Rank: Super forum user 
|
I'm looking for something out of the ordinary (by ordinary I mean the usual 'routes of entry & controls' content).
I'd like to get better at interpreting safety data, in particular.
Grateful for any advice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Not clear from your post whether you are looking for yourself, or to train others?
If you wish to go more deeply into hazardous substances than the normal 'awareness training' for typical users, have a look at the relevant BOHS professional modules.
Another training approach linked to 'interpreting safety data' is to use some example MDSs as the basis for actual COSHH Assessments - as that requires a process to convert the hazard statements, quantities and details of each planned task into some form of 'hazard severity' to which you can then apply relevant controls so as to ensure that residual risks are ALARP. I've used that type of practical training for appointed COSHH Assessors - but of course it has to link to the actual process and recording methods that you use in a particular workplace.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
For reasons I have posted more than once on this forum I would not base any risk assessment on the safety data sheet. COSHH is about control of exposure, i.e. is concerned primarily with the task. The same chemical can represent significantly different hazards when used for different tasks. Also there are many chemicals that can cause damage to health that have never been assigned a risk phrase or hazard statement. The latest guide on skin sensitisers, for example, lists over 4,000 chemicals known as such, of which only a relatively small number will ever appear on the safety data sheet.
So if you were presenting an exercise I would start with a task, then identify the chemicals being used (which may or may not be on the safety data sheets) and the hazards that these present under the actual conditions of use. (These can be very different from what you started with.) Then assess exposure and the potential consequences of such.
If you consult the sixth edition of the ACoP for COSHH you will see that this is now the approach recommended by the HSE.
Chris
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Chris,
Sorry if my post was misleading - I absolutely agree that you must start with the task. But the query was about training re 'interpreting safety data' - and, once you've identified what hazardous substances are relevant for the task, the SDS is the starting point for such data.
Of course, as you also point out, some substances won't have an SDS - but in the training I mentioned, that's also part of the learning.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
As always, the level of training depends on what you are trying to achieve. For a lot of the basic COSHH stuff the short courses are probably adequate but if you want to move into deeper waters then the level of knowledge you need increases enormously. To fully appreciate what an SDS says (or does not say) you really need something along the lines of a chemistry degree along with a lot of experience. You need this level of knowledge to not only be able to understand the terminology of the SDS but to also to understand what the consequences of exposure to these substances might actually be in a real world situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.