AGL 2024 - ToolBox Talks - COSHH

COSHH

Overview This talk will cover: risk assessment, hazards, control measures and safe use of substances.


Risk Assessment

1 Management must carry out a risk assessment to find out whether:
• exposure to a substance can be eliminated
• alternative work methods can reduce exposure
• a less hazardous substance can be used
2 Any substance with a hazard warning label has the potential to cause harm – asses the risk before using it.



Hazards

1 How you could be affected by a hazardous substance:
• ingestion – eating contaminated food
• inhalation – breathing harmful dust or fumes
• absorption – chemicals entering through cuts etc.

2 Examples of hazardous substances on construction sites:
• contaminated ground
• concrete admixtures
• cement
• solvent fumes
• hardwood dust
• resins
• epoxy-based paints
• welding fumes
• asbestos

3 Don’t mix chemicals or substances


Control measures

1 When using hazardous substances, wear the correct PPE.
2 Know how to look after and use PPE correctly.
3 Know where washing and first-aid facilities are on site.
4 Ensure hazardous substances are put back into a secure location after use and not left out on site.


Use of substances

1 Make sure you are trained to use hazardous substances.
2 Read and comply with the information on the hazard data sheet and the instructions on the product label.
3 Don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling substances.
4 Don’t expose workers to fumes, dust, gas or other dangers from hazardous substances due to your work.
5 Always wash at the end of each shift and before eating.



REMEMBER: KNOW WHAT PPE TO WEAR TO PROTECT AGAINST THE HAZARD.

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Please report to your supervisor to discuss your concerns.