COSHHControl of substance hazardous to health.

Becky-May Head & Teresa Brazier.

ESTABLISHED.

The first COSHH regulations were established in

1988 by HSE.

They were established to protect the health of

employees whilst at work.

ABOUT THE REGULATION

Under this regulation employees are required to carry out a risk assessment to

ensure they are not exposed to substances that could be hazardous to there health.

Where this exposure is unavoidable the proper safety equipment should be provided.

(www.hse.gov.uk)

To start the employers have to initially find these hazardous substances through

extensive research. They then have to find ways to prevent accidents from

occurring e.g. Labels, locked cupboards, correct equipment (PPE). Monitoring

people should be present in the work place at all times to deal with any accidents

and to train others how to deal with incidents themselves.

Employees must follow all the training given by the employer.

HAZARDS.

Dust particles from cutting shaping and abrasive

blasting.

Gas and fumes from welding, solder and cutting.

Mist and germs from metalwork fluids, lubricants,

adhesive paint, strip fluids, molten bath.

CONTROL MEASURES.

Dust, fume and vapour extraction.

Respires.

Fluid maintenance.

Skin checks

PPE Personal protective equipment.

CONCLUSION

The first COSHH regulation was introduced in

1988 but has been updated since so that it applies to

todays work place as well. The latest addition to the

regulation was made in April 2005 with a new focus

on good practice.