Managing COSHH in construction

Managing COSHH successfully

This Managing COSHH article details considerations for those responsible for, and using COSSH substances in the construction sector.

COSHH substances can take many forms including:

  • chemicals
  • products containing chemicals
  • fumes
  • dusts
  • vapours
  • mists
  • nanotechnology
  • gases and asphyxiating gases and
  • biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance.  Germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.  COSHH regulations 2002 define the responsibilities of employers to ensures the risks of these substances causing harm to people or the environment are minimised.  Control is adequate when the risk of harm is ‘as low as is reasonably practicable’.

Within the construction sector there are unique considerations due to the working environment which put a greater onus on employers than most other sectors.  For example how to manage concrete, dust, paint fumes etc.

Hazardous substances used in construction can cause skin irritation, poisoning or harm to the environment in the form of pollution. So it is essential to know how to work with them correctly.

All dangerous substances have a ‘COSHH’ assessment which sets out the hazards and risks associated with them. It explains how they should be labelled, stored and used. You must read the COSHH assessment before using any chemicals on site, and make sure they’re disposed of properly.

There should be a material safety data sheet or MSDS for each type of hazardous substance. The sheet will include guidelines on handling the substance, PPE precautions, storage and disposal. It will also explain what to do in the event of an accident.

If a substance spills, try to stop it at the source, without putting yourself or anyone else in danger. Contain the spillage and protect drains. Report the incident and make sure any hazardous waste is cleaned up and disposed of safely. Spill kits are located on site, ensure you know where they are kept and how to use them, if in doubt ask.


Health Risks 

The health risks from hazardous substances are many and varied, for example, infections caused by bacteria and viruses, allergies, poisoning or toxic effects. Eyes can become damaged from foreign bodies such as dust or flying particles.

Hazardous substances can cause both immediate and long-term health problems. For example, a cleaner splashing bleach on their skin could cause a burn or inflammation of the skin. However, a splash in the eye could cause permanent eye sight damage.

Additionally, the long-term effects of exposure to certain substances, may not be noticeable immediately but develop over time into illnesses such as cancer, dermatitis and asthma.


Relevant Legislation

The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 is the law that covers the use of hazardous substances in the workplace. COSHH covers the vast majority of substances and mixtures of substances used in the workplace that are potentially hazardous to health. COSHH requires substances or mixtures to be classified and labeled with symbols indicating the particular hazards to health and the environment. All substances that display a hazard symbol are covered under COSHH.

Note: COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos or radioactive substances as they have their own specific regulations.


The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

While it should always be a moral obligation to follow health and safety procedures at work, it is also a legal requirement. Both employers and employees are required to uphold certain duties in the workplace with regard to keeping themselves and others safe on site.

The law is there to stop you getting hurt at work and to stop you getting ill because of work.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires organisations to provide information, instruction, training and supervision as necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of its employees.

The Act requires that all workers have a right to work in places that are safe, that employers must keep employees safe at work and that employees also have an obligation to their own safety and the safety of those around them.


Employer Responsibilities 

Companies have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe place of work for workers, including: safe access to and from the workplace, providing safe plant and equipment, setting up safe systems of work, and making sure workers know what they should be doing.

It is their duty to provide all staff with the correct personal protection equipment, and provide appropriate training and supervision. Employers are also required to work with workers on health and safety issues. That means providing clear information, running proper consultations and making sure everyone’s view is taken into account.

In order to control the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace, current legislation requires employers to conduct risk assessments to:

  • Identify any hazardous substances in the workplace.
  • Decide who may be affected by these substances.
  • Put appropriate control measures in place to reduce and manage the risks.
  • Inform you of the substances identified and the associated health risks.
  • If appropriate, monitor exposure and carry out health surveillance.
  • Prepare procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies.

Employee Responsibilities 

When working with any organisation, employees are expected to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe at work. Employee duties include:

  1. Using equipment safely, in a responsible manner and in line with manufacturers’ instructions,
  2. Reporting any accidents, problems or unsafe situations to your supervisor,
  3. Cooperating with training and using the correct Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE.

New Hazard Symbols 

New regulations (The CPL Regulation 2015) on the classification, labeling and packaging of substances brought changes to previous classification schemes, most notably to the symbol and terminology used. Instead of a hazard symbol there is a pictogram and instead of the indication of danger describing the hazard (e.g. Toxic) there is a signal word.  Signal words used in GHS are either “Danger” or “Warning.” Danger is for the more severe hazard categories.

In addition to the pictogram and signal word, there is a hazard and precautionary statement to alert you to what the specific hazards associated with the substance are and what precautions should be taken.


Hazard Pictograms 

Previous hazardous substances symbols have been replaced with new international pictograms.

New GHS Pictograms display a black symbol on white background with a red diamond frame.

Example of a Hazard Statement “Heating may cause an explosion.”

Example of Precautionary Statement “Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces.”


Read the Label 

All hazardous substances should be supplied with a label on the container which identifies the substance and its hazards and details the precautions you should take into account to ensure safe use. Pay attention to labels. They are there for your safety. Before use, always check the label and read any hazard and precautionary statements.


Identifying Substances

There may be substances where the label is no longer visible or attached to the container, or where the substance is stored in an unmarked container. Do not use these substances. It is not safe to use substances if you are not sure what they are. Report their location so that they can be safely removed from the workplace.


Material Safety Data Sheets 

All chemicals must have a Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS for short. This is a sixteen part document that contains all the relevant safety information required for working with that particular chemical. Safety information is also on the labels of all chemicals. Read the label before using the chemical. If you are decanting a chemical ensure you have a system for transferring the chemicals securely and if need be catching or remedying any spills such as using a drip tray or spill kit, ensure the information on the label is copied on to the second container. Ensure storage and disposal arrangements are suitable and in accordance with COSHH and MSDS information. This will take the form of COSHH stores and appropriate hazardous waste bins.

Summary 

  • The classification, labeling and packaging of hazardous substances is specified by the Global Harmonised System.
  • Reading labels help you identify what a substance is, what the dangers are and how to avoid them.
  • If you require further information on a particular substance, you can request to see the Safety Data Sheet specific to your region.

Environmental Protection and Preservation

Construction sites can operate in diverse environments from brown field to green field sites. Therefore, protecting the environment through preserving endangered species of flora and fauna, or limiting the spread of vermin, invasive alien species or weeds will need to be assessed and measures implemented accordingly.

Protection measures range from industry standards for controlling and removal of alien species such as Japanese knotweed to erection of exclusion zones, ecological corridors, other physical protection and segregation measures and slow start-ups to ensure they are not startled and encourage avoidance behaviour protecting species in both aquatic and terrestrial environments from noise and vibration.

You must always take into account all relevant routes of exposure – inhalation, skin and ingestion – when developing control measures. Exposure can occur from inhalation, through the skin or from swallowing such as ingestion. The physical, chemical and infectious properties of a substance, in the circumstances of use, have a great bearing on which route of exposure, or combination of routes, is most important. If there is no exposure, there is no risk to health; but usage nearly always leads to some exposure.

So, consider: the health effects that the substances can cause; the way the substances are used; the degree of exposure; and how exposure occurs.


Health Effects 

What parts of the body can hazardous substances affect?

  • Brain & Nervous system
    Exposure to hazardous substances can affect the brain causing confusion, delirium and unconsciousness. Unusually high levels or prolonged exposure can, depending on the substance, interrupt the nervous system causing a variety of conditions such as seizures, drowsiness and numbness of the hands and feet.
  • Mouth
    Swallowing hazardous substances can burn lips, mouth and food passages.048
  • Eyes
    Eyes are very sensitive organs and easily damaged. Exposure to hazardous substances can cause chemical burns, dryness and irritation.
  • Blood
    Once in the body, hazardous substances may penetrate the bloodstream causing damage to tissues and vital organs of the body.
  • Skin
    Certain hazardous substances such as corrosives may be absorbed through the skin and cause burns. Solvents and detergents may cause dermatitis.
  • Lungs
    Exposure to certain hazardous substances can cause severe respiratory distress and a variety of lung diseases from asthma to cancer.
  • Heart
    Exposure to hazardous substances can disturb the action or rhythm of the heart.049
  • Liver/kidneys
    The liver and kidneys can sustain damage as they struggle to filter the hazardous substance.
  • Digestive system
    Hazardous substances in the digestive system can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Hazardous Substances Health Conditions 

Some specific health conditions that can develop from exposure to hazardous substances include dermatitis, occupational asthma and cancer. Dermatitis is a form of skin irritation caused as a result of skin contact with certain substances. It usually affects the hands and forearms, the places most likely to touch the substance, but you can also get it on parts of the body that have not been in direct contact with the substance such as your face, neck and chest.


Dermatitis 

  • Occupational dermatitis is caused by the skin coming into contact with certain substances. It is not infectious and cannot be passed from one person to another. It results from an allergic reaction to a substance to which you personally are sensitive to or from contact with a known irritant. Irritant reactions (contact dermatitis) tend to occur immediately after the skin is exposed to the substance. Allergic reactions may not occur until exposed to the substance a couple of times.

What Causes Dermatitis? 

Substances and activities that may cause dermatitis include:

  • Cosmetics, lotions, soaps and perfumes
  • Detergents and cleaners
  • Chemical agents such as acids, solvents and metallic salts
  • Work that involves having your hands wet frequently during the day. Frequent wet
  • work can irritate the skin and lead to dermatitis.

What are the Symptoms? 

It is important to recognise the symptoms of dermatitis so that they can be reported as early as possible.

COSHH Symptoms include:

  • Red patches or wheals that can resemble insect bites
  • Itchy skin
  • Scaling and blisters
  • Cracked skin
  • Dry, inflamed skin

If you develop any of the symptoms or if you identify a known irritant to you, inform your manager immediately.


COSHH Control Measures

If you work with a suspected irritant or allergen substance, it would be best to avoid the substance either by removing or replacing it. Sometimes this is not always possible so there are other control measures that can be implemented.

  • Wear protective clothing, for example, gloves, aprons, overalls.
  • Keep your protective clothing clean and in good repair.
  • Practice good hand care, wash hands properly after exposure to substance, dry thoroughly and use skin creams regularly to replace skin oils.
  • Observe good hygiene. Keep your skin clean.
  • Keep your workplace clean and well ventilated
  • Provide staff with online COSHH Awareness training

What Causes Dermatitis? 

Most cases of occupational asthma occur as a result of exposure to or breathing in substances known as ‘respiratory sensitisers’.  Common activities – Vehicle spray painting, foam manufacturing,
Flour/grain/hay, Handling grain at docks, milling, malting baking059
Electronic soldering flux   Soldering, electronic assembly
Laboratory animals,   Laboratory animal work
Wood dusts,  Sawmilling, woodworking
Some glues/resins,   Curing of epoxy resins


Asthma Symptoms & Control Measures

It is important to recognise the symptoms of asthma so that they can be reported early to allow for rectification.
The symptoms include:

  • Wheezing
  • Tightness of chest
  • Breathlessness
  • Excessive sneezing or runny nose
  • Itchy and inflamed red eyes
  • If you exhibit any of the symptoms associated with asthma:
  • Report the symptoms immediately to your manager.
  • Try to stop using the sensitiser by replacing it with another substance.
  • Ensure there is plenty of ventilation and extraction.
  • If available, wear respiratory protection suitable for a particular substance.

Cancer

The majority of cancer related illnesses in the workplace are caused by exposure to asbestos but, certain chemicals considered to be carcinogenic, also have the potential to cause cancer. Products that carry the warning label opposite alert users that exposure can result in long term health hazards such as carcinogenicity. If you work with a product that contains such a label, ensure you have information relating to the specific hazard in the product and what measures are required to reduce exposure to the hazards.

Asbestos 

Breathing in air containing asbestos fibers can lead to asbestos-related diseases; mainly cancers of the chest and lungs. Asbestos is only a risk to health if asbestos fibers are released into the air and breathed in.

The use of asbestos is now banned in many regions but asbestos used in the past is still in place.  If the asbestos is in good condition and is not likely to be disturbed, it is usually safer to leave it in place and monitor its’ condition.


Asbestos Control Measures 

If asbestos is an issue in your workplace your employer will implement control measures in accordance with the regulations covering the safe use of asbestos.  For example provide at risk staff with online Asbestos Awareness Training

There is no cure for asbestos related diseases so if you are likely to encounter asbestos, make sure you know the location and condition of any asbestos materials in your workplace.

Summary 

  • Hazardous substances can enter the body by being inhaled, swallowed, absorbed through the skin or directly via the eyes and any cuts or grazes.
  • Hazardous substances can affect many parts of the body such as the eyes, skin, heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
  • Some specific health conditions that can develop as a result of working with certain substances include dermatitis, occupational asthma and cancer.

COSHH Risk Assessment 

To ensure your safety in the workplace, your employer has a duty to carry out a risk assessment to assess the risks to health arising from hazardous substances used in or created by workplace activities.

You will be informed as to the outcome regarding:

  • What hazardous substances have been identified in the workplace.
  • What risks to health and environment these substances present.
  • The control measures in place to prevent the risks from exposure.

COSHH Hierarchy of Control Measures 

Where hazardous substances are identified, your employer will implement a hierarchy of control measures.

  1. Elimination
    Your employer will look at the possibility of eliminating the substance altogether. However, elimination is not always possible, for example, the substance is critical to the type of work.
  2. Substitution
    If elimination is not possible, your employer may replace the particular substance with one that is less hazardous to health but still meets the needs of the process.
  3. Reduce Exposure
    Work patterns may be adjusted to reduce the total time of exposure to a particular substance.
  4. Ventilation
    It may be possible to introduce a supply of fresh oxygen to reduce the concentration of the hazardous substance.
  5. Extraction
    Your employer may install a system whereby the substance in the form of either dust, fume or vapour is extracted at the point of source.
  6. Provide PPE
    Your employer may provide Personal Protective Equipment. This is provided as a last resort, when all other methods have been considered but an element of risk still remains.
  7. Prepare Emergency Procedures
    Your employer will provide procedures for when things go wrong so that you know what to do if there is an accident (example a spillage) or an emergency

Contaminated materials

In case of contamination, there is a spill response to follow.

First, assess the spill by evaluating the safety issues associated with the spill and don the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Secondly, stop the spill by preventing further material leaking from its source.

Third, contain the spill and prevent the spilt material from entering drains or spreading further. Next, clean up and absorb the material using the contents of site spill kits.

Then dispose by placing the contaminated waste material into contaminated waste bags from spill kits. Next report the incident to your supervisor. Finally, restock by ordering and replacing used personal protective equipment, absorbent materials, and spill kits.


What Can I do? 

In addition to the measures your employer puts in place, there are also many things you can do to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of ill-health.

Safe working procedures are put into place to ensure that the risk of injury is reduced as much as possible. To this end, it is vital that you comply with these procedures, follow the systems of work put in place, obey all warning signs and inform your employer of any defects or hazards you are aware of.

In addition to the measures your employer puts in place, there are also many things you can do to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of ill-health.

Safe working procedures are put into place to ensure that the risk of injury is reduced as much as possible. To this end, it is vital that you comply with these procedures, follow the systems of work put in place, obey all warning signs and inform your employer of any defects or hazards you are aware of.

Read Labels 

Always make sure you familiarise yourself with any hazardous substances you work with. Read warning labels, hazard symbols, hazard and precautionary statements and any Safety Data Sheets provided. Make sure you know what substances are involved and in what way they are harmful. Safety data sheets can contain a lot of technical information but pay attention to the sections that deal with what the dangers are and what to do in case of emergency.

Personal Hygiene 

Personal hygiene is an important method of controlling hazards. Small amounts of hazardous substances can be carried on clothing or hands which can then be ingested when eating or drinking. Keep work clothes clean and in good condition. Holes or tears can allow hazardous substances access to the skin. Wash contaminated clothing separately.

If you have been working with hazardous substances, always wash your hands before eating or drinking.

Good Housekeeping 

Poor housekeeping practices can increase the risk from hazardous substances. For example, a work area that is messy and badly lit can add to the potential hazards. Therefore it is important that you do your part and keep your immediate working area clean.

Work carefully to avoid spills, splashes and contamination of equipment and working area. Do not allow a buildup of substances on the floor such as dusts or residues as this can increase the risk of contamination. They should be cleaned up for disposal or stored in appropriate waste bins.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

MIf you have been supplied with any items of PPE, you should ensure you have been trained in their proper use. It is also up to you to use the items only for the intended purpose and to maintain your PPE in good condition.

Eyes
Wear goggles if appropriate. To avoid dust and flying particles use goggles or face shields. To avoid laser or welding sparks use special goggles.

Inhalation
Avoid inhalation of dust by wearing a face mask. Wear respirators with absorbent filters to avoid inhalation of fumes. Filters have a limited effectiveness so change the filter regularly. To avoid inhalation of toxic gases wear a breathing apparatus.

Hands
To protect yourself against corrosive chemicals, wear resistant gloves.

Skin
To avoid absorbing corrosives through the skin wear protective gloves and overalls. Wash contaminated skin in soapy water. Use a barrier cream and cover all cuts and wounds.


COSHH Safe Storage Systems 

Sometimes it may be easier to pay attention to when we are working with hazardous substances and overlook the importance of also taking precautions when storing the substances. Your workplace may have a safe storage system in place which takes account of the type of hazardous substances on site and subsequently how they should be stored. For example, flammable and explosive substances should not be exposed to temperatures at which they could ignite or explode. Other substances may be stored apart to limit the risk of them reacting together.

Check with your manager regarding any safe storage procedures in place in your workplace.

General Safe Storage 

In addition to a specific safe storage system, there are also some general things you can do.

  • Keep substances in their original containers.087 Do not decant into other containers unless the container will be appropriately labeled.
  • If a container is missing a label or the label is torn or faded so , report it immediately.
  • Report containers that are in bad condition. For example, you notice holes, leaks or signs of rot or rust.
  • Store substances upright.
  • Pay attention to any safety signs in the storage area.
  • Keep storage area clean, tidy and well lit.

Disposal of Spent COSHH Materials

What we do as individuals can make a major difference.

When chemicals or substances leave site in an uncontrolled manner or as a result of accidents or incidents, the effects they have on the environment are as wide ranging as the chemicals we use and can be persistent in the environment for long durations of time.

The effects range from the creation of explosive atmospheres within structures to the contamination of ground and surface water supplies potentially resulting in the loss of flora and fauna and in worst case scenarios even Human Life. It just takes one careless person for a disaster like this to happen. That’s why it’s so important that we take care when using chemicals, avoiding site runoff, maintaining plant properly and not doing anything that could contaminate the ground and local surface waters.

In our everyday working lives that means good housekeeping, proper storage and segregation of wastes, making use of plant nappies, funnels and drip trays, always having a spill kit to hand and ensuring you know how to use one and keeping fuel and chemicals away from drains. Simple measures, to stop a potentially huge impact.

In the event of a spill first, assess the spill by evaluating the safety issues associated with the spill and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment.

Secondly, stop the spill by preventing further material leaking from its source.

Third, contain the spill and prevent the spilt material from entering drains or spreading further. Next, clean up and absorb the material using the contents of site spill kits.

Then dispose by placing the contaminated waste material into contaminated waste bags from spill kits. Next report the incident to your supervisor or OHSE department. Finally, restock by ordering and replacing used personal protective equipment and absorbent materials. You will be made aware of any environmental risks on site during the site specific induction.

Emergencies 

It is important that you know what to do in case of an accident or emergency involving hazardous substances you work with. The steps taken to minimise the harmful effects and restore the situation to normal depend on the circumstances of the emergency.

Spillage
A spillage is a common type of emergency involving hazardous substances. Procedures for cleaning a spillage depend on the type of substance involved and its associated risks to health and the environment. Some sample procedures include:

  • If appropriate, ensure exposure to others is limited.
  • Use the right equipment to deal with the spill including protective equipment and decontamination products. If you are unsure how to clean up a spill, report it immediately.
  • Clean the area according to spill control and clean-up procedures.
  • Dispose properly of materials used to clean up the spill.
  • Evacuate the contaminated area if the spill cannot be contained.
  • Report all spillages, even those you cleaned yourself.

Medical emergency
Some sample procedures for dealing with a medical emergency, for example, in the case of skin or eye contact with hazardous substances include:

  • Flush the contaminated skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
  • Hold the eyelid open and irrigate with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
  • Know the location of any emergency eyewash or shower stations

Report Symptoms

  • Always report any symptoms of ill-health immediately. If there are a lot of similar health complaints related to the same type of work or use of a substance, youremployer may set up a Health Surveillance program.
  • A Health Surveillance programme facilitates the early detection of ill health caused by use of a particular substance in the workplace. 093It should be completed by an occupational health service physician and includes keeping health records for individuals.

 


COSHH Concrete washout

Washout concrete only in designated areas which are suitable for the task and employ mist based dust suppression systems with water collection (settling ponds) to prevent the discharge of pollutants to drainage and surface waters from concrete waste.

Such procedures and practices are implemented on projects where: Concrete is used as a construction material or where concrete dust and debris result form demolition activities Slurries containing (OPC) Ordinary Portland Cement or asphalt concrete (AC) are generated, such as from saw cutting, coring, grinding, grooving, and hydro-concrete demolition Concrete trucks and other concrete-coated equipment are washed onsite

Washout and waste water collection should be located a minimum of 50 feet from storm drains, open drainage facilities, and watercourses. Try to avoid mixing excess amounts of fresh concrete.

COSHH Waste Management

There are 3 aspects to COSHH waste management: housekeeping, the waste hierarchy and cross contamination.

In housekeeping, all rubbish must be removed from sites. Always place waste in bins provided, and employ the waste hierarchy to reduce landfill. Do not dispose of cigarette butts by throwing them away. Instead, place them into provided waste bins. General waste bins and dumpsters are not for recyclable and recoverable materials, liquid waste or hazardous waste.

The waste hierarchy is a industry standard to waste reduction and minimisation that should be followed for all waste streams onsite if applicable and which is detailed within COSHH Site Waste Management and Material Management Plans on a site specific basis. In case of cross contamination, proper storage and segregation of materials and waste should be established on a site specific basis, including the appointment of an environmental representative who is to ensure it is complied with and any verification of reuse material as detailed within the Construction Phase Plan, SWMP & MMP for the site.

COSHH Waste Segregation

Make waste a key target from the start of the project. You should set realistic targets and ensure that responsibility for individual wastes is clearly defined. Use posters & “toolbox” talks as a means of keeping waste on the agenda. Ensure that materials are stored in appropriate conditions. Clearly mark segregated waste skips in an accessible area. Use Banksmen to monitor segregation. Compact waste in skips to reduce volumes. Always supervise collection of waste material to ensure skips are filled to capacity before emptying.

Dust Suppression

Dust suppression is always a factor when dealing with construction sites, building zones, roadworks and any other type of construction work involving digging, clearing or dumping. Dust, once it becomes an airborne particle, can pose a health risk to humans & the environment. One of the most effective ways of reducing & controlling dust is by using moisture. The use of a water truck to spray the ground or area with water is a safe and economical dust suppression solution.


COSHH Sustainability

It is important that we take account of the environmental, social and economic impacts of our operations. Environmental policies should focus on prime environmental concerns and be developed on an annual basis with environmental key performance indicators.

You should develop sound construction planning, design processes and operational practices in a holistic manner engaging with clients and stakeholders to identify and mitigate our impacts. This demonstrates a continual investment in engineered environmental solutions addressing these concerns. Companies should perform energy and material efficiency evaluation as part of BREEAM assessments, SWMP & MMP’s, and other standards as may be applicable and utilise recycled or sustainably certified products wherever appropriate.

A Social Responsibility policy focuses on the mitigation of COSHH impacts through stakeholder engagement, mitigation of nuisance impacts such as increases in traffic, dust, noise and vibration, training of personnel and community relations through a range of mechanisms including philanthropic activities which should be encouraged in your COSHH supply chain, delivery partners and personnel. All workers should be informed of their respective roles and responsibilities for sustainability management.

Managing COSHH Summary

  • If adequate COSHH controls are put in place the health risks from hazardous substances can be reduced or eliminated.
  • The majority of these COSHH controls will be put in place by your employer but it is up to you to follow them. Always read any warning labels or safety data sheets supplied and report any ill-health symptoms promptly.
  • If there are COSHH Emergency Procedures in place, make sure you are familiar with them and know how to follow them.

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