COSHH Regulations

Care of Substances Hazardous to Health

These provide a framework to help protect people in the workplace against health risks from hazardous substances. The substances may be used directly in the work (e.g. cleaning chemicals, chemical reagents) or may arise from the work (e.g. dusts, fumes and waste products).COSHH lays down a sensible step-by-step approach to the necessary precautions and is therefore a useful tool of good management. The potential for identifiable cost benefits (e.g. tighter control over the use and storage of materials),improved morale and industrial relations have been widely realised. COSHH applies to virtually all substances hazardous to health. Exceptions include asbestos and lead (which have their own regulations) and substances which are hazardous only because they are radioactive, asphyxiants, at high pressure/temperature or have explosive/flammable properties.

Definitions 

Hazard - is the potential to cause harmRisk - is the likelihood that it will harm you in the actual circumstances of useThe risk will depend on a number of factors, such as the hazard presented by the substance, how it is used, how exposure is controlled, the degree and extent of exposure.

COSHH Risk Assessment 

COSHH requires the following:

1.       Assessment of the risks

2.       Deciding what precautions are needed

3.       Prevention or control of the risks

4.       Ensuring that control measures are used and maintained

5.       Monitoring exposure and health surveillance, where necessary

6.       Informing, instructing and training employees about the risks and precautions needed.

Assessment - is a step-by-step approach:

·          Identify what hazards there are

·          Evaluate the risks to people

·          For significant risks, decide on the action needed to remove or reduce them to insignificant levels.

Assessment is the responsibility of the employer. Persons preparing the assessment will need to:-

1.       have access to, and understand, COSHH, related legislation, codes of practice and published guidance

2.       be competent to carry through the work of assessment

3.       consult widely within the workforce and inform them of results accordingly

4.       consider peripatetic workers (who work for you on other premises)

Hazards - Substances hazardous to health include:-substances classified as dangerous to health under the Chemicals Hazard Information and Packing for Supply) (CHIP3) Regulations 2002. Many are listed in "The Approved Supply List" which is part of the "CHIP 3" regulations. Substances with occupational exposure limits (these are specified in Guidance Note EH40 which is revised annually) biological agents dusts of any kind in substantial concentrations

Identification of hazardous substances can be sought from hazard data sheets, labels etc. from suppliers (required by law) from which you must draw conclusions relevant to the way the substance is used in the workplace knowledge from within your business or industry; trade literature published guidance/documents

Part V of the Approved Supply List (HSE)Risks - Risk assessment involves looking at:

1.       Use, handling, generation, release etc. of hazardous substances

2.       Who might be affected and likely exposure level/extent

3.       Nature of exposure (breathing in, swallowing, skin absorption etc.)

4.       Current measures to prevent or control exposure - effectiveness and use

5.       Accidental leakage, spillage or release

6.   Cleaning and maintenance operations.

Informing, Instructing and Training Employees 

Must be carried out by employers regarding the substances and their associated risks and precautions. Sufficient information and instructionshould be given on control measures, personal protective equipment, results of any exposure monitoring or health surveillance and emergencyprocedures.