Supplementary Information

This section gives additional information which will assist in the assessment and control of hazardous substances.  The term ‘hazardous substance’ describes a wide range of substances with the potential to cause harm if they are inhaled, ingested, injected or absorbed through the skin/eyes or released into the environment.  Common substances such as cleaning materials, herbicides and pesticides can be hazardous and/or harmful to the environment.

5.1     Control Measures

Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to a hazardous substance, control measures will be stated in the COSHH risk assessment to ensure the risk is adequately controlled.

Examples of control measures include, the use of equipment and systems of work which minimise the production of, or suppress and contain spills, leaks, dusts, fumes and vapours.

For example, the use of:

• fume cupboards
• dust extraction
• spray booths
• welding fume hoods
• personal protective equipment

Limiting the quantities of hazardous substances stored at the establishment and ensuring safe storage, handling and disposal will also help to reduce the risk. For example, the use of:

• a secure cupboard for hazardous chemicals
• a purpose-built flammable store or lockable metal cabinet
• appropriate equipment for transporting containers of substances such as bottle carriers
• limiting the number of people who might be exposed to a hazardous substance
• prohibiting eating, drinking and smoking in areas in which hazardous substances are used or stored
• adequate cleaning of walls and floors and high-level cleaning, for example, in areas such as workshops, pottery studios, etc. which are prone to the accumulation of dusts
• personal washing and drying facilities e.g. where there is a risk of infection or dermatitis
• appropriate hazard warning signs on cabinets and cupboards where hazardous substances are stored. If labelling an external store may increase the risk of vandalism use a Hazchem type sign

5.2     Maintenance of Control Measures

Engineering control measures such as fume cupboards, dust and fume extraction, spray booths etc. must be regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person.

All engineering controls must be visually inspected weekly. In addition, all local exhaust ventilation required for health and safety reasons must be regularly inspected tested at least once every 14 months by a competent person, (this will usually be carried out annually by a competent contractor) records of the tests must be kept for a period of 5 years.

5.3     Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes:

• eye and face protection, for example, goggles and face visors
• protective clothing, for example, laboratory coats, overalls and aprons
• protective gloves and gauntlets, for example, made of rubber, PVC, nitrile, etc.
• respiratory protective equipment (RPE), for example, dust masks, half and full-face respirators

The need for PPE must be identified from the COSHH risk assessment.  However, the use of engineering and other control measures must always take precedence over the use of PPE.  This is because it protects a larger number of persons than PPE which only protects the wearer.  In some instances, both the use of engineering control measures, and PPE will be necessary.

Should the COSHH risk assessment identify that PPE is required then the assessment must include details of the PPE needed to ensure it protects against that particular risk e.g. the types of eye protection needed to protect against chemical splashes, impact from flying objects, radiant heat or light are all very different and it is not sufficient in the risk assessment to say ‘wear eye protection’.

Employees must wear personal protective equipment if specified within the risk assessment.

All PPE must be appropriately stored, regularly inspected, cleaned and maintained and/or be replaced when necessary.

5.4     Other Specialist Training

Training may be required before hazardous substances are used for example, dealing with spillages or other uncontrolled release and in the use of personal protective equipment.

No employee can be required to wear any respiratory protective equipment unless adequately trained in its use and fit-tested.

5.5     Environmental Monitoring

Where there is a suspicion that exposure to a substance hazardous to health may be approaching harmful levels or where the adequacy of existing control measures is questioned a one-off monitoring exercise may be necessary.

For example, this may occur in the following situations

• dust in areas used for ceramics or woodwork where these areas have re-circulating heating systems
• solvent vapour produced in reprographic areas with poor natural ventilation.

5.6     Health Surveillance

Health surveillance is typically only required in certain circumstances and is dependent or circumstances. Where there is a reasonable likelihood that an identifiable disease or adverse health effect associated with exposure will occur and the risk assessment shows health surveillance is appropriate for the protection of employees then health surveillance should be carried out.            

Monitoring and health surveillance records relating to named individuals must be kept for a period of 40 years.

Advice should be sought from Occupational Health if there is any uncertainty regarding the need for health surveillance.

5.7     Emergency Procedures/First Aid

Special procedures may be required for managing any uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance which could result in exposure well beyond that associated with day to day activities, for example, spillages, sudden failure of extraction ventilation or during a fire or flood and for personal exposure requiring first aid treatment.

This could include:

• availability of information on the specific hazards likely to arise in certain circumstances, for example, during a fire or accidental mixing of substances
• practice of emergency procedures
• information and training for employees in the special procedures
• first aid facilities and arrangements
• information for emergency services
• procedures for clearing up and safe disposal, for example, availability of a suitable spillage kit

It may be necessary for first aiders to receive special training in dealing with exposure to hazardous substances. Access to first aid assistance and equipment should be considered including a reliable, suitable water supply for skin and eye irrigation.