Details of a COSHH assessment

A COSHH assessment Is very similar to a risk assessment but is applied specifically to hazardous substances. There are six stages to a COSHH assessment  

1 identify the hazardous substances present in the workplace and those who could be affected by them 

4 decide on the control measures, if any, required including information, instruction and training 

It is important that the assessment is conducted by somebody who is competent to undertake it. Such competence will require some training, the extent of which will depend on the complexities of the workplace. For large organizations with many high-risk operations, a team of competent assessors will be needed. 

If the assessment is simple and easily repeated, a written record is not necessary. In other cases, a concise and dated record of the assessment together with recommended control measures should be made available to all those likely to be affected by the hazardous substances. The assessment should be reviewed on a regular basis particularly when there are changes in work process or substances or when adverse ill-health is reported. 

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