coshh

COSHHControl of substance hazardous to health.

Becky-May Head & Teresa Brazier.

ESTABLISHED.

The first COSHH regulations were established in 1988 by HSE.

They were established to protect the health of employees whilst at work.

ABOUT THE REGULATION Under this regulation employees are required to carry out a risk assessment to ensure they are not exposed to substances that could be hazardous to there health. Where this exposure is unavoidable the proper safety equipment should be provided.

(www.hse.gov.uk)

To start the employers have to initially find these hazardous substances through extensive research. They then have to find ways to prevent accidents from occurring e.g. Labels, locked cupboards, correct equipment (PPE). Monitoring people should be present in the work place at all times to deal with any accidents and to train others how to deal with incidents themselves.

Employees must follow all the training given by the employer.

HAZARDS.

Dust particles from cutting shaping and abrasive blasting.

Gas and fumes from welding, solder and cutting.

Mist and germs from metalwork fluids, lubricants, adhesive paint, strip fluids, molten bath.

CONTROL MEASURES.

Dust, fume and vapour extraction.

Respires.

Fluid maintenance.

Skin checks

PPE Personal protective equipment.

CONCLUSION

The first COSHH regulation was introduced in 1988 but has been updated since so that it applies to todays work place as well. The latest addition to the regulation was made in April 2005 with a new focus on good practice.