COSHH

The COSHH Regulations 2002 require all employers to assess the risks to the health of their employees from the use of hazardous substances at work.  Many people are wary of ‘chemicals’ and find suppliers’ material safety data sheets confusing.

You may be exposing your employees to such well known hazardous substances as:

• paints, lacquers and varnishes;
• wood dust;
• isocyanates;
• respirable silica; and,
• pesticides and herbicides

On the other hand, you may not be sure what your employees are exposed to!

As an occupational hygienist with over 20 years experience, and with a background in chemistry, I can assist you in carrying out the risk assessments required by COSHH.  Risk assessment involves:

• identifying the substances used in or generated by the processes employed;
• identifying those at risk;
• assessing the current control measures, such as local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment;
• measuring personal exposures to the substances used, where appropriate;
• deciding what, if anything, needs to be done to meet the standards required by the regulations; and,
• recording the findings of the risk assessments undertaken.