As a result of the EU Chemical Agents Directive (CAD) changes have occurred to the UK COSHH regulations which have now been reflected in Edition 4 of the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).
Whilst many of the requirements have been implicit under the previous regulations and ACOP, it has introduced some new duties and responsibilities which are required to be addressed by employers.
These are:
• The duty to substitute for a hazardous substance one which is either non-hazardous (or less so)
• CAD now requires that procedures for dealing with accidents and emergencies are explicitly considered under the provisions for hazardous substances. In addition, more employers, including relatively small concerns that use particularly hazardous materials, will have to liaise with their local Fire Officer to provide a copy of associated emergency plans
• CAD requires air monitoring to be conducted on a “regular basis” and when any change that may affect employees occurs. The ACOP explains that air monitoring need only be carried out in these circumstances if the employers review of the assessment raises any doubt whether adequate control is being achieved, but it also requires the employer to determine how frequently it should be done to meet the “regular basis” requirement.
The arc approach to COSHH management
ARC can help you with an understanding of the regulations and the ACOP and, where necessary, assist you in reviewing and revising your current assessments. ARC’s approach demonstrates due diligence and that the assessments are “suitable and sufficient”.
• Review Assessments - Review adequacy of current assessments against new requirements
• Gather information on processes and substances used particularly with regard to substitution and air monitoring requirements
• Evaluate risks to health - particularly where substitution may be possible (or where this has not already been done)
• Decide on actions - particularly with regard to substation requirements or air monitoring
• Record the assessment - ARC is able to provide simple, user-friendly database tools for enabling you to record, track arising actions and review status of assessments
Why choose arc?
• Tailored solutions, reducing risk & improving performance
• Successful delivery of complex high profile projects
• Experienced consultants, adding value & achieving results
• Collaborative approach |
