COSHH Assessments creation and development

What are COSHH Assessments?

COSHH Assessments stand for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Assessments, which are essential documents that identify hazardous substances, assess risks, and outline control measures for workplace projects. They are crucial for ensuring safety and are a legal requirement. COSHH documents detail the risks, hazards, and control measures specific to activities involving hazardous substances, promoting systematic risk management. Essentially, COSHH Assessments consist of identifying the hazards, assessing the risks, and putting controls in place.

What is COSHH

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a set of regulations enforced in the UK that requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances in order to prevent ill health. Under COSHH, "hazardous substances" include:

➢Chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, and gases

➢Nanomaterials

➢Biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses)

➢Substances with a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL)

➢Mixtures of substances with harmful effects

➢It does not cover asbestos, lead, or radioactive substances, as these are regulated separately.

What will the COSHH Assessment include?

A detailed assessment is essential for planning and managing tasks in the workplace and is crucial for protecting your workforce and demonstrating your commitment to safety standards.

➢Identification of Hazardous Substances: A list of all hazardous substances present in the workplace, including their hazard symbols and exposure limits. 

➢Assessment of Risks: Evaluation of the risks associated with exposure to these substances, including the likelihood of exposure, frequency, duration, and the potential health effects. 
➢Control Measures: Recommendations for control measures to prevent or reduce exposure, such as enclosure, ventilation, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). 
➢Documentation: Keeping records of the assessment findings, control measures implemented, and any changes to the assessment. 
➢Monitoring and Maintenance: Ongoing monitoring of workplace exposure and maintenance of control measures to ensure they remain effective. 

How can we help.?

At Alpha Health & Safety Training Solutions, we help with developing and maintaining comprehensive COSHH Assessments while ensuring legal compliance and requirements are met. The COSHH Assessments will enhance safety, efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately reducing risks of accidents and ensuring successful tasks.