CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH (COSHH).

Many GMB members, often unwillingly, come into contact with hazardous substances during their working day. Employers, often through ignorance, are unsure what is covered by legislation. Basically any substance in the form of a gas, liquid, solid, dust, aerosol or microorganism is covered by these regulations.

Employers are required to:

• Assess risks to health, safety and welfare, which may arise from exposure to a substance BEFORE its use;
• Prevent or adequately control exposure;
  
• Ensure control measure are used, maintained, examined and tested;
  
• If necessary monitor exposure and carry out health surveillance; and
  
• Inform, instruct and train employees.

Often the only measure employed is the issuing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): under Regulation 7, Controlling Exposure, there is a “hierarchy”of control measures, which should be followed:

Preventing Exposure -

• By eliminating the substance; and
• Substitution by a less hazardous substance.

Controlling Exposure -

• Totally enclose the process;
  
• Limit area of contamination;
  
• Partially enclose and use local exhaust ventilation (LEV);
  
• General ventilation;
  
• Reduce the period of exposure; and
  
• Provide suitable PPE.
  

As can be seen, the issuing of PPE, without consideration of other factors is not the correct procedure for dealing with any hazardous substance.

Produced by the GMB, London Region,
Thorne House, 152 Brent Street, Hendon. NW4 2DP
Tel: 020 8202 8272
Fax: 020 8202 2893