COSHH Flashcards
What is GHS
UN Globally harmonsied system for classifying and labelling chemicals
What is European Regulation on Classification Labelling and Packaging of Chemical Substances & Mixtures (CLP)
EU system for classifying and labelling chemicals based on UN GHS
Responsibility of manufacturers
establish hazards of substance before placed on market
classify them in line with hazards
label in accordance with CLP
Requirements of CLP
hazardous substances must be labelled
appropriate pictogram
label in specified format
CLP hazard label requirements
name, address, phone no of supplier quantity of substance product identifier hazard pictogram signal word, eg danger hazard statements precautionary statements supplementary info as applcable
Purpose of EH40
set occupational exposure limits
info for risk assessments
published annually
WELs = workplace exposure limits
Safety Data Sheet contents
Identification of substance and supplier
uses of substance
emergency telephone number
hazards inc pictograms
composition / ingredients
first aid measures for each route of entry
fire fighting measures
accidental release measures
handling & storage
exposure controls / PPE
physical & chemical properties
stability & reactivity - poss hazardous reactions
toxicological information, eg carcinogen, mutagen
ecological information - how affects environ
disposal considerations
transport information - ADR, UN no
regulatory info - relevant specific legislation
other info
what is a CAS number
identifies chemical but not its concentration
helps identify substance rather than trade name
CAS is trademark of American Chemical Society
What is a chemical safety assessment (CAS)
need one to register under REACH
for when more than 10 tonnes per year is manufactured or imported
What does a CAS contain
human health hazard assessment
physiochemical hazards
environmental hazards
bioaccummulative assessment
if substance classed as dangerous:
exposure assessment for all uses of substance
exposure estimation for humans and environ
risk characterisation to see if risks are controlled
COSHH risk assessment factors
Hazardous properties of substance
Effects of mixtures if substance mixed with something else
Quantity & concentration - higher = higher level of exposure
Task - number of people exposed, work practices, eg spraying, controls available, how substance may change in the process
Type and duration of exposure - longer duration - higher exposure
Frequency of exposure
Threshold pf exposure - amount needed to cause harm
Consequences of failure of existing controls
Health surveillance results
Individual susceptibility, eg atopic = genetic likelihood of sensitisation, women of child bearing age, young persons
When to review COSHH assessment
Periodically If reason to believe no longer valid Change in process Change in people Change in exposure After accident / incident involving substance Change in law
