scope:

This guideline describes the state of technology in the sense of the legal definition found in § 3 (6) of the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), the annex to § 3 (6) BImSchG, and in § 3 (10) of the German Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV). The state of technology in this sense refers to modern procedures, facilities or modes of operation in their latest state of development, which seem to ensure the practical suitability of a measure to limit emissions and to protect the health of employees. In determining the state of technology, comparable procedures, facilities and modes of operation, which have been successfully tested in operation, are to be referred to for purposes of comparison.

The guideline is applied to measures adopted to prevent explosions in elevators in which combustible dust/air mixtures, steam/air mixtures or hybrid mixtures are found or can develop when operated in the intended manner. This guideline provides information for manufacturers as well as special information for operators in the form of examples for conducting risk analyses and implementing preventive measures.