Guidance on Creating Specific CoSHH Risk Assessments (view example CoSHH assessment)

CoSHH risk assessment - Preview

 

COSHH365 our ground-breaking online CoSHH and CoSHH risk management solution was developed due to the findings of a unique study on CoSHH compliance. Here at Ethos Solution Ltd, Lancaster University a study was carried out in early 2007 into CoSHH and the associated challenges that UK industry faces in managing this crucial aspect of health and safety.

 

We interviewed 1,000 organisations across a broad spectrum of industries including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, hospitality and pharmaceutical - the results where staggering.

 

  • 86% say that CoSHH and CoSHH Risk Management is unrealistic and a drain on limited resources.
  • 92% say that their Safety Data Sheets are out of date and unmanageable.
  • 70% say that they have looked into a solution but had been unsuccessful in finding a cost effective alternative.
  • 9% say that they are already using expensive and often complicated electronic management systems.

 

COSHH365 was launched in answer to these concerns.  You can watch the video here or even set-up a free trail account. Read on to find out more about creating simple and effective CoSHH reports (preview).

CoSHH assessment - Preview


How to create a compliant CoSHH and CoSHH risk assessment:


Step 1 - Assess the risks.


Assess the risks to health from hazardous substances used in or created by your workplace activities. Risk needs to be assessed specific to the person whom is using the substance also. For example, teratogens must not be used by pregnant women because they can cause birth defects.

 

Step 2 - Decide what precautions are needed.


You must not carry out work which could expose your employees to hazardous substances without first considering the risks and the necessary precautions and what else you need to do to comply with CoSHH.

 

Step 3 - Prevent or adequately control exposure.


You must prevent your employees from being exposed to hazardous substances. Where preventing exposure is not reasonably practicable, then you must adequately control it.  The advice in this leaflet and in the other guidance it refers to will help you to make correct assessments and to put the appropriate controls into place.

 

Step 4 - Ensure that control measures are used and maintained.


Ensure that control measures are used andmaintained properly and that safety procedures are followed.

 

Step 5 - Monitor the exposure.


Monitor the exposure of employees to hazardous substances, if necessary.

 

Step 6 - Carry out appropriate health surveillance.


Carry out appropriate health surveillance where your assessment has shown this is necessary or where CoSHH sets specific requirements. Take particular notice of risk and safety phrases on the manufacturers safety data sheet.

 

Step 7 - Prepare plans and procedures to deal with with accidents, incidents and emergencies.


Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies involving hazardous substances where necessary.

 

Step 8 - Ensure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised.


You should provide your employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training.


Your CoSHH and CoSHH risk report should be thorough whilst simple to understand for the person carrying out the tasks within your organisation.  After all the outcome should lead to employee safety and reduced liabilities for your company.

 

All this can sound very long winded, time consuming and daunting but when finally complete your report should look something like this:-

CoSHH Assessment - Example

COSHH Regulation

 

The Control of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations of 1988, consolidated in 1994, amended in 1996, 1997and 1998, 1999 and further consolidated in 2002 are the main piece of legislation covering control of the risks to employees and other people arising from exposure to harmful substances generated out of or in connection with any work activity under the employer's control.  The main objective of the Regulations is to reduce occupational ill health by setting out a simple framework for controlling hazardous substances in the workplace.