Within the meaning of labour protection, the term “state of the art” denotes the development level of procedures, plants or modes of operation on the basis of on relevant scientific findings which have been verified and proven with regard to their functionality. Hence the state of the art represents the non plus ultra of attainable safety. Employers have to be knowledgeable about the state of the art, take it into account and apply it with due regard for any potential hazards in implementing safety at work concepts. The process of risk or hazard analysis constitutes the basis for the necessary and reasonable input required for taking action. State-of-the-art solutions are the goal that should be attained.
