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Ark Workplace Risk ™
building and workplace health, health and safety, interactive real time risk, management systems, asbestos management programs, disability access, fire safety, emergency and disaster programmes, e-learning, water hygiene
How to really select and approve contractors safely
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What you need to know about COSHH
(Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002)
Who do the rules apply to?
It’s hard to think of a place that it does not apply, but without question it applies in
- Offices
- Shops
- Factories
- Farms
- Mines
- Laboratories
Does it only apply to extensive use of chemicals?
NO, it applies to
- Cleaning agents that you would use on a day to day basis
- Paints and thinners
- Adhesives
- Fumes that may be generated through work
- Dusts that could be formed through work process (even if they are natural)
- Gases such as helium
- Pesticides
- Cosmetics
- Bacteria from air conditioning etc .etc. etc.
What type of effects can you suffer when working with hazardous materials?
Once again the list is extensive and includes
- Skin irritation, dermatitis, asthma, wide ranging allergies, being overcome by toxic fumes, potential for cancer, infections from bacteria, infections from other micro organisms
What substances come under COSHH?
Practically all substances that could be hazardous to your health. The HSE publishes various lists that can help you define this further
How do I meet the Requirements of the Regs?
There are 8 stages to compliance, but they are relatively simple to follow
- Assess the risks
- Decide what precautions are needed
- Prevent or adequately control exposure
- Ensure that control measures are used and maintained
- Monitor the exposure
- Carry out appropriate health surveillance
- Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies
- Ensure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised
Can I do the Assessment myself?
As long as you have the relevant training and experience there is nothing to stop you taking on this role. In straightforward assessments it may be unnecessary to consider bringing in the specialists, but the important thing is to be sure that you have identified the risks associated with any substances that you use within the workplace.
Remember whether you only use office cleaning material, or you have a substantial process involving a variety of substances you will need to record and review the actions you have taken.
Ark Software Solutions
COSHH along with all the other risk assessments you require should be recorded and reviewed. Why not use HSSmart™, Ark’s bespoke system which is specifically developed to make recording and task setting easier to manage
With HSSmart™ you can improve health & safety management through better decision making, and organising and controlling information, assets and tasks more easily, effectively and rapidly.
The framework is based on industry-standard OHSAS 18001, HSG65 health & safety management systems.
Safer With Ark
Top brand clients work with Ark Workplace Risk to optimise their control and management of risk.
To explore how you can be safer by optimising your Health & Safety and risk management systems, just use the form below or call Jody Horne on +44 (0) 20 7397 1450.
