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JHF  
#1 Posted : 11 August 2020 15:02:05(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

Hi all, re above. Can someone advice, what (essentially) is the difference between a "standard" COSHH Assessment and a "Risk Assessment COSHH"? Thanks.

Ian Bell2  
#2 Posted : 11 August 2020 16:31:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

There is no difference, its just sloppy use of language.

Reg 6 of the COSHH regs requires a risk assessment to be completed where work is liable to expose wokers to any substance hazardous to health.

thanks 1 user thanked Ian Bell2 for this useful post.
Roundtuit on 11/08/2020(UTC)
Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 11 August 2020 21:07:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

why has this arisen? Poorly worded question on a PQQ or a new wet behind the ears inspector/auditor?

Roundtuit  
#4 Posted : 11 August 2020 21:07:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

why has this arisen? Poorly worded question on a PQQ or a new wet behind the ears inspector/auditor?

JHF  
#5 Posted : 12 August 2020 08:22:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JHF

"Others" getting involved in H&S matters! asking for Risk Assessment COSHH (also wording on HSE webpages) - wasnt sure if things had changed. 

chris.packham  
#6 Posted : 12 August 2020 08:44:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

COSHH is not just 'risk assessment'. The first word in COSHH is 'Control'. Risk assessment is just the first step.

As the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work states; “A risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of what, in your work, could cause harm to people, so that you can weigh up whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to prevent harm.”

Once you know what the risk is then you need to introduce measures to 'adequately control' the actual or potential exposure. Note what the regulation states: "Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to a substance hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.' – Control of substances hazardous to health regulations, regulation 7(1)

Note that the 'reasonably practicable' only applies to 'prevention' and not to 'adequately control'. However, there is no official definition of what constitutes 'adequately control' other than a vague 'best practice' in the ACoP.  However, COSHH also covers health surveillance, a form of quality control to establish whether your control measures are working effectively.

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