| The use of control methods should be brought | | | | replacement. |
| into effect if risks have not been removed or | | | | Any defective equipment should be fixed as soon |
| reduced on completion of a CoSHH risk | | | | as possible and checks and actions should be |
| assessment. Control measures are always a | | | | recorded for at least five years. Finally, once |
| combination of equipment and ways of working | | | | control measures are put in place and are |
| to minimise exposure. Measures may include extra | | | | implemented accordingly, you must ensure that |
| training, personal protective equipment, warning | | | | they keep working effectively. |
| signage etc. In order to comply with CoSHH | | | | Someone from your workplace should be |
| regulations, it is vital that control measures work | | | | nominated to be in charge of checking and |
| and continue to do so. | | | | maintaining control measures. This has to be |
| When deciding how to control the hazards and | | | | someone who is competent and who knows |
| risks which have been identified, a hierarchy of | | | | what they need to do and are able to do it. |
| control measures should be adhered to. The first | | | | Checks will include: ensuring that the process isn't |
| measure is to eliminate the hazard or prevent the | | | | emitting uncontrolled contaminants, checking that |
| risk and use a safer one. If exposure cannot be | | | | the control equipment continues to work as it |
| prevented, then the risk must be minimised by | | | | was designed and making sure that employees |
| measures considered in the following order of | | | | follow the correct way of working. |
| priority: | | | | Two areas to consider where maintenance of |
| Use a safer form of the substance, e.g. paste | | | | control measures is critical are local exhaust |
| rather than powder. | | | | ventilation (LEV) and personal protective |
| Restructure and enclose the process to expel less | | | | equipment (PPE). If your company uses local |
| of the substance. | | | | exhaust ventilation (LEV) to control exposure, |
| Extract any emissions of the substance near the | | | | then it must be checked and examined annually. |
| point of supply. | | | | Personal protective equipment is frequently used |
| Have as few employees in harm's way as | | | | as part of control measures. This control method |
| possible. | | | | will only be successful if the equipment is checked |
| Provide workers with personal protective | | | | and maintained because should it fail, then the |
| equipment (PPE). | | | | wearer is no longer protected and is then |
| Control equipment comes in a variety of forms | | | | exposed to danger. |
| such as, glove boxes and fume cupboards and | | | | Whoever is responsible for the configuration, |
| spray booths and refuges. The equipment should | | | | installation, maintenance and assessment of |
| be supplied with a 'user manual' and should include | | | | control measures must also possess the required |
| schedules for checks, maintenance and parts | | | | skills, knowledge and CoSHH experience. |