COSHH Assessments
Understanding COSHH
COSHH, or the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, is a legal requirement aimed at effectively managing exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.
Hazardous Substances
Numerous materials or substances encountered in the workplace pose potential health risks. These substances may include dusts, gases, or fumes that are inhaled, as well as liquids, gels, or powders that come into contact with the eyes or skin. Additionally, harmful micro-organisms may be present, leading to infection, allergic reactions, or toxicity.
Harmful substances can range from paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder fumes, blood, or waste. However, by utilizing these substances correctly, the risk of work-related ill health can be significantly reduced, as they rarely cause harm when handled properly.
Exemptions from COSHH
Certain substances are not covered by COSHH regulations, as they are governed by their specific regulations. These substances include lead, asbestos, and radioactive materials.
Hazards
Some substances have the potential to cause diseases such as asthma or cancer, while others can inflict damage to the skin or lead to severe, long-term lung problems. The effects of exposure to these substances can manifest immediately, such as dizziness or eye irritation, or may develop over many years, resulting in chronic conditions that are often irreversible.
Your Responsibilities
To mitigate workers’ exposure to hazardous substances, you must:
- Identify the health hazards associated with these substances.
- Conduct risk assessments to determine how to prevent harm to health.
- Implement control measures to minimize health risks.
- Ensure the proper utilization of these control measures.
- Maintain all control measures in good working condition.
- Provide comprehensive information, instruction, and training for workers and other relevant individuals.
- Conduct monitoring and health surveillance when deemed necessary.
- Develop emergency plans to address potential hazards.
Wooltown Safety Services can help and assist by carrying out your Coshh assessments for you. All you need to do is provide us with a list of your chemicals, substances and products you use, how they are used, for example, which construction process and let us do the rest for you.
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