COSHH Flashcards
What does the abbreviation ‘COSHH’ stand for?
Control of Substances Hazardous to (Human) Health
What substance does COSHH cover? Give examples.
COSH is aimed to cover hazardous substances at work. This includes chemicals, biological agents, dust, fumes, vapours, allergens including lab animal agents
What does COSHH not cover because they have their own regulations?
COSHH does not cover asbestos, lead, radiation. High pressures or extremes of temperature, biological agents outside employers control
What is the duty of the employer under COSHH?
To eliminate or reduce risk from hazardous substances.
How does the employer demonstrate that they are complying with COSHH?
Risk assessment, control measures, monitoring health and exposure if necessary, information, training and supervision.
What are the duties of the employer under COSHH?
- Take reasonable care of out own safety and not endanger others
- Cooperate in full with the employer
- Make full and proper use of control measures
What is the first step before performing a COSHH in a risk assessment?
Identify al the hazardous substances for example chemicals, biological materials, mixtures, reaction products
Why do we need to consider who will be exposed?
Is it staff or students? We need to be able to consider their current training (if any) and their background. There is a difference between someone with zero training and someone with a lot of training.
How might somebody be at risk?
From inhalation, ingestion, injection, skin or eye contamination
What are the factors to consider for a substance?
Toxicity, form (gas, liquid, spray), solubility, nature of operation, length of exposure, number of people involved.
How do you decide the suitability of control measures?
Control measurements put in place in proportion to risk
Where does using PPE as the prime means rank in the hierarchy of control?
It is a last resort. You are protected but other staff and students are not.
Give examples of some control measures
- Replace the substance with a safer alternative
- Use material in a safer form
- Control the operation by isolating the work and controlling at the source
- Personal protective equipment should be used as a last resort
- Good laboratory techniques (labelling, correct substance storage, balance)
How do we ensure the maintenance of control measures?
Must be kept in good order and working properly. Regular simple checks should be made on the airflow, LEV, fume cupboards. Records must be kept for 5 years in case of a safety audit in which paper work needs to be able to be traced.
When do we need to be able to monitor exposure?
- There is a serious work risk if control fails
- Exposure limits may be exceeded
- Control measures may not be working properly