Chemicals can kill! The use of Hazardous substances are regulated under the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 1992 (COSHH). It is not only “chemicals” however, it also covers contact and contamination with any biological substances we may encounter at work, which would include bird blobs or rodent remains, for example.
Here are 4 TIPS for safe COSHH implementation:
Task evaluation: Confirm the task before you begin and evaluate the risk. You should have a risk assessment and know what, where and why you need this stuff, and what is likely to contact you or others around you, and how.
Identify: Identify the substance accurately. Ensure the COSHH risk assessment is relevant & read the CHIP label: Do you know what you have and what it can do? Are all health risks identified – is the contamination risk through inhalation, ingestion, injection or absorption? Will it be just you at risk or will it affect others, too?
PPE: Do you have it? Do you wear it? Is it suitable for the substance and compatible with the task, and in good condition? Can you remove it without touching the contaminated surface?
Safety Directions: Do you know what to do in an emergency? What to do if is spills, splashes, or s…. Know the safety directions if contamination or contact occurs: should you induce vomiting? How long should you rinse? Is a spill kit necessary?
THE RAM SPEAKS
“A good RAM will specify what substances are to be used or can be contacted, what risks are relevant, what controls to use & what PPE to wear. It should also include a reminder to perform the following checks.”
COSHH CHECKS
Check the Tasks
Check the Risks
Check the Protection
Check the Precautions
Check it Works
4 Routes of Contamination: There are 4 major contamination routes for hazardous substances: inhalation, ingestion, injection and absorption. Direct contact, spills & splashes cause absorption. Dusts, fumes or vapours from using or disturbing a substance (including drilling or cutting) will cause inhalation. Contact with mouth, by touching, eating or drinking with contaminated hands, may cause ingestion. Puncturing the skin by tools or objects will cause injection.
4 Hazards to Control: Consider 4 types of serious hazard from the substances we regularly encounter: Corrosive – destroys tissue; Carcinogenic – causes cancer; Irritant – inflammation or agitation; Sensitising – allergic response.
Call: 07878 126 442