COSHH Assessments

A COSHH assessment is a methodical examination of a process or task that involves the use of a potentially hazardous substance. These can include;

• Substances used directly in work activities (e.g adhesives, paints, cleaning agents)
• Substances generated during work activities (e.g fumes from soldering and welding)
• Naturally occurring substances (e.g grain dust) 
• Biological agents such as bacteria and other micro-organisms. 

The Effects of Hazardous Substances include;

• Skin irritation or dermatitis as a result of skin contact; 
• Asthma as a result of developing allergy to substances used at work; 
• Losing consciousness as a result of being overcome by toxic fumes; 
• Cancer, which may appear long after the exposure to the chemical that caused it; 
• Infection from bacteria and other micro-organisms (biological agents). 

A COSHH Assessment is carried out to identify the potential risks of any hazardous substance to be used in the course of your business. It will also highlight the control measures you need to implement whilst using, handling, storing or transporting the particular substance.  

The COSHH assessment will take into account the accident and emergency procedures, the accidental release measure as well as how the substance should finally be disposed of. Where it is identified as a particularly hazardous chemical as listed on the Governments EH40 list it will also identify the Workplace Exposure Limits of its individual constituents. There are many substances such as household bleach, paints and varnishes which are relatively harmless if used correctly and the COSHH assessment is fairly straight forward however other substances such as some solvents pose a high risk and the COSHH Assessment process is difficult and time consuming. Whatever the task or substance Hawthorn Health and Safety are able to assist you with the process. We have many years of experience in carrying out COSHH Assessments on a wide range of high-risk substances.