COSHH states that substances that are hazardous to health include "...substances labelled as dangerous (very toxic, toxic, harmful, irritant or corrosive) ... agricultural pesticides and other chemicals used on farms, and substances with occupational exposure limits". They also include harmful micro-organisms and substantial quantities of dust and any material, mixture or compound used at work or arising from work activities, which can harm people's health. COSHH requires that action be taken to: - Assess the risk to health arising from hazardous substances at work;
- What substances are present? In what form?
- What harmful effects are possible?
- Where and how are the substances actually used or handled?
- What harmful substances are given off, etc.?
- Who could be affected, to what extent, for how long, under what circumstances?
- How likely is it that exposure will happen?
- What precautions need to be taken? (Note the priorities in section 2.)
- Introduce measures to prevent or control the risk at reasonable levels;
- Ensure that control measures are used and that equipment is properly maintained and procedures observed;
- Where necessary, monitor the exposure of the workers and carry out an appropriate form of surveillance of their health;
- Inform, train and supervise employees about the risks andthe precautions to be taken. [Volunteers may not be employees but the obligation to protect them in this way is similar.]
All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009
|
