HSE DEPARTMENT 31.08.

2010

Document Title:

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO

HEALTH

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HSE QA / QC

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REV
ROVSHAN OGUZ CLIENT

Note:

This document is a controlled copy of the Rovshan Oguz Safety Management System. Any copies made
of this document are uncontrolled and are therefore not subject to review and further approval.

This document will be reviewed on an annual basis, at a minimum, to ensure its continued
appropriateness and effectiveness.

Title: Safety Management System Revision: C0

 HSE DEPARTMENT 31.08.2010

Document Title:

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO

HEALTH

1. Scope

This procedure has been prepared to reduce the risk to the Health and Safety of the workforce
and visitors.

Using hazardous substances can put people’s health at risk. COSHH requires employers to
control exposures to hazardous substances to protect both employees and others who may be
exposed from work activities.

What are hazardous substances?

Hazardous substances are anything that can harm your health when you work with them if they
are not properly controlled e.g. by using adequate ventilation. They are found in nearly all work
places e.g. factories, shops, mines, farms and offices. They can include:

 Substances used directly in work activities e.g. glues, paints, cleaning agents
 Substances generated during work activities e.g. fumes from soldering and welding
 Naturally occurring substances e.g. grain dust, blood, bacteria.

For the vast majority of commercial chemicals, the presence (or not) of a warning label will
indicate whether COSHH is relevant. For example, household washing up liquid doesn’t have a
warning label but bleach does – so COSHH applies to bleach, but not washing up liquid when
used at work.

Remember that asbestos and lead are covered by separate laws.

2. Responsibility

The ultimate responsibility lies with the Managing Director. However, the responsibility of
carrying out assessments of substances in use is delegated to the Factory Supervisor (or his
deputy) who can acquire the assistance of the Safety Department to carry out assessments.

3. Procedure

When orders are placed with suppliers the order shall stipulate that Safety Data Sheets are
required as appropriate for the product.

On receipt of Data Sheets they will be filed by substance type, i.e. Adhesive, Cleaners, Oils,
Paints, etc.
Title: Safety Management System Revision: C0
 HSE DEPARTMENT 31.08.2010

Document Title:

CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO

HEALTH

A study is made of the operation / process involving substance to establish if storage, handling
and use are as recommended by the supplier and to assess the level of exposure to establish the
risk to health.

Where there is risk to the health of the user or bystander, an assessment sheet will be produced
defining control measures that must be complied with to reduce the level of risk and exposure.

Any assessment will be issued to the supervisor who will inform operators of the hazards and
control measures required.

Copies of the assessment should be forwarded to the Safety Coordinator.

Where materials are to be used differently from the suppliers prescribed use, the Safety
Coordinator will be consulted for advice on specific hazards and chemicals and required
protection.

Monitoring of painting operations will be carried out on as required basis to assess levels of
exposure.

Following the eight steps to COSHH employers must:

 Work out what hazardous substances are used in your work place and find out the risks
from using these substances to people’s health.
 Decide what precautions are needed before starting work with hazardous substances.
 Prevent people being exposed to hazardous substances, but where this is not reasonably
practicable, control the exposure.
 Make sure control measures are used and maintained properly and that safety procedures
are followed.
 If required, monitor exposure of employees to hazardous substances.
 Carry out health surveillance where your assessment has shown that this is necessary or
COSHH makes specific requirements.
 If required, prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and
emergencies.
 Make sure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised.

4. References:

1. BP Safe System of Work

2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration of US Department of Labor.
Title: Safety Management System Revision: C0