COSHH essentials
COSHH basics to be aware of.....
What is COSHH?
Mention the word COSHH and immediately harmful liquids spring to mind, bottles of chemicals and aerosols labelled with pictograms and warnings. Are all very common within the workplace and at home. But the regulations surrounding the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health cover so much more…
What should I be keeping myself and others safe from?
COSHH regulations should be very much at the forefront of all our health and safety plans. Many of our workplaces deal with Hazardous substances in one form or another. Considerations should be given to all aspects covered by COSHH. Substances covered by the regulations include…
Solids, Dusts, Fibres, Fumes, Gases, Mists, Vapours, Liquids, Fungi, Bacteria and very much in the news, for the last two years, viruses.
Know Your symbols.
The European symbol system for pictograms on packaging and safety data sheets make it easier to assess the risks posed by hazardous substances (see below).
Things to do
1. Make a list of all the substances you currently store or use in your business.
2. Make sure you have information on these substances. This is usually a document that is sent by the supplier called a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
3. Any of those substances that pose a significant risk should be formally assessed.
4. Ensure you consult with your employees on the substances they are handling or using.
5. Keep these assessments under review.
Stay safe.
