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How Often Should COSHH Assessments Be Reviewed?

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Hazardous substances come with significant risks, which is why a COSHH assessment is essential for any businesses using dangerous chemicals or materials. After an initial COSHH assessment, you might wonder ‘how often should COSHH assessments be reviewed?’ 

To maintain safety and compliance in the workplace, you will need to complete routine COSHH reviews, and understand the circumstances that might result in an ad-hoc review. This article will explain in more detail when, and how often, to review a COSHH assessment.

Contents

  1. What Is A COSHH Assessment?
  2. How Often Should COSHH Assessments Be Reviewed?
  3. What Could Trigger A COSHH Risk Assessment Review?
  4. How Do You Complete A COSHH Assessment?
  5. What Happens If You Don’t Do A COSHH Review?

How Often Should COSHH Assessments Be Reviewed?

a man carrying kegs containing flammable liquids in a manufacturing plant determining what could trigger a coshh risk assessment review

A COSHH review should be completed at least annually, but there are certain circumstances that can trigger a review or require you to update the existing COSHH assessment sooner.

Conducting and maintaining COSHH assessments is a legal requirement and should be included in a health and safety risk assessment for applicable industries. An effective assessment process involves regular reviews to ensure any changes in circumstances are addressed promptly.

What Is A COSHH Assessment?

A COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment is used to evaluate any potential risks posed by hazardous substances in the workplace. The process involves identifying materials that could harm human health and the risks that could lead to chemical accidents. It ensures effective control measures are in place to mitigate those risks. 

Many industries, for example, manufacturing and construction, deal with hazardous materials like flammable chemicals or dust on a daily basis. Therefore, they must conduct regular assessments to ensure workplace safety, and comply with health and safety legislation.

What Could Trigger A COSHH Risk Assessment Review?

It is normal practice to complete a COSHH review once a year. However, several triggers may necessitate an unscheduled review outside of this standard time frame.

1. Incident Occurrence

Any incident or accident involving hazardous materials, such as a spill or exposure, will necessitate a reevaluation of the assessment.

2. Health Complaints

If an employee reports any adverse health effects or unidentified health risks, this could indicate inadequate control measures and require reassessment.

3. Regulatory Changes

Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) are legal requirements that dictate the amount of hazardous substances that can be present in the air. If these limits are altered, there should be updates made to the COSHH assessment.

4. Introduction of New Substances

Introducing new substances hazardous to health or a change in the composition of existing substances can alter risk levels, warranting a fresh evaluation.

5. New Information On Safety Data Sheets

Data Safety Sheets are documents created by manufacturers of hazardous substances. They detail the physical and chemical properties of the substance, and may also explain how it should be correctly used. If new information from Safety Data Sheets becomes available, it could mean a COSHH review is needed. 

6. HSE Investigations

If your organisation is subject to an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it may lead to the discovery of gaps in any documentation and failures in COSHH procedures. In this instance, you would need to organise a review of the COSHH risk assessment to avoid penalties and improve employee safety. 

7. Health Surveillance Findings

For businesses who monitor their employees’ health, any changes to health surveillance records that indicate an increased risk of exposure can trigger a review. 

8. Modified Control Measures

If the control measures put in place to mitigate risks associated with hazardous substances change, then a COSHH review will need to reflect these changes; for example, modifications to exhaust ventilation, or new equipment being installed. 

How Do You Complete A COSHH Assessment?

To complete a COSHH assessment or a full COSHH review, there are several key steps:

  1. Identify hazardous substances: List all the substances used in the workplace, including any specified in Safety Data Sheets. This includes everything from wood dust to cleaning supplies and more serious threats like asbestos. 
  2. Gather information: Consult Safety Data Sheets to understand each substance, its individual risks, the Workplace Exposure Limits of each, and any suggested control measures.
  3. Assess health risks: Determine the overall risks to health by evaluating the potential harm from each substance. Consider the level and the duration of any exposure.
  4. Examine current controls: Review existing control measures and their effectiveness; for example, method statements or personal protective equipment.
  5. Implement additional controls: If necessary, introduce further control measures to reduce health risks, and ensure they align with legal requirements.
  6. Document and review: Prepare the assessment documentation, confirming it is sufficient, and make sure all relevant staff have access to it. Regularly review the assessment to accommodate new substances or changes in the workplace environment.

What Happens If You Don’t Do A COSHH Review?

a factory burning down because flammable liquids were not adequately risk assessed.

Failing to conduct regular COSHH reviews can lead to a heightened risk of exposure to hazardous substances. This could result in serious health problems, such as:

  • Respiratory issues from wood dust
  • Skin irritations from chemicals
  • Burns from flammable liquids

Without a COSHH review, inadequate control measures may go unnoticed, further increasing the risk of exposure. An original assessment can become outdated as workplace conditions, Safety Data Sheets, and legal requirements evolve. Furthermore, the duration of exposure could change over time, affecting the risk to health.

Neglecting COSHH reviews can compromise health and safety, and result in non-compliance with legal obligations. This could have severe consequences for businesses, including potential fines or legal actions. Regular reviews, therefore, play a critical role in maintaining a safe workplace.

Total Compliance With Rhino Safety

Manage and maintain critical health and safety assessments with the help of Rhino Safety. As health and safety experts working in the UK and globally, we have extensive experience supporting organisations in every sector to remain compliant and put employee safety first. 

From health and safety audits to CDM Regulations and beyond, talk to us today for full-proof health and safety solutions. Let us take care of compliance while you grow your business.   

 

 

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