Safety and risk management

This course discusses standard COSHH procedures for handling dangerous substances safely in the workplace.

Welcome to your COSHH Training!Frequently working near harmful substances can potentially expose you to ill health.


This COSHH training will equip you with the necessary knowledge and procedures to follow for a safer workplace.


Disclaimer!Please note that this course is a general discussion of COSHH regulations. Specific requirements may vary per industry, depending on the type of chemicals being handled.


What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss:An overview of COSHH and its purpose;Various substances covered by COSHH; andHazards you should look out for and what to do in response to these hazards.


Tap the button below to begin the lesson.


LET’S TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGEHazardous substances can be present in which of the following materials?


LET’S TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGEWhich of the following substances are NOT covered by COSHH?


Asthma or other diseases, including cancer


COSHH Overview

COSHH TrainingIdentifying, Preventing, and Controlling Exposure to Hazardous Substances


What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss: Identifying hazardous substances through COSHH symbols;Understanding ways to prevent and minimize exposure to hazardous substances; and Controlling exposure to harmful substances.


COSHH symbols signify the various effects of hazardous substances that may be present in your workplace.
Knowing the differences between the relevant COSHH symbols will help your business stay compliant whilst also keeping workers safe.
Proceed to the next slide to learn about the different COSHH symbols.


COSHH Symbols


Extraction systems such as local exhaust ventilation, enclosure, or where the air cannot be cleaned


Refuges and respiratory protective equipment (RPE)


This is a type of monitoring measure where you measure how much of a substance has entered the body.


Substituting it with another substance which presents less, or no risk;


Using another process which doesn’t create a hazardous form of that substance.Examples:Substituting a powder for a liquid;Removing the need to weigh out powders by buying it pre-packed.


Decide whether the substance or process is a hazard.Is there a significant risk involved in storing, using, or disposing of a substance?
Identify the alternatives.
Think about what could happen if you use the alternatives.
Compare the alternatives with each other and with the substance or process you are using at the moment.
Decide whether to substitute.
Introduce the substitute.
Assess how it is working.


SubstitutionThere are seven steps to practical, well thought out decisions about substitution:


Identifying, Preventing, and Controlling Exposure to Hazardous Substances

What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss:An overview of the GB CLP regulations;Chemical safety data sheets and relevant information it necessitates; andProcedures to follow when obtaining permits to work.


Keep SDS updatedSuppliers of chemicals must provide an up to date safety data sheet if a substance is dangerous for supply. This is mandated by law.


An SDS is NOT a risk assessmentYou should use the information it contains to help make your own assessment.


SDS applies to both suppliers and recipientsAside from receiving chemicals, you may supply them to others. If you do, you must pass on safety data sheets to those whom you supply.


What is the purpose of a chemical safety data sheet?


If proposed work is considered high risk, strict controls are required.
The work must be carried out against previously agreed safety procedures, a 'permit-to-work' system.
The permit-to-work is a documented procedure that authorises certain people to carry out specific work within a specified time frame. It sets out the precautions required to complete the work safely,  based on a risk assessment.
It describes what work will be done and how it will be done; the latter can be detailed in a 'method statement'.


Permits to Work


Regulations

COSHH TrainingEmployer and Employee Requirements


What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss:The required personal protective equipment (PPE);Health surveillance requirements from COSHH; and The required training for employees.


Employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for PPE.
PPE should be used when all other measures are inadequate to control exposure. It protects only the wearer, while being worn.
If it fails, PPE offers no protection at all.
Proceed to the next slide to learn more about the different types of PPE.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


What type of PPE is displayed in the picture above?


TAKE A GUESS!Why is performing health surveillance important in COSHH?


There is a disease associated with the substance in use (e.g., Asthma, Dermatitis, Cancers).


Do I have a health risk problem, or a need for occupational health input, in my workplace?
What/who do I need to control/provide it (a doctor or nurse or a responsible person)?
Take that action.
Is it working (check on what's been done)?
For more information on the health surveillance process, read more through this HSE pamphlet.


EMPLOYERS’ CHECKLIST4-Stage Approach
Employers use four stages to determine a health risk problems.


the results of any monitoring of exposure;


the general results of health surveillance;


what to do if there is an accident (e.g., spillage) or emergency.


Employer and Employee Requirements

COSHH TrainingImplementing a COSHH Assessment (Part 1)


What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss:What a COSHH assessment is; The procedures to follow before implementing a COSHH risk assessment; andWhat to do in case of emergencies.


Note:


What do you do that involves hazardous substances?


How can you reduce the risk of harm occurring?


Before starting a COSHH assessment…Check your trade press and talk to employees. At trade meetings, ask others in your industry for ideas.


All control measures are in good working order.


Exposures are below the Workplace Exposure Limit, where one exists.


Exposure to substances that cause cancer, asthma or genetic damage is reduced to as low a level as possible.


How to Implement a COSHH Assessment (Part 1)

COSHH TrainingImplementing a COSHH Assessment (Part 2)


What You’ll KnowIn this lesson, we’ll discuss:Identification of the risks involved in handling dangerous substances;Assessment of the risks of working with hazardous substances; andControlling and managing the risks of working with dangerous substances.


Processes that emit dust, fume, vapour, mist, or gas


Skin contact with liquids, pastes, and dusts


Which of the following questions are appropriate to ask during risk assessment?


Step 3Control the risksOnce you’ve carried out a risk assessment, identified which harmful substances are present, and how workers can be harmed, you need to think about preventing exposure.


EliminationDo you really need to use a particular substance, or is a safer alternative available?Can you change the process to eliminate its use or avoid producing it? If this is not possible, you must put in place adequate control measures to reduce exposure.


Changing the process to reduce risksConsider whether you can change the process you use to reduce the risk of exposure. For example, you could reduce the temperature of a process to reduce the amount of vapour getting into the air or use pellets instead of powders as they are less dusty.


ContainmentEnclose the process or activity as much as possible to minimise the escape or release of the harmful substance.


Containment (cont.)Use closed transfer and handling systems and minimise handling of materials.


Containment (cont.)Use a properly designed local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system which extracts dust, fume, mist, gases or vapour through a hood or booth and reduces the exposure of the worker.


Containment (cont.)All ventilation equipment must be examined and tested every 14 months by a competent person (someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to carry out the work safely).Click or tap here to read a guide on buying and using LEV.


How to Implement a COSHH Assessment (Part 2)

ObjectivesThis final assessment will test your knowledge of the entire COSHH training course.


InstructionsThere will be different types of quizzes across this assessment to test your knowledge of the concepts. Follow the instructions at the bottom of the slides when choosing the correct answers.


Ready?Tap the button below to begin your final assessment.


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COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Lessons

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