Posted By iainf
Does a separate risk assessment have to be done for every substance or can they all be done under one?

iain

Posted By Pam Williamson
Hello Ian,
COSHH assessments should be completed for the procedure / processes involved using the hazardous substances.

Substances stored in bottles / containers do not pose a risk until they are opened, then you need to think how you are to use them, where they are to be used, and how you will be exposed carrying out the task.

Hope this helps.
Pam

Posted By Chris Packham
Ian

It is a common misconception to consider chemicals when thinking of COSHH. Unfortunately, the emphasis has tended to be placed on "Substances" and not on "Control". I would have preferred COSHH to have been called: "Control of Work Involving Substances Hazardous to Health". So you have to start with the task, then identify which chemicals are being actually used - i.e. which you can identify from observing the task.

Be careful also that you are risk assessing chemicals as they are used, not as they appear on the safety data sheet. The chemical as used may represent quite different hazards to those on the safety data sheet, particularly if it is mixed, diluted, heated etc.

Risk assessment for chemical exposure, particularly for dermal exposure, is surprisingly complex. Routes of exposure are not always obvious. For dermal exposure also there are no exposure limits and, due to the complexities of the skin's interaction with the working environment, the risk is not always easy to determine, particularly if you are dealing with a mixture of irritants and sensitisers.

So caution has to be the watchword.

Chris

Posted By fore!
You're right Peter, it'll never catch on...
You'll never be able to hit someone over the head with the CWISHH regs!

Sorry, i couldn't resist.