Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Wayne P
COSHH regs state that assessment is only needed on a hazardous substance and definitions for these are given. To me it is mostly straight forward until the definition for dust -
"Any kind of dust if average concentration in air exceeds the levels specified in COSHH".
I understand there are specific dusts that appear on the WEL list but do you need to do a COSHH assessment on a powder that is not hazardous and has no WEL?
Is it simply - if the powder has a potential to generate dust to the breathing zone?
Your views would be appreciated.
Another point is that even if a substance is not classed as hazardous, the msds will still recommend some form of PPE so at the very least safety info needs to be passed onto the user in some format.
Thanks, Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Wayne
Any kind of dust will cause problems if there is enough of it in the air. Reg 2 states that inhalable dust present at more than 10 mg/m3 or respirable dust present at more than 4 mg/m3 are classed as substances hazardous to health and must, therefore, be subject to suitable controls.
While you should conform to the controls specified in any MSDS, the information can be wrong and should be checked.
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Wayne P
Thanks Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Chris Packham
Any substance can be a substance hazardous to health, not just those with WELs or risk phrases.
This is covered in definition (e) in the COSHH Regulations:
“(e) which, not being a substance falling within sub-paragraphs (a) to (d), because of its chemical or toxicological properties and the way in which it is used or is present at the workplace creates a risk to health.”
So first check how the substance is being used in the workplace, what exposure can be occurring, then identify the properties of the chemical "as used" (not always the same as "as supplied", i.e. as on the safety data sheet), then decide whether under the circumstances you have a substance hazardous to health.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Wayne P
Thanks Chris,
I was looking at reducing paperwork as currently I assess all substances that I receive - this assessment then doubles up as an information sheet for the operator on PPE/Engineering controls etc.. to be used.
I think I'll stick to my original plan and assess everything!
Wayne
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.