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Posted By GaryC40
Hi, I am almost dreading to ask, however the pressure is on at the moment so here goes!
I am updating our general safety procedures and forms and have just about completed the process - The current 'COSHH RA form' is hard copy only and has been largely ignored by staff responsible for carrying out assessments. I am after a good RA form that complies with the Regs but also is workable and straight forward to use. I am a little inexperienced in this field hence the request.
We use a wide range of chemicals such as varnishes, thinners, oil and water based timber / metal paint - basically standard Joinery and maintenance products along with cleansing materials, nothing to specialised.
Any help would be appreciated and i would be more than happy to return the favour some day.
Gary
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Posted By DaGuru
you have mail my friend.
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Posted By GaryC40
Super thanks - will try out today Guru!
One more would be great for comparison?? Pushing my luck maybe??
If not this form provided certainly looks straight forward and easy to use.
Thanks again
Gary
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Posted By GaryC40
Some advise please - My employer currently does not carry out COSHH WEL monitoring - I am wondering if we actually need to go that far as it would presumably involve bringing a specialist consultant up from the UK mainland at a significant cost. We as an organisation carry out the majority of chemical use (painting / varnishing) etc outside during Summer months so thats OK..?? However, we also have a joinery workshop where the usual type of substances are used and stored (in COSHH and flammable cupboards) Good housekeeping measures are in place in conjunction with a fully compliant / tested / maintained LEV system. In addition our staff are supplied with suitable RPE if required and must attend occupational health screening every 2 years to a minimum - No reports from our O H provider suggest there is a problem. I think we are doing enough (ALARP)however, not 100% sure if monitoring is an absolute legal requirement or just required when identified by RA. Cost is an issue as it would likely be in the region 2K
Taking all this into consideration should we also monitor / sample WELs by way of specialist assistance?
I am working alongside workshop supervisor to ensure all chemicals are assessed.
Gary
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Gary
Air monitoring is required when your risk assessment says it is necessary to determine whether your control measures are effective. You say that your LEV system is fully compliant / tested / maintained but are you sure it is controlling inhalation exposures adequately?
One thing occurs to me from your comments; how do you know the RPE is adequate if you don't know employees' exposures to the substances used?
If you are sure that exposures are below the WEL or, in the case of carcinogens, mutagens, etc. are as low as reasonably practicable, then air monitoring would not necessarily be required.
Paul
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Posted By IanS
Gary, getting a specialist contractor to travel to you is not the only option. If you know or can find out, what chemicals your workers are potentially exposed to, a discussion with one of the testing companies may suggest using personnel monitoring using badges or diffusion tubes they will supply and which can then be sent back for analysis and report generation.
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Posted By Chris Packham
Why not do a simple grab-sampling test using colorimetric tubes. If this then indicates that there is potential airborne exposure over the WEL then you would need to consider monitoring by a hygienist. If not, then at least you can demonstrate that you have checked and identified that there is no significant risk.
A kit with hand pump and relevant tubes will not be that expensive and can be kept for regular checking, particularly if anything is changed.
Chris
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Posted By bluesail461
you have mail
cheers
jez
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Posted By GaryC40
Thanks to all who replied and supply good advice and assessment forms - Excellant and great help!
Paul,
A very honest answer for you - I don't know, i can only use the condition of LEV filters and longevity of effectiveness of RPE as a guide to the quality of local air. Occupational Health reports and lung function tests suggest currents control are adequate, however i would agree with Chris (Packham)and IanS regarding carrying out an initial air sampling programme just to check. I am looking into to hiring some kit for this.
Thanks again
Gary
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