COSHH Flashcards

1
Q

What does the abbreviation ‘COSHH’ stand for?

A

Control of Substances Hazardous to (Human) Health

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2
Q

What substance does COSHH cover? Give examples.

A

COSH is aimed to cover hazardous substances at work. This includes chemicals, biological agents, dust, fumes, vapours, allergens including lab animal agents

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3
Q

What does COSHH not cover because they have their own regulations?

A

COSHH does not cover asbestos, lead, radiation. High pressures or extremes of temperature, biological agents outside employers control

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4
Q

What is the duty of the employer under COSHH?

A

To eliminate or reduce risk from hazardous substances.

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5
Q

How does the employer demonstrate that they are complying with COSHH?

A

Risk assessment, control measures, monitoring health and exposure if necessary, information, training and supervision.

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6
Q

What are the duties of the employer under COSHH?

A
  • 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
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7
Q

What is the first step before performing a COSHH in a risk assessment?

A

Identify al the hazardous substances for example chemicals, biological materials, mixtures, reaction products

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8
Q

Why do we need to consider who will be exposed?

A

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.

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9
Q

How might somebody be at risk?

A

From inhalation, ingestion, injection, skin or eye contamination

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10
Q

What are the factors to consider for a substance?

A

Toxicity, form (gas, liquid, spray), solubility, nature of operation, length of exposure, number of people involved.

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11
Q

How do you decide the suitability of control measures?

A

Control measurements put in place in proportion to risk

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12
Q

Where does using PPE as the prime means rank in the hierarchy of control?

A

It is a last resort. You are protected but other staff and students are not.

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13
Q

Give examples of some control measures

A
  • 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)
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14
Q

How do we ensure the maintenance of control measures?

A

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.

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15
Q

When do we need to be able to monitor exposure?

A
  • There is a serious work risk if control fails
  • Exposure limits may be exceeded
  • Control measures may not be working properly
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16
Q

When do we need to implement health surveillance?

A

Significant exposure of Schedule 6 processes or where there is likelihood of exposure to specific substances and there is the possibility of disease or an effect which can be monitored

17
Q

What is needed to derive safe working procedures?

A

Preparation phase (weighing out), process itself, safe waste disposal, emergency procedures in case of spillage, fire, first aid.

18
Q

What is involved in training?

A

Workers must have adequate information, instruction, training, supervision. This will include the procedures themselves and what to do in an emergency

19
Q

What is the final stage of COSHH?

A

Checking and reviewing the implemented procedures.