Are Safety Data Sheets the same as COSHH Risk Assessments?

Posted on: October 31, 2011

The simple answer to this is NO. It is one of the most common mistakes or misconceptions that employers make in relation to the control of chemicals.

A good safety data sheet (SDS) does not substitute for carrying out and recording a COSHH risk assessment. Gathering SDSs is only the first stage in the assessment process. The SDS will provide information on the hazardous properties of the substances you are using, any health effects associated with its use, how likely it is to get into the air or onto the skin, and what risk reduction measures you should use to control exposure to an acceptable level. However, it will not be specific to your workplace and cannot take into account the particular environment you work in. The HSE publication Working with substances hazardous to health provides more information on UK requirements.

It is the responsibility of Employers to ensure that they can provide information about the hazards, risks and control measures, and instruction and training to use the control measures. All employers must carry out a risk assessment and those employing five or more employees must also record significant findings. This record needs to be accessible so that safety representatives, inspectors, etc. can examine it

Here at Environmental Compliance our experts can help you through this process by providing the following services:

• COSHH Risk Assessments;
• COSHH Monitoring;
• Local Exhaust Ventilation System Testing & Inspection (HSG 258 Second Edition, 2011)
• Legionella Risk Assessments;
• COSHH Risk Assessment Training;
• COSHH Risk Assessment Proformas;
• On site compliance audits.

Please call 0844 9841900 or contact us via enquiries@envirocompli.com for more details.