A CoSHH Assessment on the HazardCo App allows you to quickly create a detailed CoSHH Assessment for any hazardous substances you use.
What is a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH)?
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations require employers to assess, prevent, and control workers' exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace - including chemicals, dusts, fumes, and vapours - to protect their health and safety.
Why do a CoSHH Assessment?
A COSHH assessment ensures legal compliance, protects workers from health hazards, and documents the control measures needed for safe working practices. The assessment also informs workers about hazards they may encounter and the precautions required, while demonstrating to clients and regulatory bodies that health risks are being properly managed throughout the project.
How to Create a COSHH Assessment Using Your MSDS
Got a Safety Data Sheet (SDS or MSDS) for a product you're using on site? Great news – it's got all the info you need to complete a COSHH Assessment in the HazardCo App.
Your MSDS is basically the cheat sheet that tells you what's in a product, what risks it poses, and how to handle it safely. Here's how to use it to smash out a COSHH Assessment in no time.
Grab Your MSDS
Every hazardous substance should come with an MSDS from the manufacturer or supplier. If you haven't got one, ask your supplier – they're legally required to provide it.
Open COSHH Assessments in the HazardCo App
- You can find this on the Home screen when you scroll down
- OR tap "Create" at the bottom right, then select from the list
Choose to create a new or use a template (if one has already been saved)
Specify the:
Site location: The specific site or work area where the substance will be used.
Product: The exact product name as it appears on the container or SDS. Be specific to avoid confusion about which substance is being assessed.
Product Supplier: The manufacturer or supplier name. This is important for obtaining the correct SDS and for traceability if there are any incidents involving the product.
Select what substance classification it is
Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label to identify the hazards associated with the substance. Look for hazard pictograms (warning symbols) and hazard statements that describe the risks, such as flammable, corrosive, toxic, or harmful to health.
Record the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL)
Tap the (+) to add a new substance and enter the substance name and the relevant WEL values in mg/m3
The Workplace Exposure Limit is found in Section 8 of your Safety Data Sheet (SDS). This is the maximum concentration of a substance in the air that workers can be exposed to over a specific time period.
Select any hazards that are present
Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label to identify the hazards associated with the substance. Select all hazards that apply from the list provided.
To add anything specific, select '+ Add Hazard' at the bottom of the screen
Select the people who will be at risk from the hazardous substances
Identify who may be exposed to the substance during its use, storage, or disposal. Consider all workers who will handle the substance directly, as well as those working nearby who could be affected. Include any vulnerable groups such as young workers, pregnant workers.
Select control measures for each previously selected hazard(s)
Click on each hazard to add any of the pre selected controls, To add anything specific, add the control in the blank field and select '+ Add Control' at the bottom of the screen
You can find all relevant controls within the Material Safety Data Sheet
Select the appropriate PPE the user will be required to wear
Choose the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required based on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Select controls for the emergency and disposal measure.
Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product label to identify the hazards associated with the substance. Select all controls that apply from the list provided.
To add anything specific, add the control in the blank field and select '+ Add Control' button at the bottom of the screen
Review your CoSHH Assessments before signing and saving it.
You can also save your CoSHH as a new template if you wish to use the information entered again in the future.
