Coshh - Understanding Which Hazardous Substances Are Present In Your Workplace.

If chemicals or other hazardous substances are being used in your workplace, then your employees health could be in danger by causing illnesses such as asthma, dermatitis or cancer.

CoSHH regulations stipulate that employers control substances that can cause potential harm to employees health. One of the stages in the CoSHH risk assessment framework is to identify what hazardous substances might be present in the workplace.

Substances covered by CoSHH can take three possible forms - solids, liquids and gases and vapours. Solids comprise substances such as toner powder, smoke, dusts, sawdust and fumes. Liquids include rubber cement, paint thinner, solvents and fuels. Gases and vapours come in a variety of forms such as smoke, ammonia gas, paint vapours, carbon monoxide and natural gas.

It is important as an employer to identify what substances are coming into the workplace and where they are used, worked on, handled or stored.

It is also necessary to think about what substances may be produced during any process as by products might be given off as wastes or fumes etc.

Substances can arise from a number of sources such as maintenance, cleaning or repair work.

To recognise a hazardous substance you must have the necessary CoSHH knowledge, skills and expertise to do this. If the substance is classified as toxic or 'dangerous for supply' then the supplier must send a safety data sheet (MSDS) when the product is initially ordered. This information offers guidance on safe handling practices. If necessary contact the supplier or sales representative for more information. Another way to gather more information on the product would be to research it on the internet or check the HSE website (CoSHH) under the sub heading for your trade.

Examples of hazardous substances found in the office include photocopier toner, glue, paints, and domestic cleaning products such as bleach and furniture polish and pest control substances.

Other substances which can be harmful include flowers, bulbs, fruit and vegetables which can cause dermatitis. Dusty working areas, for example in welders and woodworkers, can cause lung diseases.

It's also a myth to believe that just because a product is labeled 'natural' it can't be harmful. For example, henna can cause dermatitis and asthma.

Aside from health hazards, there can also be physical effects such as fire and explosion from certain hazardous substances. An example of this is that certain solvent-based products emit a flammable vapour. Also, clouds of dust from everyday materials, such as wood dust or flour, can explode if ignited.

Once it has been ascertained that hazardous substances are present in the workplace it is essential for a CoSHH risk assessment to be carried out.