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Perform HSE COSHH Assessment using eAuditor

HSE COSHH Assessment (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) is a process to identify, evaluate, and control the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace to protect workers’ health.

HSE COSHH Assessment – (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

A COSHH assessment is a legal requirement under the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, aimed at controlling exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. The goal is to prevent or reduce worker exposure to chemicals, fumes, dusts, mists, vapours, biological agents, and other harmful substances.

Key Elements of a COSHH Assessment

1. Identify Hazardous Substances

• Look at:

  • Chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS)

  • By-products of work processes (e.g. welding fumes, dust)

  • Biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses in laboratories or healthcare)

2. Assess the Risk

• How are people exposed?

  • Inhalation

  • Skin contact

  • Ingestion

  • Injection (accidental punctures)

• Who is exposed?

  • Workers

  • Contractors

  • Cleaners or maintenance staff

• Frequency and duration of exposure

3. Implement Control Measures (Hierarchy of Control)

• Eliminate the hazard if possible

• Substitute with a less hazardous substance

• Use engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, fume hoods)

• Apply administrative controls (training, signage, procedures)

• Provide appropriate PPE (gloves, respirators, eye protection)

4. Record the Assessment

• Document all findings and controls

• Keep SDS readily available

• Ensure the assessment is specific to your workplace and task

5. Review and Update

• Regularly or when:

  • There’s a change in process or substance

  • A health incident occurs

  • New information about the substance becomes available

Need for COSHH?

• When using substances with hazard symbols (e.g., toxic, corrosive, flammable)

• When a work activity produces hazardous by-products

• Storing or transporting hazardous materials

Example Substances That Require COSHH Assessments

• Solvents, paints, and adhesives

• Cleaning chemicals

• Dust from wood, flour, or stone

• Asbestos

• Welding fumes

• Biological materials in labs or healthcare

To perform an HSE COSHH Assessment using eAuditor, follow these steps:

1. Create or Select a Template

• Use an existing COSHH assessment template or create one tailored to your workplace.
• Include fields for:
  • Substance name
  • Hazard identification
  • Exposure routes
  • Risk assessment
  • Control measures
  • PPE requirements
  • Emergency procedures

2. Identify Hazardous Substances

• List all substances in the workplace that may pose a health risk (e.g., chemicals, fumes, dust).
• For each substance, identify the potential health hazards (e.g., toxicity, flammability).

3. Assess Risks

• Evaluate the level of risk associated with each substance based on:
  • Frequency of exposure
  • Duration of exposure
  • Concentration of substance
• Use a risk matrix to classify risks as low, medium, or high.

4. Implement Control Measures

• Identify control measures to reduce or eliminate risks, such as:
  • Ventilation systems
  • Safe handling procedures
  • Substitution with less harmful substances
• Specify how each control measure should be applied and maintained.

5. Define PPE Requirements

• List the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling each substance, such as gloves, respirators, or goggles.

6. Outline Emergency Procedures

• Document emergency actions in case of exposure, spills, or accidents, such as:
  • First aid
  • Spill containment
  • Evacuation procedures

7. Review and Approval

• Have the assessment reviewed by relevant personnel (e.g., safety officers, supervisors).
• Ensure all control measures and PPE are in place and that workers are trained.

8. Submit and Track Reports

• Generate and share the completed COSHH assessment report with relevant stakeholders.
• Use eAuditor’s tracking features to monitor corrective actions and ensure compliance with control measures.

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