete pulverizers and concrete splitter
When selecting and using these tools, minimizing exposure is paramount. Concrete pulverizers enable controlled removal and downsizing of concrete structures. Concrete splitter use controlled splitting forces to separate material without impact. Both methods can — with suitable components — reduce the formation of fine dust, secondary breakage, and aerosols compared to alternative methods. Note:
- Controlled working technique and low speeds/feeds to minimize dust turbulence.
- Targeted water application or point dust extraction at the cutting or splitting point.
- Regular inspection of hydraulic hose lines and quick couplings to avoid oil mist and leaks.
- Organized material laydown and breakage control to prevent uncontrolled particle release.
Power unit, hydraulic shear, and cutting torch in the sense of the GefStoffV
Hydraulic power units must be operated to minimize emissions: leak-tight systems, suitable hydraulic hose line, clean couplings, regular maintenance. When using combination shears, steel shear, and multi cutters, sparks, metal dust, and fumes must be limited by appropriate cutting technique, shielding, and dust extraction. Cutting torch requires special attention to explosion protection, ventilation, and atmospheric measurements. Operating manual should clearly depict the specific hazardous substance aspects of these devices.
Labeling, storage, and transport of hazardous substances
- Maintain original labeling with GHS pictograms; keep safety data sheets available.
- Store in suitable, tight containers; observe containment trays and separators.
- Segregation of incompatible substances; protection from heat sources and mechanical damage.
- Transport in suitable containers; secure against tipping and leakage.
Measurement, monitoring, and limit values
Dust and air measurements may be necessary to verify the effectiveness of protective measures. Workplace-related limit values and relevant measurement strategies apply. Documented results support the continuous optimization of methods and the selection of suitable work equipment.
Emergency and incident management
- Immediate measures in the event of leaks: cordon off the area, keep ignition sources away, apply absorbents, proper disposal.
- First aid for skin or eye contact with hazardous substances in accordance with operating instructions.
- Define alarm chains and contacts; keep emergency equipment ready.
Disposal, cleaning, and decontamination
Low-dust cleaning (e.g., with industrial vacuum cleaners of appropriate classes) is preferable to dry sweeping. Waste must be segregated, labeled, and disposed of according to its properties. Device surfaces and hydraulic components must be cleaned regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
Training, operating instructions, and qualification
Employees must be trained before starting work and at regular intervals. Operating instructions must be understandable and reflect the relevant hazardous substance risks, protective measures, and rules of conduct. Qualification requirements — for example, for work on contaminated components or in ATEX zones — must be taken into account. Documentation and effectiveness verification are essential elements of professional hazardous substance management.
Method selection with respect to hazardous substances
The choice of work method significantly influences the type and extent of hazardous substance exposure. Where structurally and technically feasible, the requirements for substitution favor low-emission methods. In many scenarios of concrete demolition or building gutting, the use of concrete pulverizers or concrete splitter can reduce dust and aerosol exposure, while in metal deconstruction, hydraulic shear can be an alternative to spark-intensive methods. The decision must always be project-specific — based on the hazard analysis, material properties, and surrounding conditions.