To comply with COSHH regulations:
Identify all substances hazardous to health in the workplace.
- For information on a substance, consult the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available, use existing knowledge of the substance, its properties and how it is used in the practice, and check information found on the packaging.
Formally assess the risks (record in writing) to employees from these materials (see COSHH Risk Assessment template).
If the hazard cannot be eliminated, provide control measures to reduce the risk of harm to health.
- Involve staff in developing control measures to make sure the measures are suitable for the way they carry out the work. Encourage staff to suggest improvements, and to report anything they think might be going wrong.
Monitor the use of control measures and ensure they are in good working order.
Provide health surveillance where appropriate [1].
Plan for emergencies that involve hazardous substances.
Provide adequate information, instruction and training to staff.