This week sees Sustainable Solutions return for the third time, to a relatively large metal foundry. The client is keen to update their COSHH risk assessment for the site which they consider is not fully suitable for their type of activities. The client came to us after we explained that our COSHH risk assessment process had been developed earlier when the HSE had become involved with another client, a major teaching establishment, some years ago. At that time, we talked to the HSE about how we could develop something more wholesome for which they helped, guided and finally approved the final format. During this process, the HSE informed us that of all the risk assessments they encounter when they go out onto sites, the COSHH risk assessments are more than any other, not just disappointing but wholly inadequate.
Most organisations usually recreate a paired down version of the safety data sheets provided by the suppliers of substances. “lip service” according to the HSE. Unless the organisation completes a task flow chart, the risk assessment will completely miss out, How the material is delivered and unloaded, how it is placed into storage, how it is stored, how it is moved from storage to the place of use, how it is actually used and the real routes of entry into or exposure to the human body, What by-products are created when doing the task, what happens to the equipment after production when it requires emptying and cleaning, what happens to the empty container after decanting, what the exposure is with disposing of the container? Not only this but there is often little reference to those persons in the vicinity who may be effected and often things like general background dusts or isocyanate vapours are just not even considered.
For those wanting to know more about this, contact Sustainable Solutions and we can come and provide a free consultation and overview of your processes. For training on how to follow our format to successfully use our system, Train to Safety are running a one day workshop for health and safety professionals on 14th November at the Tapton Training room in Chesterfield.
