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Posted By Smith1967
I have completed an inventory of substances and have a database with the OEL, MEL and R and S phrases for each. I now need to perform risk assessments. Would it be considered as "suitable and sufficient" if I grouped some substances together for the assessment. For example combining chemicals with similar risks used for Flavours mixing to produce a Risk Assessment for the mixing of flammable flavours , then an assessment for mixing Irritant flavours. I am being pressurised to complete these assessments but I feel that my organisation is trying to combine ALL flavour under 1 assessment using controls which cover all potential risks ( None of the flavours have OELs and MELs ). I dont feel this is a suitable process but I do feel that to assess every chemical and every task using that chemical could be similar to painting the Forth Bridge.
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Dave
While you do, of course, need MSDSs to tell you about the hazardous properties of the substances you use, you should be assessing how you use the substances: mixing, dispensing, etc. If you carry out any of these processes in more than one location, you should assess each location. Don't forget to assess routine maintenance which could result in exposure to these substances; and any emergency that could result in exposure.
Paul
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Posted By Eric PD
beware also that COSHH 94 has done away with oes amd mel , it now deals in WEL's.
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Posted By gham
What you are proposing sounds very much like the systems of "control Approach" described in the COSHH Essentials handbook. (by the sounds of it you already know this)
If you have access to Technical Indexes or Barbour's you can get copies of this from there HSG193 or you could buy the pack from HSE books for £30:00 ISBN 0-7176-2737-3 (again something you may already have)
I can see where you are coming from and would tend to agree, with regards to "suitable and sufficient" if you can manage it and it works then it is certainly sufficient. I have a system similar to this in place but ultimately each chemical ends up with it's own assessment but the control measures are based on the R Phrases and WEL's basically you look up the R Phrases and WEL's and assign the control measures that match and then review the chemical in context and make any adjustments to suit. This way you spend, more time looking a specific risk with the chemical in whichever context being used rather than regurgitating the same stuff over and over again.
Getting it up and running is a pain but once it's ironed out, it works well.
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