Safety
"Just stir the acid, it won't take five minutes."
As a minor you are supposed to work with hazardous substances, dangerous machines or in heat/noise.
§ 22 JArbSchG / GefStoffV
The boss may NOT do that
Young people may not carry out dangerous work!
Young people (under 18) may NOT be employed on work that exceeds their capacity, poses moral hazards or entails dangers to life/health (§ 22 JArbSchG): hazardous substances, noise > 85 dB, heat/cold/wetness to a hazardous extent, biological agents of risk group 2–4. EXCEPTION: to achieve the training goal, if competent supervision is present (§ 22 (2) JArbSchG).
What the law says
§ 22 JArbSchG – Dangerous work
Young people may not be employed on work that exceeds their physical or psychological capacity, on work that entails moral hazards, or on work involving accident risks which young people, due to a lack of safety awareness or experience, cannot be expected to recognise or avert.
§ 22 (2) JArbSchG – Exception for training
Paragraph 1 does not apply to the employment of young people insofar as this is necessary to achieve their training goal and their protection is ensured by the supervision of a competent person.
What you can do
- List of prohibited substances/activities: TRGS 905 (Hazardous Substances Ordinance).
- Competent supervision means: a person right beside you, not "in the building".
- Noise, vibration, radiation → specific limit values in ordinances.
- The employment ban exists — the trainee cannot waive it.
Email template for your trainer
Subject: Work with hazardous substances / dangerous work
Dear [name of trainer],
on [date] I was instructed to carry out [activity with substance/machine].
As a young person under 18, I am subject to the employment ban of § 22 JArbSchG. Such work is only permitted under direct competent supervision and to achieve the training goal.
I kindly ask you to clarify whether the conditions are met; otherwise, to assign me a suitable task.
Kind regards
[Your name]