UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
COSHH ASSESSMENT
DEPARTMENT: Geography
LOCATION: Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (Room 33)
DATE: 09/09/08
ASSESSOR: S. Boreham
PROJECT UNDER ASSESSMENT: Phosphate extraction and determination from
soil.
Description of project - Phosphate analysis of soils. In 2 parts - extraction and
determination.
Scale and frequency of activity - The chemistry laboratory can accommodate one
worker undertaking phosphate analysis.
Major items of equipment - Shaking machine for extraction. Spectrophotometer
for phosphate analysis. Fume cupboard.
Principal techniques - Extraction involves the use of Polyacrylamide solution,
Sodium Bicarbonate reagent and Sodium Hydroxide, the latter two combined form
Olsen's bicarbonate reagent. Determination involves the use of Ammonium
Molybdate reagent, Ascorbic acid solution and Sulphuric acid (2.5M).
Signature ........................................
NECESSARY ADDITIONAL
CONTROL MEASURES
ACTION TAKEN
There is an obligation to review this assessment each year. Using the area
below this assessment can be used for up to 3 years if there is little change in
the work undertaken.
DATE
COMMENT
SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR
I have received a copy of this COSHH assessment, and have read and
understood the information which it contains.
Name............................. Signature..............................
(please print clearly)
Date..................
COSHH Assessment - Preparation Room, Department of Geography.
PROJECT: Phosphate analysis of soil.
HAZARD
CONTROL MEASURES
Hazardous substances
(including waste products)
Quantities
Stored In-use
l/Kg
g/ml
Frequency
Duration
hours/day
Potential
absorption
route
Exposure limit
Personal Emergency
protection procedures
Sodium Bicarbonate
0.015% polyacrylamide
Sodium Hydroxide pellets
50% Sodium Hydroxide
Olsen's reagent
Toluene substitute
500g
500ml
500g
500ml
2.5 l
500ml
500g
500ml
500g
500ml
2.5 l
500ml
weekly
weekly
weekly
weekly
daily
weekly
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1 hr
<1hr
<1hr
Ih, E
Ig, SC, E
Ig, SC
Ig, SC, E
Ig, SC, E
Ih, SC
g, s
g, s
g
g, s
g, s
g, s
e
e
h
e, h
e,
e
Conc. Sulphuric acid
2.5M Sulphuric acid
Ammonium molybdate
Antimony potassium tartrate
Ammonium molybdate reagent
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid solution 0.15%
Colour reagent
Phosphate standard
2.5 l
1l
500g
100g
2.5 l
500g
100ml
500ml
250ml
80ml
0.5ml
60g
1.5g
2.5 l
1.5g
100ml
100ml
100ml
weekly
daily
monthly
weekly
daily
daily
daily
daily
daily
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
<1hr
Ig, SC, E
Ig, SC, E
Ih, SC, E
In, SC, Ig, E
Ig, SC, E
Ih, SC, E
Ig, SC, E
Ig, SC, E
Ig, SC, E
g, s
g, s
g, s
gs
g, s
g, s
g, s
g, s
g, s
e, s, l, h
e
e, s
e, h
e, h
e
e, s
e
e
Additional comments: All students and workers are advised of potential hazards associated with these chemicals.
The use of commonsense controls and safety procedures are promoted at all times.
NOTES:
Potential absorption route - Ih=lnhalation, Ig=Ingestion, SC=Skin Contact, E=Eyes.
Personal protection - g=gloves, a=apron, s=safety glasses.
Emergency procedures - h=hospital, s=sodium carbonate solution, l=slaked lime, e=eye washing.
COSHH Assessment - Preparation Room, Department of Geography.
PROJECT: Phosphate analysis of soil.
Hazardous substances
severity of risk
Likelihood of risk
Total risk
assessment
Sodium Bicarbonate
0.015% polyacrylamide
Sodium Hydroxide pellets
50% Sodium Hydroxide
Olsen's reagent
Toluene substitute
2
2
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
6
6
8
8
9
9
Conc. Sulphuric acid
Sulphuric acid 2.5 M
Ammonium molybdate
Antimony potassium tartrate
Ammonium molybdate reagent
Ascorbic acid
Ascorbic acid solution 0.15%
Colour reagent
Phosphate standard
4
3
3
4
3
2
2
3
3
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
8
6
9
8
9
6
6
9
9
Severity
5 Very high - possibility of multiple deaths/ structural damage
4 High - Death or serious injury to an individual
3 Moderate - Injury/disease to individual - 3 day absence
2 Slight - minor injury - first aid - continue work
1 Nil - no risk of injury or disease
Likelihood
5 Very likely - Almost 100% certain if work continues
4 Likely
3 Quite possible
2 Possible
1 Not likely