COSHH Regulations
Under the COSHH regulations, an employer is required to assess the risks from health arising from the use of hazardous substances in the workplace and to make informed decisions with regards to the management of the those risks.

Assessment of the Risk
The employer has a responsibility for the assessment of the risk, however the assessment must be undertaken by someone who understands the COSHH Regulation’s, approved codes of practice and who is able to gather all of the necessary information and have the knowledge and experience to make the correct decisions about the risks and actions required. It is recommended that the best approach is to use a partnership approach between a consultancy such as EPA and the client.

Monitor the exposure of employees to hazardous substances
Under COSHH it is a requirement to measure the employees’ exposure to hazardous substances via inhalation where the risk assessment concludes that:

• There could be a serious risk to health if control measures deteriorate or fail.
• Workplace Exposure limits might be exceeded
• Control measures may not be suitable

Prevent or Control Exposure
Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to hazardous substances the employer must adequately control exposure. This can be undertaken by using appropriate processes and engineering control, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

Ensure That Control Measures Are Used and Properly Maintained
The COSHH Regulations require employees to make use of control measures and to report defects. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems must be examined and tested at intervals of 14 months or less by qualified persons. Records must be maintained for at least 5 years.

Ensure that employees are Informed and Trained
The provision of information and training for employees is particularly important as part of the management approach within COSHH. Without the informed and competent participation of employees, any control measures provided are unlikely to be effective.
 
EPA
EPA can provide you with a complete COSHH management service covering each stage of the process, from the assessment of the risk. From the information we can provide recommendations on control measures to ensure that the hazard is properly prevented or controlled, and that any control measures are used and properly maintained to ensure that COSHH compliance is achieved in an effective manner.

Our range of services includes:

• Noise monitoring and assessment.
• Workplace monitoring for dusts, vapours, fumes and gases.
• Local Exhaust Ventilation examination and testing (LEV’s).
• Hand/arm vibration monitoring and control.