COSHH Assessments

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended) requires the assessment of risks arising from the presence of hazardous substances in the workplace. If the identified risks are significant then they must be removed, or if this is not 'reasonably practicable', then appropriate precautions must be introduced to safeguard human health and wellbeing.

Risk Assessments

By performing risk assessments, valuable information can be obtained to assist planning and the formation of procedures, policies and strategies for:

• changing or modifying unsafe working practices
• assessing current and future training needs
• identifying groups at risk (members of staff, contractors, visitors, etc)
• identifying specific hazards that need assistance from consultants of specialist engineers (pressure systems, lifts, lead, asbestos, radiation, etc)
• determining the effectiveness of current control measures (supervision, machinery guarding, personal protective equipment, etc). Recommendations for control measures should be on the basis that they are 'reasonably practicable'.

COSHH

COSHH aims to protect workers and others from the harmful effects of substances used at work. Under COSHH, employers are obliged to assess the risks arising from their use of substances hazardous to health and to take steps to prevent, or adequately control exposure. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 make a number or amendments to COSHH and other regulations.

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