| Using chemicals or other
hazardous substances at work can put people’s health at risk. So the
law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to
prevent ill health. They have to protect both employees and others who
may be exposed by complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to
Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH).
Effects from hazardous substances range from mild
eye irritation to chronic lung disease or, on occasions, death. So why
is COSHH so often not controlled at all? The HSE guidance suggests a
seven step approach;
- Assess the risk....
- Decide what precautions are needed....
- Prevent or adequately control....
- Ensure that control measures are used
and maintained....
- Monitor the exposure....
- Carry out appropriate health
surveillance....
- Ensure employees are properly
informed, trained and supervised....
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Steps 2 to 7 are usually relatively simple. Most
fall at the first hurdle, "Assess the Risk....". Many believe
it to be to complicated, believing they need to be chemists to assess
the risk.
Our
"A Practical Approach to COSHH - Workshop", in conjunction with our suggested procedures
provides the organisation an effective, practical solution to
this issue.
People who should
attend:
By the end of the workshop they will:
- understand the difference
between physical, health and environmental hazards of substances.
- recognise the categories of
toxic substances and the effects on the body. Relate this
information to typical substances used in the Company.
- understand the concept of
occupational exposure limits and other parameters for measuring
toxic effects of substances.
- interpret health and safety
data sheets within the framework of the CHIP regulations.
- describe the factors which
affect the degree of risk from exposure to substances covered by the
COSHH Regulations.
- prepare COSHH risk
assessments relevant to their role.
- understand the control
measures and safety aspects requiring consideration and selection in
the COSHH assessments.
- interpret exposure
monitoring results to an elementary level.
- recognise COSHH
requirements for equipment maintenance, health surveillance,
monitoring and training.
Call us on 0870 350 2595 or e-mail us at
h&s@jamberry.co.uk
and ask us how we can help you.
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