Is your site CoSHH Compliant? ⚠️
Construction sites are recognised as a high-risk workplace by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), with hazardous substances being a common occurrence within the workplace. Finding a balancing point where employers can get their job done to a high standard but in a safe manner is fundamental.
What is CoSHH? 🧪
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) involves identifying and minimising exposure to hazardous liquids, fumes, vapours and dust. It is a regulation that businesses must follow by law in order to minimise potential health risks, ranging from respiratory issues to life-threatening chemical exposure.
Harmful substances do not always come in a bottle with a bold label on. Whilst most harmful chemicals come with warnings, some processes within the workplace produce dusts, vapours and gases that are equally as harmful. Therefore, it is important that businesses undertake a thorough CoSHH analysis to identify these substances and implement methods of reducing the risk.
CoSHH in construction 👷🏻
Compared to other workplaces, those working within the construction industry are more likely to develop long-term illnesses. This is due to their consistent exposure to hazardous substances, most of which not even given a second thought.
Did you know that construction workers are more likely to suffer from dermatitis? This is due to them coming into contact with hazardous substances without proper protection. Processes that involve grinding, cutting and welding can often emit varying amounts of dust, fumes and vapours. Paint can also contain harmful chemicals, which, when breathed in can lead to issues breathing as well as lung diseases.
How to ensure your site is CoSHH compliant? 🧰
With construction sites frequently changing and altering, CoSHH checks are essential. This includes implementing robust CoSHH storage methods, as well as training workers so they carry out safe practices.
Sensible Storage and segregation
At Direct2U, we are proud to offer a wide selection of CoSHH and Hazardous Storage Cabinets. With a varying number of sizes, colours, and transporting options available, we are sure to have the correct cabinet for you.
Our most popular range of storage comes in the form of our cupboards. Manufactured for long-term placement, they offer a highly durable exterior with additional powder coating for protection. These cupboards are perfect for construction offices where work is guaranteed to last a few months.
Fully COSHH law compliant, our CoSHH Cabinets come in 7 different sizes to help maximise your storage space. Each cupboard features a liquid slump, ideal for catching liquids that may have spilt during the storage process. Additionally, the 2-point locking system deters unauthorised access from occuring.
We also offer a range of Hazardous Storage Cabinets in a luminous yellow for heightened visibility, as well as Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets in red. Separate these different types of chemicals into colour-coordinated cabinets not only makes it easier to find the required substances, but also helps prevent chemicals from mixing, which could lead to catastrophic side effects.
For worksites where these chemicals and substances will require moving, we also offer a range of HazSafe and FlamSafe Site Security Boxes. Available in a range of different sizes, they are portable across job sites with the chemicals and substances inside securely. A catch lock on the front of the box allows a padlock to be added to enhance security.
Effective labelling
Ensuring all of your substances and chemicals are labelled correctly is an important step within the CoSHH regulations. Not doing so can lead to penalties and fines, as they keep workers informed about risks associated with chemicals a business may require on a day-to-day basis.
Utilising images within the labels can help to quick recognition of potential risks and hazards, including a flame for flammable substances. Labelling these products ensures that these products can be stored and used in the correct manor, preventing injuries and illnesses within the workplace.
Personal Protective Equipment
To protect yourself and employers from those hazardous substances that cannot be labelled, providing high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential. This includes goggles that stop debris from getting into peoples eyes, hand protection that stops chemicals from coming into contact with skin, and respiratory masks to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful fumes or dust.
High-quality PPE, along with regular checks and proper maintenance, is crucial to ensure proper protection. Failing to do so could result in workplace injuries or long-term illnesses. By using appropriate PPE alongside safe working practices, the risks associated with COSHH debris can be significantly reduced.
Accessible Spill Kits
Accidents in the workplace are bound to happen. That is why we have a range of Spill Kits available to help clean up and absorb hazardous substances in a quick and efficient mannor.
Our SpillZone Absorbent Station 1 is the perfect unit to place on construction sites where spills may occur. It can hold everything needed to clear up spills, including absorbent socks. The bottom lockable cupboard is ideal for storing spare cleaning equipment, enhancing efficiency and making this station a practical choice.
To stock your new cupboard, we offer a complete Land Spill Kit Set, which comes with everything you need to clear up chemical spills. This includes polypropylene wipes, an absorbent sock and EcoMat, as well large resealable bags to dispose of used equipment carefully.
Components of a CoSHH complaint checklist 📋
According to the HSE, there are some key steps in how to carry out a thorough CoSHH risk assessment. Doing so is not only minimises the risk of injuries, but also is a legal requirement for all UK businesses.
☑️ Identify the hazards:
Not all hazardous substances are identifiable via a botle. Some hazards include the substances created during a manufacturing process, such as dust, fumes, and vapours
☑️ Assess these risks:
Who is at risk of harm from exposure to these substances, debris, and vapours? Does this impact on-site workers or visitors as well?
☑️ Take control of the risks:
Can these current hazardous liquids and processes be replaced with a less harmful alternative?
Alternatively, can the business invest in upgrading their storage and safety equipment? CoSHH and Hazardous Storage solutions to provide secure storage protection, whilst our range of Personal Protective Equipment and Health and Safety gear can help deal with potentially life-threatening emergencies.
☑️ Monitor and review:
Frequently checking that your CoSHH preventative measures are working is important. This is so new policies and practices can be put into place if they are not working.
In need of some further help? ☎️
Ensuring your construction site has access to the best CoSHH-compliant equipment can help minimise the effects of harmful substances. If you are struggling to determine which cabinet is the best for you, or have any other enquiries, contact our sales team! They are available Monday to Thursday between 9am – 5pm, and Fridays 9am – 4pm over the phone, email or live chat.