"Standards cannot set out binding provisions for determining workers' fitness. They do not constitute a suitable legal basis for the conducting of fitness examinations; legally, they serve only as nonbinding recommendations." - German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

"Fitness examinations must be distinguished clearly from preventive medical check-ups. They encroach strongly upon the personal rights of employees working on railway tracks, since they have a substantial bearing upon whether a contract of employment is entered into or terminated. They must therefore be proportionate, and should be based upon government regulations and collective agreements rather than upon standards." - Dr Christian Gravert, Deutsche Bahn AG

"Just as the cobbler should stick to his last, standards developers should stick to the areas in which they are competent. No parameters exist that would enable generic conclusions to be drawn regarding fitness. A standard is therefore wholly unsuitable for describing the personal fitness of workers. Requirements concerning fitness should be laid down by the state, if at all. Even then, the principle is that in occupational safety and health, priority must always be given to technical solutions." - Heinz Fritsche, Interessengemeinschaft Metall