Why managing hazardous substances matters
Not all site hazards are as obvious as a spinning blade or an open edge. Many of the materials we use daily—solvents, adhesives, wood dust, silica, and cleaning chemicals—can cause severe, life-altering illnesses. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) isn't just paperwork; it is the system that stops you from breathing in, swallowing, or absorbing harmful chemicals. Treating these substances with respect ensures you don't take the hazards of the site home with your family.
Responsibilities when handling hazardous materials
1. Identifying Risks & Following the Plan
Risk Assessments & SDS: Never use a new chemical or product without reading the COSHH risk assessment and Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These documents tell you exactly what the dangers are and how to protect yourself.
Substitution: Always ask: is there a safer alternative? Following the risk assessment often means choosing a less hazardous product, such as swapping a highly volatile solvent for a water-based alternative whenever possible.
2. Exposure Control & PPE
Ventilation is Key: Just opening a window isn't always enough. When creating dust or fumes (like cutting MDF or using strong adhesives), ensure local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or extraction fans are running and positioned correctly.
The Right PPE: Standard site gloves or paper masks won't stop everything. Use the specific PPE dictated by the risk assessment—whether that’s a properly face-fitted FFP3 mask, chemical-resistant gauntlets, or splash goggles.
Emergency Procedures: Know what to do if things go wrong. If a chemical spills, or gets in your eyes or on your skin, you must know where the spill kits and eye-wash stations are located before you start the job.
3. Storage & Hygiene
Proper Storage: Keep all hazardous substances in their original, clearly labeled containers. Never decant chemicals into unmarked water bottles or drinking cups. Store them in designated, locked COSHH cabinets when not in use.
Strict Hygiene: Never eat, drink, or smoke in areas where hazardous substances are used. Always wash your hands and face thoroughly before breaks to prevent accidentally ingesting chemicals or dust.
Why this matters to you
Inhalation (Breathing it in): Inhaling dust (like silica or wood dust) or toxic fumes can lead to occupational asthma, COPD, or lung cancer. The damage is often slow, building up over years until the damage is irreversible.
Absorption (Skin contact): Many solvents and chemicals can pass directly through your skin into your bloodstream, causing organ damage or severe skin conditions like occupational dermatitis.
Ingestion (Swallowing it): Failing to wash your hands before eating a sandwich means you are directly consuming the dust and chemicals you've been working with all morning.
Contact information for further info
Charlie Woodbridge +44 7857 086702 charlie@injoinery.com