Health and Safety Blog

Mastering COSHH Assessments for Your SMAS Application

Posted on by Ian Harris

When applying for SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) accreditation through SMAS (Safety Management Advisory Services), mastering your Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments is essential. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you navigate the process effectively.

What is a COSHH Assessment?

A COSHH assessment focuses on identifying and managing the risks associated with hazardous substances in your workplace. These risks aren’t limited to substances marked as ‘hazardous’—they can also include materials like wood dust from sanding or silica dust from tile cutting. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines it as an evaluation that concentrates on the hazards and risks presented by hazardous substances.

Essential Requirements for SMAS Accreditation

For your SMAS application, you need to demonstrate that your organization has a robust system in place for identifying and managing substances that pose significant hazards. This involves having up-to-date COSHH assessments that reflect the substances relevant to your industry.

Key Points to Address:

  1. Recent Documentation: Ensure that your COSHH assessments are current—dated within the last 12 months.
  2. Relevant Substances: The assessments should cover substances specific to your activities and trade.
  3. Environmental and PPE Considerations: Include information about environmental protection, personal protective equipment (PPE), and any transportation issues related to hazardous substances.

Structuring Your COSHH Assessment

A typical COSHH assessment should include the following elements:

  1. Introduction:
  • Project/Client Name and Address
  • Date and Name of Assessor
  • Brief Description of the Work/Task/Process
  • Due Review Date
  1. Details of Hazardous Substances:
  • Classification of the substance.
  • Hazardous properties as outlined in the Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
  • Implemented control measures, including PPE.
  • Occupational exposure limits and health surveillance records.
  • First Aid Procedures.
  1. Assessment Form Completion:
  • Identify the form of the substance (gas, liquid, solid, etc.) and the route of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, etc.).
  • List risks to health from exposure and the required control measures.
  • Specify any necessary health surveillance or monitoring.
  1. PPE Requirements:
  • Detail the type and specification of PPE, ensuring it meets the necessary safety standards.
  1. Emergency Procedures:
  • Include detailed First Aid measures and actions for fire safety and hazardous substance spills.
  1. Storage and Disposal:
  • Outline procedures for safely storing hazardous substances and disposing of waste.

Using Templates and Resources

To streamline your process, consider using available COSHH assessment templates from reputable sources like the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). These templates ensure you cover all necessary aspects comprehensively.

Final Tips

  • Regularly review and update your COSHH assessments to maintain compliance.
  • Make sure your assessments are detailed yet concise, addressing all relevant hazards and control measures.
  • Engage employees in training sessions to ensure they understand the importance of adhering to the control measures outlined in the assessments.

By following this structured approach, you’ll be well on your way to mastering COSHH assessments and securing your SMAS accreditation, ensuring a safer workplace for everyone involved.

Ian Harris

MEng, CertIOSH. Health and Safety Consultant and Director at CTC South West Limited for 20 years. Click here to find out more.