OVERVIEW

In this chapter we describe and analyse the system for setting and using exposure limits in Germany. Recent and as yet incomplete changes to this system mean that what is presented here represents an analysis of a system that is currently in the process of change. Some of its features are yet to be fully implemented. This has meant that to help to understand the significance of some of these new features many of the detailed experiences we discuss are those they are intended to replace. We aim to show the extent to which exposure to dangerous substances is monitored, the role of inspection and control agencies in this process and how well companies follow their obligations to respect limit values. We will do so by focussing on the example of two substances and concentrating on practices in the three industrial sectors where their occurrence is relatively frequent thus following the brief of the original study on which this book is based (Walters et al 2003). The two substances concerned are toluene and wood-dust and the three sectors, printing, metal working and wood-working in the furniture industry. Of course, entirely limiting the study to three branches and two substances would be somewhat restrictive. This would be particularly so when trying to analyse the development of the role OELs in industry generally and its relationship with wider regulatory development, so we also focus more widely where it is appropriate to do so.

Limiting ourselves to considering the example...