Chemical Assessment Code of Practice
Effective from 6 November 2007
Version Number: 2.0
Author: Safety/Fire Safety Officer
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
te
University of Salford
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
Document Control Information
Status and reason for development
Status:
Revised to update previous version
Reason for
development:
This document was developed to ensure compliance with legislation
Revision History
Date
16 January 2015
Author
Claire Whittaker
6 November 2007
Claire Whittaker
Summary of changes
Document transferred to new template
Version No.
V2.0
Document developed
V1.0
Code of Practice Management and Responsibilities
Owner:
Associate Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Others with responsibilities
(please specify):
The owner has delegated responsibility for day to day management of the
Code to the Safety/Fire Safety Officer
All subjects of the Code will be responsible for engaging with and adhering
to this policy.
Assessment
Cross relevant assessments
Cross if not applicable
Equality Analysis
Legal
Information Governance
Academic Governance
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Author:
Consultation
Cross relevant consultations
Staff Trades Unions via HR
Students via USSU
Any relevant external bodies
(please specify)
Consultation of the original policy
took place through the Health and
Safety Committee.
…………………………………..
The Executive
Authorised by:
6 November 2007
Date authorised:
6 November 2007
Effective from:
2 years from date authorised
Review due:
Document location:
http://www.salford.ac.uk/hr
www.salford.ac.uk/university/governance/policies-and-procedures
Document dissemination and communications plan
The Safety/Fire Safety Officer will circulate to the Health and Safety Coordinators for the Colleges and Professional
Services to enable promotion throughout their area of responsibility.
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University of Salford
1.0
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
Purpose
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 requires employers to manage the
risks to health from using chemical substances. Managing the risks by undertaking a COSHH
Assessment and determining the controls required enables us to use chemicals in the workplace without
endangering safety.
2.0
Scope
A COSHH Assessment will be required for any substance, which may present a risk to health from its use.
COSHH Assessments should be undertaken by Line Managers or technical staff with knowledge of the
chemicals or processes involved and practical experience of undertaking risk assessments.
3.0
Code of Practice Statements
The COSHH Assessment can be undertaken using the form provided at the appendix. The Assessment is
divided into three sections:
Step 1 – Obtain the information about the chemical/s you are using or the processes being performed.
You should have a copy of the material safety data sheet to aid this process. Determine whether it is
actually necessary to use the substance and if yes, if a safer alternative available. Identify if exposure is
likely and if health surveillance is required for employees.
Step 2 – Identify what existing precautions exist to eliminate or reduce the risk to substance users. This
includes what written systems you have in place, the training you provide to your staff, what equipment is
made available and also the emergency arrangements you have provided.
Step 3 – Make a judgement about whether the risk is adequately controlled. The risk assessment-scoring
matrix can be used to assist you making a decision. If after scoring the remaining risk is tolerable or
greater, you will need to determine if additional controls can be introduced to further reduce the risk.
It is essential that the information from the risk assessment is communicated to staff using the chemicals
or involved in the processes. This can be easily achieved by providing the users with the Chemical User
Information Sheet included with the COSHH Assessment Pro-forma.
Regularly monitor the controls to ensure they are remaining effective and review the assessment
regularly.
4.0
Code of Practice Monitoring and Performance
Failure to implement a suitable and sufficient health and safety management system could result in noncompliance with legislation.
The application of this code of practice will be monitored as part of the external health and safety
management systems audit.
5.0 Related Documentation
Not applicable
6.0 Training and Support
Training will be provided by Health, Safety and Wellbeing, where required.
7.0 Appendices
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University of Salford
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
Appendix 1 – COSHH Assessment Form
Appendix 2 – Material User Safety Information
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University of Salford
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
COSHH Assessment Step 1 – Obtain the Information
Product Name
Is a current manufacturers Health and Safety Data
Sheet available? YES/NO
Chemical Composition
If NO, obtain before completing the assessment
Product Uses
Locations
Frequency of Use
Daily Weekly Monthly
Infrequent
Classification
Nature of Hazard
Route of Entry
Toxic Harmful Irritant Corrosive
dust mist
Inhalation
fume splash
Ingestion
Oxidising Flammable Explosive
Other:
Absorption
Risk Phrases/Safety Phrases
Persons Exposed
R:
Staff- please state
S:
Students, Maintenance Personnel, Visitors
Has substance been assigned a WEL?
Is this likely to be exceeded in normal use
If yes, what are the limits set out in EH40:
If YES – exposure monitoring required
If NO – how was this conclusion reached
Is medical surveillance required? YES/NO
Does the substance have to be used? YES/NO
If YES contact OHSS on 55425
If yes, Is a safer alternative available? YES/NO
Step 2 - Detail the Current Controls
What Information and Instruction is provided?
What Training is provided?
What Supervision is provided?
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University of Salford
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
Is Extraction/Ventilation required and used?
What Personal Protective Equipment is required and provided?
What Emergency Procedures are required and in place?
What Storage Facilities are provided and are these adequate?
Are First Aid Facilities provided appropriate to the risk?
Step 3 – Assess the Risk
Using the table below, determine the likelihood of exposure occurring with the existing controls in place and
the consequences if exposure occurred
Risk Level:
Are additional controls required to further control the risk? YES/NO
If YES, please detail the additional controls below:
Name of Assessor
Date of Assessment
Date for re-assessment
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University of Salford
Chemical Assessment Code of Practice v2.0
Increasing Consequence
Risk Rating:
5
10
15
20
25
4
8
12
16
20
3
6
9
12
15
2
4
6
8
10
1
2
3
4
5
Increasing Likelihood
17-25 Unacceptable – Stop activity and make
immediate improvements/seek further advice
10-16 Tolerable – look to improve within specified
timescale
5-9 Adequate – Look to improve at next review
1-4 Acceptable - No further action, but ensure
controls are maintained
Guide to using the risk rating table:
Consequences
1 Insignificant – no injury
2 Minor – minor injuries
3 Moderate – up to three days absence
4 Major – more than three days absence
5 Catastrophic – death or disabling
Likelihood
1 Very unlikely – 1 in a million chance of it happening
2 Unlikely – 1 in 100,000 chance of it happening
3 Fairly likely – 1 in 10,000 chance of it happening
4 Likely – 1 in 1,000 chance of it happening
5 Very likely – 1 in 100 chance of it happening
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Chemical Safety Information Sheet
PRODUCT NAME
APPEARANCE AND ODOUR
CHEMICAL NAME
LOCATION
CLASSIFICATION
CONTAINER TYPE
EFFECTS
FIRST AID
IF SWALLOWED
IF INHALED
SKIN CONTACT
EYE CONTACT
SPILLAGE
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
STORAGE
PERSONAL
Hands
PROTECTIVE
Eyes
EQUIPMENT
Clothing/Footwear
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