2.2 CoSHH control measures

Question 1

The principles of good COSHH practice are: 8

Answer 1

1) Design and operate processes and activities to minimise emission, release and spread of substances hazardous to health.
2) Take into account all relevant routes of exposure.
3) Ensure control measures are proportionate to the health risk.
4) Choose the most effective and reliable control options to minimise the escape and spread of hazardous substances.
5) Where adequate control cannot be achieved by other means, provide, in combination with other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).
6) Check and regularly review control measures to ensure their continuing effectiveness.
7) Inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks and the control measures developed to minimise the risks.
8) Ensure that the introduction of control measures does not increase the overall risk to health and safety.

Question 2

Sources of exposure should be reduced by: 3

Answer 2

number, size, emission or release rate

Question 3

PPE tends to be less effective and reliable than other control options, because it: 7

Answer 3

 Has to be selected for the individual

 Has to fit the individual and not interfere with their work or other PPE worn at 
the same time

 Has to be put on correctly every time it is worn

 Has to remain properly fitted all the time the individual is exposed

 Has to be properly stored, checked and maintained

 Tends to be delicate and relatively easily damaged

 Fails to danger, sometimes without warning.

Question 4

‘Software’ controls:

Answer 4

defined methods of working, supervisory actions, record keeping etc.

Question 5

‘Hardware’ controls:

Answer 5

example: local exhaust ventilation (LEV).

Question 6

The hierarchy concentrates on ‘control of source’ (collective measures) as the most effective and reliable and ‘individual measures’ (those relying on people to do/wear etc.) as the least effective and efficient: 6

Answer 6

 Eliminate the hazard, or substitute for a less harmful substance

 Change the form of the substance

 Modify the process to emit less of the hazardous substance

 Engineering controls, for example: local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

 Minimise the number of workers exposed

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Question 7

The use or production of hazardous substances may be eliminated by: 3

Answer 7

 Changing the method of work eliminate the task so that exposure is no longer necessary

 Modifying a process to eliminate the production of a hazardous by-product or waste product

 Substituting wherever reasonably practicable, a hazardous substance for a non-hazardous substance, for example: water based pint instead of oil based paint.

Question 8

Carcinogenic

Category 1

Answer 8

Substances known to cause cancer on the basis of human experience

Question 9

Carcinogenic

Category 2

Answer 9

Substances which it is assumed can cause cancer on the basis of reliable animal evidence

Question 10

Carcinogenic

Category 3

Answer 10

Substances where there is only evidence in animals which is of doubtful relevance to human health (i.e. the evidence is not good enough for Category 1 or 2)

Question 11

An employer could use the following information sources when
investigating whether
carcinogens or mutagens are used in the workplace: 11

Answer 11

 Chemical labels

 Safety data sheets (SDS’s) for substances used in the workplace, particularly relevant risk phrases

 Annex VI of the CLP Regulation for classification as carcinogen

 The European Chemicals Agency candidates list or list for substances of very high concern (SVHC)

 Schedule 1 of CoSHH

 By the application of the criteria in CHIP in a self-classifying approach for new substances

 EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits

 Scientific papers

 Information from trade associations

 The Chemical Industry Association

 The International Labour Organization.

Question 12

Additional control measures specified for controlling the risk of exposure to carcinogens and mutagens include: 5

Answer 12

 Totally enclosing the process and handling systems (unless not reasonably practicable).

 Prohibiting eating, drinking and smoking in areas that may be contaminated by carcinogens or mutagens.

 Cleaning floors, walls and other surfaces regularly and as necessary.

 Clearly designating areas and installations that may be contaminated by carcinogens or mutagens and posting warning signs.

 Storing, handling and disposing of carcinogens or mutagens safely, including using closed and clearly labelled containers.

Question 13

In addition to the information specified by CoSHH and the ACOP, employees and their safety representatives, and any other people likely to be exposed to carcinogenic or mutagenic substances, should be kept aware of: 3

Answer 13

 The type or form of the risk

 The special features of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances

 The circumstances in which they may be exposed to carcinogenic or mutagenic substances.