Vorschriften für Hochbau und Tiefbau

Regulations for building construction and civil engineering

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Regulations for Structural and Civil Engineering

1. Structural Engineering - Accident Prevention

In structural engineering, the prevention of accidents caused by slipping, tripping, and falling (STF accidents) is of critical importance, as these are among the most frequent causes of accidents on construction sites. Unlike in fixed workplaces, special rules apply here because the work environment is dynamic and constantly changing.

 

Regulations and Legal Frameworks

The legal framework for preventing STF accidents in structural engineering is clearly defined in Germany and is mandatory for all parties involved in construction.

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG): The overarching law that establishes the employer's general obligation to conduct a risk assessment. Anyone performing work on a construction site must systematically evaluate potential hazards.
  • Construction Site Ordinance (BaustellV): This ordinance applies specifically to construction sites and defines the obligations of the client and the coordinators. It requires the creation of a Safety and Health Protection Plan (SiGe-Plan), which must also include measures to prevent slipping, tripping, and falling hazards.
  • DGUV Regulation 38 (Construction Work): The regulation of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) for construction work. It prescribes detailed safety measures that must be observed when performing construction work, including the safe design of traffic routes.
  • DGUV Rule 101-016 (Construction Industry): Clarifies the regulations and provides practical advice on how to assess and minimize risks on construction sites.


Important Regulations and Preventive Measures

Preventing STF accidents in structural engineering follows a clear principle: hazards must be combated at the source and technical measures must be prioritized.

Risk Assessment: Every construction company must assess the risks before beginning work. This includes identifying tripping hazards, analyzing ground conditions, and planning traffic routes.

Safe Traffic Routes:

  • Keeping clear: Traffic routes, walkways, and stairs must be kept free of debris, building materials, and tools.
  • Slip resistance: Surfaces that may become slippery due to weather conditions (rain, snow, ice) or construction materials (concrete, sand, mud) must be secured. Anti-slip mats or special coatings can be used for this purpose.
  • Order: Cables and hoses must be laid out in a way that they do not pose a tripping hazard.

Dealing with wetness and dirt:

  • Work during rain, frost, or thaws requires special caution.
  • Wet or dirty surfaces, such as those during concreting or plastering, must be cleaned regularly or secured with slip-resistant materials.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

The DGUV stipulates that slip-resistant footwear must be worn in areas where there is a risk of slipping. This is one of the most important individual measures.


Concrete Applications in Structural Engineering

The stated rules must be paid particular attention during the following work:

  • Scaffolding: Scaffolding surfaces and access points must have sufficient slip resistance.
  • Roofing work: When working on roofs, especially in wet conditions, special anti-slip coverings or walkways are required.
  • Shell construction: Freshly concreted or soiled floor slabs, stairs, and ramps must be secured.
  • Interior construction: During tiling, flooring, painting, and plastering, work paths must be kept free of slippery substances and tripping hazards.
  • Material storage: Areas where materials are stored or processed must be clean and safe to avoid accidents during transport.

Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal duty but a fundamental responsibility to protect the life and health of construction workers.



2. Civil Engineering - Accident Prevention


For civil engineering, special rules and regulations apply beyond general occupational safety laws to account for the unique hazards of this work environment. While structural engineering primarily deals with hazards at height and building construction, the focus in civil engineering is on risks arising from soil, trenches, and underground facilities.

 

Special Regulations for Civil Engineering

The foundation consists of general laws, which are further specified by specific DGUV regulations and rules.

  • DGUV Regulation 38 "Construction Work": This is the central set of rules for all construction work. However, it contains specific sections for civil engineering work, such as those for excavations and trenches.
  • DGUV Rule 101-020 "Work in the vicinity of gas pipelines": A highly specialized regulation addressing the hazards of earthworks near gas pipelines.
  • Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR) and Construction Site Ordinance (BaustellV): The principles from these rules also apply in civil engineering but must be adapted to the changing conditions of a construction site.

 

Concrete Applications and Rules to Observe

Regulations in civil engineering are stricter because hazards are often unpredictable (e.g., collapse of trench walls, gas leaks).

1. Trench and Earthworks

This is the core business of civil engineering and carries the highest risks.

  • Shoring and Sloping: According to DGUV Regulation 38, walls of excavations and trenches from a depth of 1.25 m must be shored or sloped to prevent collapse. In most cases, the regulations of DIN 4124 "Excavations and trenches" are applied.
  • Safe access: There must be safe and sure-footed access to the trenches, such as ladders that extend at least 1 m above the trench edge.
  • Work paths: The edges of trenches must be kept free of material and equipment to prevent items from falling into the trench and endangering workers.

 

2. Pipeline and Sewer Construction

Working in sewers and pipes carries the danger of suffocation due to gases, infection, or drowning.

  • Safety measures: Before entering enclosed spaces, it is mandatory to measure the atmosphere for hazardous gases.
  • Equipment: Suitable equipment such as respiratory protection and gas detectors must be available.
  • Safety lookout: During work, a person must always be present outside the sewer area as a safety lookout, who maintains constant contact with the workers and can call for help in an emergency.

 

3. Traffic Routes and Construction Roads

  • Stabilization: Construction roads and paths must be sufficiently load-bearing and designed so that they cannot be overloaded and the risk of slipping is minimized.
  • Drainage: It must be ensured that rainwater can drain effectively so that no mud patches form, which increase the risk of slipping.
  • Separation of paths: Pedestrian paths should, if possible, be separated from traffic routes for machines and trucks.

In summary, the general rules of occupational safety in civil engineering are complemented by a very detailed web of regulations and rules, specifically tailored to the hazards of earthworks and the construction of underground facilities.