Harmful Substances in your Workplace

You can find harmful substances in a range of products used in your working environment: cleaning products, paint, fumes, waste etc, but before any panic sets in it is worth noting that although they can harm the health of your employees and visitors, used properly they normally don’t.

We all know about asbestosis and emphysema because of the media and legal interest, but asthma can also be caused and irritated by long term damage to the lungs from substances hazardous to health.  Very serious long-term damage can include cancer.  Although some employers look at irritation, and stinging to the eyes as minor, this normally results in time off work.

 REMEMBER chronic conditions CANNOT be reversed.

 As an employer WHAT MUST YOU DO?

The law requires you to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health.  This is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

• Identify which harmful substances are present in your workplace
• Know how workers might be exposed and consequently harmed
• Identify measures you already have in place to prevent harm
• Ask yourself if these are adequate
• Ensure you have labels or safety data sheets for hazardous substances
• Identify and provide information, instruction and training (and if appropriate, health surveillance)

Carry out a COSHH risk assessment and ask yourself:

• Can any substances be removed, or a safer substances sourced?
• Can any of the processes be changed to eliminate use of certain substances?
• Can containment minimise the release of harmful substances?
• Can you restrict personnel access?

Maintain controls for adequacy and ensure you:

• Plan the storage of materials and use of containers
• Ensure correct labelling and separation of incompatible materials

Carry out simple checks to control dust and mist to:

• Check for any damage and leaks from your processes
• Ensure the operators are trained to report any defects
• Do regular checks on the airflow indicator on extraction systems

Ensure Ventilation and adequacy of fresh air: either natural or controlled by fans:

• Ensure the hood is not too far away from the process and does not surround it
• Check for inadequate airflow and that extraction system is working
• Training is put in place to ensure employees know how the extraction system works

Checks to prevent skin damage:  Avoid, Protect and Check.

• Avoid direct contact between unprotected hands and substances – USE PPE appropriate to the task
• Protect by avoiding contact and/or washing away any contamination promptly
• Check skin regularly for any early signs of skin damage and report it immediately

Asbestos checks – see The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

Lead checks – see The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002