subject: Coshh - A Risk Assessment Checklist For Those Using Chemical Substances [print this page] The main aim of a CoSHH risk assessment is to protect the health and safety of workers. A risk assessment helps to reduce the possibility of employees being affected while doing work related tasks. It is a legal requirement that employers follow CoSHH legislation.
The following is a checklist to identify if a hazard exists in your place of work:
- Are hazardous chemical substances used in the work place? Such hazardous substances could include those classified as toxic, corrosive, irritant etc
- Are Safety Data Sheets accessible for each hazardous substance that is used?
- Are all hazardous substances properly labelled?
- Are all hazardous chemicals correctly handled?
- Are all members of staff who use hazardous chemicals informed on a regular basis as to the dangers of these chemicals?
- Are there any young employees or pregnant women who have contact with carcinogenic or mutagenic substances?
- Are concentration measurements of substances used in line with Maximum Admissible Concentrations?
- Is collective protective equipment such as general ventilation and local ventilation systems in place in areas where chemicals are used?
- Are these ventilation systems checked on a regular basis?
- Do employees who use chemical substances, have access to personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves?
- Are workers who are exposed to hazardous substances undergoing regular medical examinations?
- Are employees being given adequate training in the use of chemicals?
Preventative Measures which can be put into place to reduce risk to employees' health include the following:
- Replacing very toxic substances with less toxic ones
- If possible, stop using substances which are carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Use an automated system for applying chemical substances
- Ensure that Safety Data Sheets are at hand and are the most up to date copies
- Keep a check that chemicals are being properly handled
- Ensure that hazardous substances are stored correctly
- Keep note of the amount of chemical concentration
