Apologies if this has been on earlier but I have not found anything relevant. I have looked at various coshh assessments (through the internet and from kind members who have pointed me in the right direction). However, what most people call "coshh assessments" and those that I have looked at (some from multi national Groups) are just a simpler formatted versions of the data sheet itself. As a company, we even paid an annual fee for a "coshh assessment" website but again, this just made a data sheet easier to understand for those who used the substance. I have looked at the regs etc relating to assessment but wondered if anyone has a true assessment in place. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

No a COSHH assessment is not a simplified version of an MSDS. An MSDS just tells you about the substance and what harm it may cause, controls that may be used etc. It will also give info on any WEL's, storage conditions, first aid provison etc. So the information contained wihtin the MSDS is useful in carrying out the COSHH assessement. However, there is a world of difference in how people use substances. For example spraying or dabbing on with a cloth. That is the purpose of the COSHH assessment to look at how you use the substance (or in the case of substanes produced, how and what is produced in what quantities). And then decide on what control measures are required. Eg, you're not going to use full RPE if you're dabbing it on with a paint brush occasionally but you may need to if spraying. A COSHH assessment is similar to a RA but for substances. So you still look at what are the potential hazards of use, who may be harmed and how and what control measures need to be put in place. First aid measures are often included too and also storage conditions. But it is not a mini MSDS.

When undertaking a ‘coshh’ assessment you need to consider: • What is the substance? • What are the risks to health? • Can it eliminated or substituted with something less harmful? • How frequently is it used? • How much is used? • Who is exposed? • How are people exposed o Inhalation o Contact o Absorption • Does the substance have an exposure limit? • What control measures are in place? – do they ensure exposure limit is not exceeded • What more do you need to do? • Are control measures maintained? • Is LEV subject to inspection every 14 months? • Is PPE required • Does substance have need for employees to undergo health monitoring The HSE has a website which you may find helpful http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/index.htm Hope this helps Phil W