Operating instructions
To prevent accidents and health risks, the employer issues workplace or activity-related instructions to its employees or students. It is a legal requirement to draw up operating instructions in writing. The advantages of this are
- Systematic summary of the most important operational safety aspects.
- Instructions are simpler, as the most important information is listed in the operating instructions in a short and concise form.
- Those instructed can refer to important protective measures and rules of conduct at any time.
- Greater legal certainty for those responsible / department heads / facility managers through compliance with legal requirements.
Practical structure
Operating instructions are drawn up according to a predefined, practical structure (see blank forms). It is important that the operating instructions are drawn up specifically for the company and become binding when signed by the person responsible. The hazard symbols and safety signs can be found under "Safety labeling" on the website of Department 7. In addition, operating instructions for hazardous substances must be surrounded by a red border and operating instructions for work equipment by a blue border. Other forms can be, for example, the handling of biological substances or the use of PPE - here we recommend working without a colored border. Experience has shown that operating instructions from the Internet are often copied; these must be checked critically and must be rewritten for the workplaces at TU Dortmund University.