Coshh - A Risk Assessment Checklist For Those Using Chemical Substances

The main aim of a CoSHH risk assessment is to protect the health and safety of workers. A risk assessment helps to reduce the possibility of employees being affected while doing work related tasks. It is a legal requirement that employers follow CoSHH legislation.

The following is a checklist to identify if a hazard exists in your place of work:

- Are hazardous chemical substances used in the work place? Such hazardous substances could include those classified as toxic, corrosive, irritant etc

- Are Safety Data Sheets accessible for each hazardous substance that is used?

- Are all hazardous substances properly labelled?

- Are all hazardous chemicals correctly handled?

- Are all members of staff who use hazardous chemicals informed on a regular basis as to the dangers of these chemicals?

- Are there any young employees or pregnant women who have contact with carcinogenic or mutagenic substances?

- Are concentration measurements of substances used in line with Maximum Admissible Concentrations?

- Is collective protective equipment such as general ventilation and local ventilation systems in place in areas where chemicals are used?

- Are these ventilation systems checked on a regular basis?

- Do employees who use chemical substances, have access to personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves?

- Are workers who are exposed to hazardous substances undergoing regular medical examinations?

- Are employees being given adequate training in the use of chemicals?

Preventative Measures which can be put into place to reduce risk to employees' health include the following:

- Replacing very toxic substances with less toxic ones

- If possible, stop using substances which are carcinogenic or mutagenic

- Use an automated system for applying chemical substances

- Ensure that Safety Data Sheets are at hand and are the most up to date copies

- Keep a check that chemicals are being properly handled

- Ensure that hazardous substances are stored correctly

- Keep note of the amount of chemical concentration

- Install suitable collective protection equipment

- Make sure that employees have access to PPE

- Ensure local exhaust ventilation equipment is always used when chemical concentration exceeds the Maximum Admissible Concentration

- Technical checks should be made on all equipment used with chemicals.They should be inspected frequently and cleaned thoroughly

- Give employees who are exposed to hazardous substances frequent medical examinations

- Keep employees up to speed with training on the risks of using chemical substances