Site Work General COSHH Assessments Prepared by Nick Brion Complete Health & Safety Ltd Document Number: 312(3b)
-
December 2008 Reviewed Feb 2010 by MJE Reviewed May 2011 by MJE Reviewed October 2012 by NB Reviewed October 2013 by NB Reviewed November 2014 by NB Reviewed November 2015 by NB
To be reviewed before end November 2016
Principal House Parsonage Business Park Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4AL
COSHH Assessments Table of Contents 1
2
3
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1
Handling and Use of Hazardous Substance ............................................................................. 3
1.2
Risk Assessment....................................................................................................................... 3
1.3
Storage Requirements / First Aid Measures / Spillages etc ..................................................... 3
1.4
General Control Measures ........................................................................................................ 3
COSHH Assessments ...................................................................................................................... 4 2.1
General Dust ............................................................................................................................. 4
2.2
Silica Dust ................................................................................................................................. 4
2.3
Wood Dust ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.4
Cement Based Products ........................................................................................................... 5
2.5
Plaster/Gypsum Based Products .............................................................................................. 6
2.6
Solvent Based Finishes/Paints ................................................................................................. 6
2.7
Paint Cleaners / Thinners (ie White Spirit / Turpentine / Meths) .............................................. 7
2.8
Solid Lead Work ........................................................................................................................ 7
2.9
Lead Welding ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.10
Bituminous Mastics ............................................................................................................... 8
2.11
General Silicone Sealants ..................................................................................................... 9
Safety Data Sheets – Attachments ................................................................................................ 10
312(3b)
Page 2
COSHH Assessments 1
Introduction
The Coshh Assessments included in this document relate to the storage and handling of substances which are considered hazardous to health under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Coshh Assessments have therefore been undertaken on products which have a hazard label attached to its container or have a recognised Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). 1.1
Handling and Use of Hazardous Substance
Refer to enclosed COSHH assessments. These identify the company specific risks and control measures associated with the use/handling of the hazardous substance.
If a substance is used which is not designated as hazardous, operatives are encouraged to read the label on the container for advice on storing and handling the substance, and relevant first aid or emergency procedures. 1.2
Risk Assessment
For each substance the risk levels associated with eye contact, skin contact, inhalation and ingestion are displayed in the COSHH tables. L stands for Low risk, M stands for Medium risk and H stands for High risk. These are the estimated risk levels without any control measures in place. 1.3
Storage Requirements / First Aid Measures / Spillages etc
Refer to attached data sheets for general information about first aid measures etc. 1.4
General Control Measures
No hazardous substances should be allowed to enter drains or the water-course. Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed. Wash skin with soap and water after any direct contact. Avoid smoking during use. Avoid contact with eyes and skin and maintain a good standard of personal hygiene before breaks and at the end of work.
312(3b)
Page 3
COSHH Assessments 2
COSHH Assessments
2.1
General Dust Activity
Demolition, dismantling, cutting, finishing operations etc
2.2
Method of Exposure (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Airborne dust
Frequency and duration of exposure
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Irritation of eyes Dry skin leading to irritation following prolonged contact (Minimal effect) Short term irritation to respiratory system
Up to 8 hours per day
Site operatives, visitors
How often used (frequency and duration)
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Operative and anyone in immediate vicinity
Designated Harmful Airborne dust consists predominately of free crystalline silica. Irritating to the respiratory system with possible risk of irreversible effects – can lead to Silicosis. May cause skin irritation due to abrasive nature WELs: Crystalline silica : 0.1 mgm-3 respirable dust 8hr TWA Nuisance dust : 10 mgm-3 8hr TWA total inhalable dust; 5 mgm-3 8hr TWA respirable dust
M
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
M
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Work in ventilated area; Minimise dust formation. If dust cannot be controlled - wear a half face mask to EN 149 CLASS FFP3 Where there is a risk of dust getting into eyes, safety goggles to BS EN 166 should be worn. Dust levels may have to be monitored. Dust to be removed by damping down of vacuum cleaner, not by sweeping
Silica Dust Activity
Any activity where Silica dust is created (ie Cutting concrete slabs/tiles/bricks and working with sand
312(3)
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Mixing, cutting, drilling etc
Any duration
Risk Assessment Eyes
Page 4
M
Skin
M
Inhal’n Ingest
H
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Minimise dust formation by wet cutting techniques or use of proprietary dust extraction system. Ideally wet cutting systems should be mains fed or using stirrup pump with water continually refilled/pressurised. Wear a face mask to EN 149 CLASS FFP3 – note that operatives need to be clean shaven and have undertaken face fit testing and training (Operative with facial hair will be required to wear air fed masks) Compliance with HSE COSHH Essentials CN Series Other controls as for General Dust Possible health surveillance for operatives who have regular exposure to Silica Dust
COSHH Assessments 2.3
Wood Dust
Activity
Preparing timber products
2.4
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Cutting, drilling, sawing, sanding etc
How often used (frequency and duration)
Could be up to 8 hours per day
People at risk
Operative and anyone in immediate vicinity
Risk Assessment Possible Harmful effects
Irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory system – could lead to asthma Possible carcinogen – could lead to cancer of the nose
Eyes
M
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
H
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Work in ventilated area; Minimise dust formation. Use extraction systems on equipment. If dust cannot be controlled wear a half face mask to EN 149 CLASS FFP3 Vacuum up dust – do not sweep unless dust has been damped down Use a barrier cream to reduce contact with skin. If the formation of wood dust are likely to occur, safety goggles to BS EN 166 2A% should be worn. Dust levels may have to be monitored.
Cement Based Products Activity
Transport, mixing, handling and application of substance;
312(3)
Method of Exposure (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Contact with substance in liquid form; Airborne dust
Frequency and duration of exposure
Mixing and handling up to 8 hours per day
People at risk
Operator and any persons in close proximity of application
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Designated Irritant Contact with eyes -soreness; chemical burning; ulceration Contact with skin (powder or mixed) - dermatitis; allergic dermatitis; burns Ingestion - large doses could lead to irritation of the gastro intestinal tract Respiratory tract - Inflammation of mucous membranes; coughing; rhinitis
Page 5
H
Skin
H
Inhal’n Ingest
M
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Work in ventilated area Wear respiratory protection when dust is in the air (ie handling & mixing) Wear protective clothing Wear impermeable gloves when handling, mixing or applying substance Wear suitable eye protection when mixing or when there is a risk of splashes going into the eyes Wash hands immediately with soap and water if skin becomes contaminated Remove contaminated clothing immediately
COSHH Assessments 2.5
Plaster/Gypsum Based Products Activity
Transport, mixing and handling of substance; Use for plastering walls, drylining etc
2.6
Method of Exposure (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Contact with substance in liquid form; Airborne dust
Frequency and duration of exposure
Mixing and handling up to 8 hours per day
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Operator and any persons in close proximity of application
Plaster may produce an alkaline solution on contact with body moistures or when mixed with water, which may cause irritation or inflammation. Dust from mixing or sanding may irritate the respiratory system, skin and eyes.
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Operator and any persons in close proximity of application
Designated Flammable; Irritant; Harmful to aquatic organisms; May produce allergic reaction Over exposure to vapours is likely to be irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Excessive concentrations may produce effects on central nervous system including drowsiness – in extreme cases there could be loss of consciousness. Long term exposure in excess of WEL may result in adverse health affects. Splashes in the eyes will cause discomfort and possible damage.
M
Skin
M
Inhal’n Ingest
M
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Control airborne dust formation and ventilate the area of work. If dust cannot be controlled wear a half face mask to EN 149 Class FFP1 To avoid prolonged or repeated wet contact, wear impermeable gloves To avoid skin contact, wear protective overalls To reduce the effect of skin contact, apply a barrier cream to the hands. If plaster powder or splashes are likely wear safety goggles to BS EN 166. Wash hands immediately with soap and water if skin becomes contaminated Remove contaminated clothing immediately
Solvent Based Finishes/Paints Activity
Transport and handling of substance; Application of paint/finish onto prepared surfaces
312(3)
Method of Exposure (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Normally applied by brush; Can be sprayed
Frequency and duration of exposure
Mixing and handling up to 8 hours per day
Risk Assessment Eyes
Page 6
H
Skin
M
Inhal’n Ingest
H
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.)
No smoking & keep away from other ignition sources Ventilation - Avoid inhalation of vapours – Ensure concentration remains below WEL – Wear suitable respiratory equipment if concentration exceeds WEL. Wear suitable gloves during handling. Wear eye protection when used overhead or when there is a risk of splashing into eyes Keep containers closed when not in use. Training & Instruction
COSHH Assessments Prolonged contact with skin will have a de-fatting effect which may lead to skin irritation and possible dermatitis.
2.7
Paint Cleaners / Thinners (ie White Spirit / Turpentine / Meths) Activity
Cleaning paint brushes
2.8
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Brushed dipped and wiped
How often used (frequency and duration)
People at risk
Few minutes at a time, typically once a day
Operative
How often used (frequency and duration)
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Designated Flammable; Irritant; Degreasant As for solvent based paint
M
Skin
M
Inhal’n Ingest
M
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) No smoking & keep away from other ignition sources Ventilation - Avoid inhalation of vapours Wear suitable impervious gloves during handling for longer periods. Wash skin immediately with soap and water if substance makes contact with skin Keep containers closed when not in use Safe system of work
Solid Lead Work Activity
Working with solid lead sheet
312(3)
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Lead physically handled
Handling up to 8 hours per day as required
Operative
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Lead is a toxic metal In extreme cases, excessive exposure will lead to a build up of lead in the body, and in extreme cases may affect the kidney function, reproductive capacity, digestive and nervous systems
Page 7
L
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
L
M
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Avoid prolonged contact with skin Wear impermeable, disposable gloves Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after contact Thorough hygiene procedures required to prevent lead particles being ingested/ inhaled Do not eat, drink, smoke while working with lead Do not rub down – this will create lead dust which can be inhaled Operative who frequently handle lead should have regular blood tests to check that the levels of lead in the blood are below the regulatory limits Promptly remove any impervious clothes
COSHH Assessments that have become contaminated. Keep lead dry when working with the product. Keep substance away from oxidising agents.
2.9
Lead Welding
Activity
Welding lead
2.10
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Welding
How often used (frequency and duration)
Risk Assessment
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Welding up to a few hours per day
Operative, others in vicinity
Lead is a toxic metal In extreme cases, excessive exposure to airborne lead fumes will lead to a build up of lead in the body, and in extreme cases may affect the kidney function, reproductive capacity, digestive and nervous systems
How often used (frequency and duration)
People at risk
Possible Harmful effects
Eyes
L
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
L
M
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.)
Working areas should have sufficient ventilation. In poorly ventilated areas, wear suitable mask to prevent inhalation of dust and lead vapours (ie FFP2 mask). Other controls for handling lead as above
Bituminous Mastics Activity
Applying bituminous mastics
312(3)
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
Using applicator
Applied up to several hours at a time, when required
Operative
Risk Assessment Eyes
Designated Flammable Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking Dangerous to the aquatic environment Limited evidence of carcinogenic effect
Page 8
L
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
L
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Work in ventilated area Wear face mask with organic filter in confined, poorly ventilated areas Avoid contact with skin Wear impermeable nitrile gloves when there is a risk of contact with skin Wash hands immediately if skin becomes contaminated Keep away from heat and ignition sources Do not dispose down drains or water courses
COSHH Assessments 2.11
General Silicone Sealants Activity
Applying sealant
312(3)
How used (i.e. brushed, sprayed)
How often used (frequency and duration)
Using applicator
Applied up to several hours at a time, when required
People at risk
Operative
Possible Harmful effects
Risk Assessment Eyes
Slightly irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin May impair fertility
Page 9
L
Skin
L
Inhal’n Ingest
L
L
Control Measures (i.e. PPE, ventilation etc.) Work in ventilated area Avoid contact with skin Wear impermeable gloves when there is a risk of contact with skin Wash hands immediately if skin becomes contaminated
Beatrice Property
COSHH Assessments 3
Safety Data Sheets – Attachments
27/01/16
Page 10
