subject: Information, Instruction And Training For Employees - Coshh [print this page] A crucial part of the CoSHH management process is the supply of information, instruction and training to staff. This includes cleaning and maintenance staff. If employees are not kept fully informed then any requirements stemming from an assessment are not going to be fully effective.
A sufficiently informed and well trained staff will be more capable of carrying out a CoSHH action on its own initiative. This relieves some of the work load from management and supervisors.
There are certain procedures for workers to follow:
1)The name of any substance that they could be exposed to plus the risks to health created by this exposure
2)Any occupational exposure standards that applies to the substance
3)Safety data sheet information which corresponds to the substance
4)Any significant findings of the CoSHH risk assessment
5)Any precautions which need to be followed in order to protect themselves and their fellow workers
6)The result of any monitoring of exposure
7)Any health surveillance requirements
The main purpose is to ensure employees are equipped with information that is in a form most appropriate to their immediate needs. Information should just include the necessary technical detail , for example that which is provided on the CoSHH safety data sheet.
The nature and depth of information, instruction and training will be dependent on the individual situation. For example, where there are smaller number of workers in lower risk situations, requirements do not need to be so specific. Whereas, for a larger and more varied company which is more susceptible to greater risk, the information will need to be more thorough.
Where there are workers operating with minimal supervision, sufficient information, instruction and training are imperative. They need to be able to assess and react correctly to exposure to hazardous substances on their own initiative. This can only happen if they have the necessary skills.
Workers should also be informed of any future changes in processes or substances used.
It is also imperative to keep contractors informed when they come on site. They need to be aware of the risks and how they are being controlled. It is also important to find out if the contractor is bringing any hazardous substances on site and if they are how they intend to prevent harm to your employees.
