COSHH Assessment

Question 1

What are the main generic groups of hazardous substance sources?

Answer 1

Used directly in work (paints, cleaning materials)

Arise from the work (dusts, fumes)

Occur naturally (Fungal spores)

Question 2

What is not covered by COSHH?

Answer 2

Asbestos
Lead
Radioactive
High temp substances
Extreme pressure substances
Explosive or flammable substances
Biological agents outside employer control

Question 3

When does inhalable dust become hazardous to health?

Answer 3

10mg/m3 over 8 hours time weighted average

Question 4

When does respirable dust become hazardous to health?

Answer 4

4mg/m3 as a time weighted average over 8 hours

Question 5

Where are hazardous substances listed?

Answer 5

COSHH regulations 2002 (as amended 2004)

EC Reg 1272/2008

EH 40 - Occupational exposure limits

Question 6

What are the principle steps of assessment?

Answer 6

Gather information

Evaluate the risks

Identify existing controls

Decide on adequacy/additional measures

Review the assessment

Question 7

What should be considered when gathering information?

Answer 7

Substances used

Substances created

Work practices

Question 8

What should be identified when evaluating risks to health?

Answer 8

Sources of exposure

Persons exposed

Degree of exposure

Question 9

What are the essential phases of a COSHH Assessment?

Answer 9

Gather information

Evaluate risk to health

Evaluate existing controls

Decide on additional measures (using hierarchy of control)

Record assessment

Review assessment

Question 10

What is the hierarchy of controls from most to least effective?

Answer 10

Elimination

Substitution

Modification of process

Enclosure of process

Ventilation

Administrative controls

PPE

Question 11

What are ways to find out what substances are involved in a process and if they are harmful?

Answer 11

Check safety data sheet

Ask supplier

Check HSE website

Question 12

What are ways a substance might get into your skin?

Answer 12

Direct contact

Splashing

Airborne dust

Contaminated surfaces

Inside PPE

Question 13

What is the 1st principle of COSHH?

Answer 13

Minimise the release and spread of hazardous substances through carefully designed processes and activities

Question 14

What is the 2nd principle of COSHH?

Answer 14

When developing COSHH control measures, consider all the possible routes of exposure

Question 15

What is the 3rd principle of COSHH?

Answer 15

Control levels of exposure through measures that are proportionate to the health risks

Question 16

What is the 4th principle of COSHH?

Answer 16

Choose the best possible control measures - those that effectively and reliably minimise the escape and spread of hazardous substances

Question 17

What is the 5th principle of COSHH?

Answer 17

If adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, suitable personal protective equipment must be provided and used in conjunction with other control measures

Question 18

What is the 6th principle of COSHH?

Answer 18

The effectiveness of control measures must be monitored and regularly reviewed through COSHH testing in order to ensure ongoing effectiveness

Question 19

What is the 7th principle of COSHH?

Answer 19

All employees must be aware of the hazards and risks associated with the substances with which they work; they must be fully trained with the use of control measures developed to minimise the risks.

Question 20

What is the 8th principle of COSHH?

Answer 20

Ensure that introducing control measures does not increase the overall risk to health and safety

Question 21

Maintenance is critical for which common control measures?

Answer 21

LEV and PPE