COSHH

Overview: This talk will cover: risk assessment, hazards, control measures and safe use of substances.

Risk Assessment

1 Management must carry out a risk assessment to find out whether:                                                                                                    - exposure to a substance can be eliminated
- alternative work methods can reduce exposure
- a less hazardous substance can be used
2 Any substance with a hazard warning label has the potential to cause harm – asses the risk before using it.

Hazards

1 How you could be affected by a hazardous substance:
- ingestion – eating contaminated food
- inhalation – breathing harmful dust or fumes
- absorption – chemicals entering through cuts etc.

2 Examples of hazardous substances on construction sites:
- contaminated ground
- concrete admixtures
- cement
- solvent fumes
- hardwood dust
- resins
- epoxy-based paints
- welding fumes
- asbestos

3 Don’t mix chemicals or substances

Control measures

1 When using hazardous substances, wear the correct PPE.
2 Know how to look after and use PPE correctly.
3 Know where washing and first-aid facilities are on site.
4 Ensure hazardous substances are put back into a secure location after use and not left out on site.

Use of substances

1 Make sure you are trained to use hazardous substances.
2 Read and comply with the information on the hazard data sheet and the instructions on the product label.
3 Don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling substances.
4 Don’t expose workers to fumes, dust, gas or other dangers from hazardous substances due to your work.
5 Always wash at the end of each shift and before eating.

REMEMBER: KNOW WHAT PPE TO WEAR TO PROTECT AGAINST THE HAZARD.