A COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment is a type of risk assessment specifically for the use or production of a hazardous substance. It is a health and safety document required by the COSHH regulations, which apply to most harmful substances in the workplace. The purpose of a COSHH assessment is to identify the hazards and assess and control the risks from hazardous substances in the workplace. The assessment should not just be a paperwork process, but should assess the risks and decide on the sensible steps needed to avoid ill-health to the workers exposed to the substance. The assessment should also provide details of the actions taken to protect the health of the people exposed to the substance(s) used or produced in the process.
A COSHH assessment is needed to identify the hazards and to assess and control the risks. The assessment should assess the risks and decide on the sensible steps needed to avoid ill-health to the workers exposed to the substance. Throughout the COSHH assessment process, you can look at how you manage the substance. How you use it, handle it, store it, even dispose of it. How can you control exposure at each step? What do you need to do to make it safe? What are you doing now that could be better? .
The COSHH assessment should include the following steps:
- Collect information on the substances you use and your work practices.
- Evaluate the health risks.
- Decide what precautions are needed.
- Record your findings and implement them.
- Review your assessment and update if necessary.
Employers and self-employed people must assess the risk (complete a COSHH assessment) and protect employees from harm. COSHH provides a basic system for managing risks to health, outlining how you can prevent or reduce your employees’ exposure to hazardous substances.
