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On Safe Lines
QHSE Specialist

Dedicated to Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental Guidance and Support

A COSHH Risk Assessment is a step-by-step approach that requires you to.

Identify what hazards there are.
Evaluate the risks to people, and

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

A COSHH Risk Assessment is the responsibility of the employer. Persons preparing the assessment will need to.

Have access too and understand COSHH related legislation, codes of practice and relevant guidance.
Be competent to carry through the work required by the assessment.
Consult widely within the workforce and inform them of results accordingly, and,
Keep in mind your nomadic workers, (who work for you on other premises)

Note. An assessment made for the purposes of the COSHH Regulations will 'not' need to be repeated for the purposes of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The following is a useful list of, Do's and Don'ts for Chemical Handling;

Do check container label before using,
Do use appropriate protective clothing and equipment,
Do open containers carefully, in well ventilated area (beware of pressure building up in containers),
Do know and understand the hazards of the chemical you are using,
Do make sure your actions are authorised by your supervisor and or manager,
Do understand COSHH Risk Assessment detail and work safely to ensure minimum risk for yourself, your colleagues and others who may be affected,
Do clean up minor spillages,
Do ensure you report major spillages,
If in doubt consult with your supervisor and or manager.
Don't use chemicals if the container labels are missing or damaged so that key information is illegible,
Don't use contaminated or unsuitable mixing or measuring equipment,
Don't eat, drink or smoke when handling or using chemicals.