HEALTH & SAFETY


and monitored by a competent person with appropriate training. Each workplace is different and will


need its own processes. However, to ensure some standardisation that protects employees, there are some essential COSHH responsibilities. COSHH legislation outlines


responsibilities for both employees and employers to ensure a safe working environment for everyone. Employers have the responsibility


to educate and inform staff on the procedures, how to complete tasks safely and supply the correct equipment. 1. Keep regular observations for tasks that involve these substances


2. Provide the right health care and checks for staff, whilst in contact with substances


3. Supply PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as eye protection and noise protection equipment. (Also check if the fit is appropriate for workers and whether any PPE needs replacing)


4. Check employees are carrying out tasks as they are supposed to. For example, are they wearing the correct PPE? Are they handling the substances correctly?


5. Prevent and control employees’ exposure to any hazardous substances


6. Supplying adequate COSHH training to staff


7. Provide accident plans for when accidents happen


8. Provide COSHH risk assessments 9. Regularly conduct and update risk assessments


10. Report any areas of concern to management or via our company’s miss reporting


11. Report any serious issues through RIDDOR 12. Inspect and review your control measures regularly 13. Check the safety data sheet given by your supplier


COSHH risk assessment Employees have the responsibility to ensure that they conduct their daily tasks safely and don’t cause harm to themselves or others. They should consider: 1. Helping their employees create a safe working environment and abide by the regulations set in the workplace


2. Following the procedures put in place to stop accidents and overexposure which causes harm


3. Wearing the correct PPE, such as eye protection and noise protection


4. Ensuring the PPE is stored correctly and returned to its correct storage facilities


5. Correctly reporting any accidents/spillages/breakages of equipment and so on


6. Attending medical check-ups. (Some workplaces provide medical check-ups to ensure their workers are safe while working with hazardous substances)


7. Using any cleaning and showering facilities that are provided by employers


8. Keeping up to date with training provided


Control measures The last step in your risk assessment is implementing adequate control measures to prevent or reduce exposure and minimise risk. So what are some measures you can implement? An example of a control measure is


PPE (personal protective equipment) as this minimises exposure. However, the ideal control measure would control the substance itself rather than minimising exposure to it. The first and most significant is


a review of the exposure itself. Are employees exposed to hazardous waste materials as part of a work process—is it a major component of their role? If yes, ask yourself whether you can


change the process to reduce risk. If the answer is ‘no’ then you should look at other control measures. You can usually separate these into three separate categories:


Containment: Could you create a specific contained area for harmful substances? This will help reduce the number of substances being breathed in or affecting your employee’s lungs. Could you change the way emissions are released into the environment? Installing equipment to strip the harmful substances from emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.


34 / WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 03 - MAY 2024


Substitute: Investigate whether the hazardous substance can be replaced by a less hazardous substance. Many hazardous cleaning chemicals can be replaced by less hazardous substances that do not require a COSHH assessment, for example most schools do not use bleach and use a less hazardous alternative.


Systems of work: Look at how you can restrict access to certain areas of your workplace where hazardous substances are being used or produced. Particularly to those without appropriate training. You should ensure that substances are stored properly, clearly labelled, and kept in the appropriate containers.


Cleaning Ensuring your workplace is clean can help prevent people from breathing in or being affected by hazardous substances. Changing work surfaces to smooth worktops can make them easier to clean and prevent substances or dust from becoming trapped. You should ensure that your team


has the appropriate equipment to clean spillages quickly and safely. Any accidents must be recorded in an accident book.


Get Expert Help Croner offers practical COSHH training to keep your workers safe, whatever position they work in. As a member of Welding World, you can access complimentary support through the Croner advice line. With Croner’s help, you can ensure your staff are professionally trained, avoid accidents before they occur, and protect your business from risk. So, for answers to all your COSHH


questions, support with employee training, or advice on any other health & safety topic, speak to one of our advice line experts today on 0844 561 8133 and quote your CGL reference number. www.croner.co.uk


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