sypol cms assessment interpretation manual · 2015-03-25 · page 6 of 45 assessment interpretation...

Sypol Limited, Midshires House, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP19 8HL

Tel: 01296 678464, Fax: 0870 7315056, Email: [email protected]

Sypol CMS

Assessment Interpretation

Manual

Website: http://cms.sypol.com

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Assessment Interpretation Manual – Version 6

Contents

1 Introduction to Sypol CMS 3

2 Exposure Scenario 4

3 COSHH Summary Sheet 9

4 COSHH Control Sheet 29

5 Requesting Assessments 35

6 Specialist Assessments 42

7

44

This manual is designed to help you get the best out of Sypol CMS, and provide an interpretation of

the information which may appear on your assessments.

If the answers to the questions you are looking for are not in this manual or the user guides, please

do not hesitate to contact the Sypol CMS Helpdesk on +44 (0)1296 678464 or by e-mail on

[email protected]. The helpdesk is available to all subscribers for their health,

safety, environmental and software queries and is operated Monday – Friday (excluding bank

holidays) from 9.00am – 5.00pm.

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1. Introduction to Sypol CMS

Welcome to Sypol CMS, the latest in our hazardous substance management systems which has

successfully helped hundreds of companies comply with the COSHH Regulations for over 20 years.

Sypol CMS offers an effective way to deliver compliant, task based risk assessments, using simple,

easy to read pictograms to communicate the control measures needed to protect your staff. We

work directly with you to produce a suitable and sufficient assessment, which is compiled by our

team of expert consultants. We independently classify substances using supplier information and

trusted information sources. As the system is delivered through a web browser, there is no worry

about installing, downloading or maintaining software. Through our dedicated helpdesk you can ask

questions and access our consultant’s expertise, knowledge and experience to assist you in ensuring

the health, safety and welfare of your staff.

A COSHH risk assessment created in Sypol CMS can be divided into three distinct parts; detailed

below. Once these three parts have been compiled, the COSHH risk assessment can be said to be

‘complete’, thereby helping to ensure compliance with the COSHH Regulations.

Exposure Scenario

This information represents the significant findings of the risk assessment in terms of how an

individual or group of individuals is exposed to a hazardous material during one working

shift, and the controls already in place within your workplace. The exposure scenario is

completed during the ‘Create Assessment’ procedure and is designed so that a particular

method, process or exposure can be represented in the assessment; hence, an assessment

can be tailored to the individual working method(s) and scenario.

COSHH Summary Sheet The COSHH summary sheet forms the principal part of the COSHH assessment and needs to

be issued to those who may be exposed to a hazardous material. This document details

hazard information about the material and most importantly, carries a task-specific

evaluation of the risk associated with the intended method of use or exposure. Control

measures for the particular work practices or exposure will be represented through simple,

easy to read pictograms on the COSHH Summary Sheet.

COSHH Control Sheet

The COSHH Control Sheet (CCS) is the method by which auditable compliance with the

COSHH Regulations is demonstrated. The questions asked by the CCS are dependent upon

the inherent hazards associated with the material being assessed. CCS questions may

include topics such as maintenance of controls, monitoring, health surveillance, emergency

procedures, training, and safer substitutes. Additional evidence relating to these questions

can be incorporated as ‘Further Information’ when completing the CCS form.

Exposure Scenario COSHH Summary Sheet COSHH Control Sheet

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2. Exposure Scenario

The initial exposure scenario for a material will be created when an assessment is requested through

the Sypol database. Using the ‘Create Assessment’ process within Sypol CMS will automatically

prompt the user to complete an exposure scenario including any relevant usage information.

Further exposure scenarios can be created using the ‘ Create Another Exposure Scenario’ link or at

a later date for hazardous materials already in an organisations work area/sub work area; it is

possible to have several exposure scenarios linked to a single material within a work area/sub-work

area.

Exposure scenarios should represent distinct work methods or practices to be carried out during one

working shift. Therefore, it is essential that multiple exposure scenarios exist for a single material

(Example A), rather than having numerous non-related activities on a single exposure scenario

(Example B):

Ex

am

ple

A

Ex

am

ple

B

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ID# The unique reference for the exposure scenario. This is a separate

number from the assessment code.

User Making Request The identifier for the user who created the exposure scenario.

Fax The fax number of the Sypol CMS editor/co-ordinator that originally

submitted the assessment request.

E-mail The e-mail address of the Sypol CMS editor/co-ordinator that originally


Phone The phone number of the Sypol CMS editor/co-ordinator that originally


Date Created The date the exposure scenario was originally compiled by a Sypol CMS

user.

Date Reviewed The last date the assessment underwent review, update or modification

by a Sypol CMS consultant.

Next Review Date The next periodic assessment review date based on a 1-year cycle for

high risk exposure scenarios, 3-years for medium risk and 5-years for

low risk.

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Material Code The unique identifier for the material within the Sypol database.

Trade name The name of the material as it appears on the safety data sheet or the

name of the process or substance for non-manufactured materials (e.g.

TIG Welding of Aluminium or Cement dust).

Supplier code Sypol’s supplier reference number. This field may be blank for materials

that do not have a company as a supplier (e.g. pigeon droppings or

wood dust).

Supplier The supplier of the material. This field may state ‘Not Applicable’ or

‘Various’ for those materials that do not have a company as a supplier

or have been compiled as generic materials.

Supplier phone The supplier/manufacturer’s telephone number.

IMC The Internal Material Code (IMC) if assigned to the material; this is a

unique internal reference number (such as a stock reference number)

which can be assigned to the material by your Sypol CMS editor/co-

ordinator.

Keyword The Sypol assigned keyword; this is based upon the nature or intended

use of the material.

Frequency of Use How often a particular material is used. For a material that has routine

application in the workplace this may remain as daily or weekly usage.

For materials that are used less often, or only as part of specific tasks

such as maintenance or servicing, frequencies of monthly or yearly can

be selected.

Approximately how

much of the material is

used by one person in

one working day?

Indicates the maximum amount of substance that one person could

expect to use, or be exposed to during one working day.

This field is a free text box to allow for flexibility in defining the amount

and to enable the use of abbreviations e.g. lbs, kg, ml, bbls.

How many people are

directly exposed?

Indicates how many people will come into direct contact with the

material in the manner in which the activity suggests. For example an

exposure scenario for hand applying a material (e.g. brush applying

paint) may reference the number of people who are engaged in the

application activity.

Are any others exposed? Takes into account incidental exposure for people who are not directly

involved in the work activity. For example an exposure scenario for

spraying activities could include people who might be caught by

overspray or wind-blown deflection but who aren’t actively engaged in

the spraying process.

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How are they exposed? The manner in which people may be exposed to the material. This could

be through direct contact with a drying paint, through inhalation of a

volatile compound or a spray mist.

This is a free text field to allow for the myriad of potential exposures.

Is this material being

used outside of the

normal temperature

range?

This is designed to identify conditions where the ambient temperature

of the workplace may affect the way in which the task is carried out. In

particular, low temperatures may affect the compatibility of certain

types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and high temperatures

may affect how Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is used –

particularly as the use of some PPE and RPE combinations can lead to

heat exhaustion in hot environments.

In deciding what is considered ‘outside of the normal temperature

range’, a value of 16oC (13

oC where work is of a hard physical nature)

should be used as the lower limit. These limits are set by the Health and

Safety (Welfare) Regulations, 1992 as amended.

In determining the higher limit, an assessment should be made relating

to the task, and the level of comfort and safety that can be experienced

given the ambient temperature.

Are there any susceptible

workers?

This is designed to identify people who may be particularly liable to be

influenced or suffer harm as a result of exposure to the material.

Elderly

Intended to identify those who may suffer greater harm from exposure

to a substance due to their age. This may be particularly relevant for

biologically hazardous material or those >40 years old undergoing

natural thinning of the dermal layers (skin) thereby making them more

susceptible to substances with skin absorption as a route of entry e.g.

those with an ‘Sk’ notation in EH40/2005.

Young

A young person is defined by Regulation 19 of the Management of

Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as anyone under the age of

18. This regulation contains specific provisions as to when a young

person may be exposed to hazards to safety or health.

A young person may not be fully physiologically developed, and

exposure to certain materials may interfere with their development. In

addition, due to a lack of experience, knowledge and maturity, young

people are more likely to suffer accidents at work.

Pregnant

Designed to identify:

1. Individuals who (under Regulation 18 of the Management of

Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999) have identified

themselves to their employer as being pregnant.

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2. Women of child bearing age who may unknowingly be, or may

become pregnant.

These two groups of people require more stringent exposure controls

than other employees, and based upon the properties of the material,

they may need to be removed from the work altogether.

A variety of (sometimes otherwise innocuous) materials can cause

damage to fertility or serious damage to the unborn child through their

physiological effects on the mother or the foetus.

Disabled

Designed to identify individuals whose disability may predispose them

to suffering increased harm as a result of exposure to a material. For

example, people who have already suffered hearing loss should not be

exposed to ototoxic materials.

Other

Designed to identify individuals who may have other factors that pre-

dispose them to damage caused by the hazardous properties of a

material. This might include disease, atopy or other pre-existing

conditions.

Additional Work

Practices

Designed to provide further information about the specified method,

area of use and exposure duration. Sypol CMS consultants have access

to this information and will take it into account when compiling the

assessment.

Existing Control

Measures

Designed to provide further information about the control measures in

place for that exposure scenario can be represented.

These controls will usually be intrinsic to the task, and may be

procedural or systematic in nature. Sypol CMS consultants have access

to this information and will take it into account when compiling the

assessment.

Files Uploaded This gives a hyperlink to an attached safety data sheet or information

submitted during the assessment request which is used by Sypol to

compile the assessment.

Activities The activities identified which make up a particular exposure scenario.

Note that more than one activity can be attached to a particular

exposure scenario.

Work Areas Identifies the work area or sub work area or areas that the exposure

scenario is located in.

Safer substitute chosen Identifies wherever reasonably practicable, that a non-hazardous or less

hazardous alternative has been selected.

Reason for leaving/

swapping material

This provides an explanation of the decision to leave or swap the

material of intended use.

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3. COSHH Summary Sheet

The COSHH Summary sheet represents the hazards (i.e. inherent dangers) of the substance. The risk

assessment (or task) section of this page displays simple, easy to read pictograms representing the

control measures needed in order to work safely and ensure ill health does not occur.

1. Top Line

The top line of the COSHH summary sheet gives your Company ID, the facility ID (both unique to

your company), the work area code and sub work area code (if applicable) thereby identifying the

location of this assessment in Sypol CMS.

The top line will also include the Sypol material code and an Internal Material Code (IMC) if assigned

to the material; this is a unique internal reference number (such as a stock reference number) which

can be assigned to the material by your Sypol CMS editor/co-ordinator.

2. Assessment Information

Material/Process The tradename of the material as it appears on the safety data sheet

(SDS) or the name/description of the process or substance for non-

manufactured materials (e.g. TIG Welding of Aluminium or Cement

dust).

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Supplier The supplier of the material. This field may state ‘Not Applicable’ or

‘Various’ for those materials that do not have a company as a supplier

or have been compiled as generic materials.

Address The supplier’s postal address and contact details. This field may state

‘Not Applicable’ or ‘Various’ for those materials that do not have a

company as a supplier or have been compiled as generic materials.

Keyword The Sypol assigned keyword; this is based upon the nature and intended

use of the material.

Date The last date the assessment underwent review, update or modification

by a Sypol CMS consultant.

Contents The components of the material as stated in the SDS or accompanying

information used to compile the assessment.

Hazard Rating A traffic light hazard rating system that is assigned to the material.

LOW HAZARDI - Those which have no hazardous classification under

the CHIP or CLP Regulations.

MEDIUM HAZARDi - Those that have effects such as irritant, harmful or

physico-chemical properties assigned to them under the CHIP or CLP

Regulations.

HIGH HAZARDi - Those which may receive a classification of toxic, very

toxic or corrosive under the CHIP or CLP Regulations.

Physical State The state (i.e. Solid, liquid, gas) that the material is used in.

This section also lists aerosols and multi-part materials (multi-packs e.g.

paints with a base and additive component) that are mixed together to

produce a material of intended use.

Exposure Limits An exposure limit is an airborne concentration of a material above

which a person at work may not be exposed to over a given period of

time.

The exposure limits appearing on an assessment are based upon those

listed in the HSE document - EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits, and

other European and international occupational health standards.

Occasionally an exposure limit may be listed for a material not present

in the ‘Contents’ section e.g. a curing material that gives off acetic acid

or methanol as a by-product.

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3. Hazard Information

CHIP Classification

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (CHIP) Regulations 2009 pictograms.

The CHIP Regulations are currently being replaced by the CLP Regulation (as below) and will be

revoked from 1 June 2015.

Flammable (Sypol symbol)

Combustible liquids with a flash point >21oC and <55

oC.

Highly Flammable (F)

Combustible liquids with a flash point >0oC and <21

oC and an initial

boiling point >35oC or flash point <0°C and initial boiling point >35°C.

Solids which readily catch fire after brief contact with an ignition source

and continue to burn or be consumed after removal of the ignition

source.

Materials which may catch fire at room temperature in air without an

ignition source.

Extremely Flammable (F+)

Liquids, gases and aerosols with a boiling point at or below 35oC and a

flash point below 0oC.

Gases which may catch fire at room temperature in air without an

ignition source.

Oxidising (O)

A material that in itself does not necessarily burn, yet, generally by

yielding oxygen, may cause or contribute to the combustion of other

materials Particularly hazardous in contact with organic compounds and

flammable substances.

Explosive (E)

Materials which under test conditions detonate; quickly deflagrate or

upon heating explode when partially confined.

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Irritant (Xi)

Materials that cause irritation to living tissue. This inflammation can

take place immediately upon contact or may develop upon prolonged or

repeated contact. Substances that cause sensitisation to the skin receive

the irritant pictogram.

Corrosive (C)

Materials which may destroy living tissue on contact.

Harmful (Xn)

Materials which may cause acute or chronic damage to health, or cause

sensitisation to the respiratory system.

Toxic (T)

Materials which cause acute or chronic damage to health; or which may

be fatal in small doses when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the

skin.

Very Toxic (T+)

Materials which cause acute or chronic damage to health; or which may

be fatal in very small doses when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via

the skin.

Dangerous for the Environment (N)

Materials which cause acute or chronic damage to the ecosystem, in

particular, the aquatic environment.

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CLP Classification

The Classification, Labeling and Packaging of substances and mixtures Regulations 2008 (as

amended) (CLP) Pictograms rarely identify one specified hazard; rather they identify a range of

health or physico-chemical effects based in broad groups.

Gas

Pressurised gas containers; refrigerated gas, liquefied or dissolved gas.

Flammable

Flammable solids, liquids, gases or aerosols;

Self reacting or self heating substances or mixtures;

Pyrophoric substances and mixtures or substances that liberate

flammable gas in contact with water.

Oxidising

Gases, liquids and solids that in itself does not necessarily burn, yet,

generally by yielding oxygen, may cause or contribute to the

combustion of other materials

Explosive

Stable and unstable explosives.

Self-reacting materials and some organic peroxides.

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Warning

Irritant to eyes, skin, respiratory system.

Low damage acute systemic or specific organ toxicity.

Narcotic effects & skin sensitisation.

Corrosive

Materials which may destroy living tissue or metal upon contact.

Health Effects

Carcinogenic and mutagenic substances and substances which are toxic

to the reproductive system.

Respiratory sensitisers.

Substances which cause specific organ toxicity upon acute or initial

exposure.

Acute Toxicity

Materials that cause serious systemic health effects upon small

exposures when in contact with the skin, if inhaled or ingested.

Environmental Effects

Materials which cause acute or chronic damage to the aquatic

environment.

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Sypol Symbols

Low Hazard

Materials that receive no classification under the CHIP or CLP

Regulations. It is important to note that these materials may still

cause ill health to susceptible individuals.

Caution

Materials that receive no classification under the CHIP or CLP

Regulations but exposure to them may cause ill health or danger.

For example, asphyxiant gases (e.g. nitrogen) which do not

possess chemical hazards but which may exclude oxygen from an

area.

Biohazard

Materials that may cause infectious human disease or that may be

contaminated with pathogens capable of causing human disease.

4. Health Risks

This section represents the health risks associated with the particular material. These are the

potential ill health effects that could be experienced if exposure is not adequately controlled.

The classification provided is that relevant to the material in accordance either the CHIP or CLP

Regulations. As such, risk phrases (R-Phrases) or Hazard Statements (H-Statements) will be listed

respectively. Classification phrases or statements are listed on assessments in order of:

Physico-chemical properties i.e. oxidising, flammability etc.

Health effects (toxicity), with the most hazardous properties listed first

Environmental hazards

Where specific hazards exist for a material that are not linked to the risk phrases or hazard

statements, there may be one or more Sypol phrases included to highlight these inherent hazards.

For example, the phrase “Mechanically degraded mineral oil may cause skin cancer” appears on

most assessments for materials that contain mineral oil.

There will usually be at least one warning phrase (such as “May cause eye irritation”, “May be

harmful if ingested in quantity”) – this is to highlight potentially harmful effects of the substance

where it may not have a full classification.

At the end of the section, there will usually be a number of safety phrases (S-Phrases) which give you

general precautionary advice.

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5. Spillage

The spillage section gives initial and step-by-step information on measures to be taken should a

significant spillage or uncontrolled release occur. This section is written in accordance with the

physical state (i.e. solid, liquid or gas) and hazardous properties of the material.

The spillage section does not make reference to the emergency procedures that should be in place

for large scale storage of dangerous or flammable substances e.g., fire suppression techniques,

bunding etc. These will be site specific and should form part of the company onsite procedures.

6. First Aid

The first aid section gives advice on initial first aid treatment before expert medical advice can be

sought should an individual inhale, ingest or come into direct contact with a material. Again, this

section is written in accordance with the physical state (i.e. solid, liquid or gas) and hazardous

properties of the material.

For certain materials, particularly those that contain cyanide and hydrogen fluoride, there are

specific requirements for first aid treatment. It is vital these specific requirements for first aid

treatment are understood and any necessary training and equipment is in place before work begins.

If specific first aid treatment is required, this will be highlighted within the considerations section of

the assessment (see 8. Considerations below) and by the CCS.

7. Fire

The first half of the fire section gives information on the immediate precautions to be taken in the

event of a small fire or before trained fire-fighters arrive on scene. This section states the fire

extinguisher classes suitable for tackling the fire and also advises on any unsuitable classes.

The second half of the fire section gives advice about precautions the fire service may need to take

when dealing with a fire involving the material.

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8. Considerations

Considerations may appear on an assessment in order to raise awareness of additional actions that

may be required to ensure compliance with the COSHH Regulations.

The decision to carry out any of the considerations stated rests with the Sypol CMS user, although

the CCS can be used to aid in the decision making process.

Maintenance

Highlights the requirement under Regulation 9 of COSHH to ensure

every element of a control measure performs as originally intended

(e.g. LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) system testing at least once

every 14 months) , and continues to adequately control the

exposure of employees to the material. In most cases, this

maintenance requirement will include defined systems of work and

procedures to ensure they are reviewed and revised regularly. If using engineering

controls/non disposable PPE

ensure maintenance (Reg 9)

Monitor Exposure Level

Assigned to any material that receives a classification based upon its

airborne toxicity.

Monitoring should be carried out in line with Regulation 10 of the

COSHH Regulations. For further information, refer to,

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg173.htm or contact the

helpdesk to speak to an occupational hygienist (Phone: +44 (0)1296

678464 or E-mail: [email protected]).

Did you know...

Alcumus have a specialist team of occupational hygienists able to

offer you services in the following fields, amongst others:

Hazardous substance monitoring

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) including testing

Oil & gas services (Offshore)

Consider monitoring (COSHH

Reg 10)

Skin Check

Assigned to any material that causes skin damage or skin disease

through prolonged exposure. Regular skin checks would be

expected to identify early signs of disease and refer the individual

(e.g. to a medical practitioner) before serious damage occurs.

Consider skin check (reg 11)

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Urine Test

Assigned to a material when the following criteria apply:

1. A constituent is present in a material in sufficient quantity to

receive classification, and;

2. It has a Biological Monitoring Guidance Value (BMGV) for the

constituent or it’s associated metabolite in urine e.g. Methanol:

15mg/l post-shift in urine [Reference ACGIH].

BMGVs are generally assigned where exposure is not easily

measured by airborne monitoring or where skin absorption or

ingestion is a likely route of entry into the body. The specific

constituent to be monitored for will be highlighted by the CCS.

Consider urine checks (Reg

11)

Blood Sample





constituent or it’s associated metabolite in blood e.g. Lindane:

35nmol/L of lindane in whole blood [Reference EH40/2005].

Consider blood tests (Reg 11)

Exhaled Breath





constituent or it’s associated metabolite in exhaled breath e.g.

Dichloromethane: 30ppm carbon monoxide in end-tidal breath

[Reference EH40/2005].

Consider end tidal breath

tests (Reg 11)

Lung Function

Assigned to a material that may affect the normal physiological or

biochemical function of the lung.

The substance may do this through a direct affect, via an allergic or

sensitising reaction or via a by-product of its use.

Consider lung function test

(Reg 11)

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Pregnant Worker


1. It may affect the fertility of a woman of child bearing age;

2. It may affect the normal development of a foetus in the uterus;

3. It may affect the health or development of a neonate following

ingestion in the mother’s milk.

4. It may affect testicular function or male fertility

Hazardous to pregnant

workers. Refer to

management of health &

safety at Work Regs 1999 reg

16-18

Training


1. Have a requirement in relevant regulations that specify specific

training (e.g.,. the use of pesticides) or;

2. Have specific first aid requirements for their safe use or;

3. Where there are unusual or unexpected risks associated with the

use of a material.

Various consideration

phrases

Record Keeping

Assigned to any material that contains either machine made

mineral fibre or machine made vitreous fibre.

Employers using these materials are expected to make a record of

the results of regular health surveillance carried out on their

employees and keep the record for not less than 40 years.

This record keeping should be carried out in line with Regulation 11

of the COSHH Regulations.

Contains MMMF/MMVF,

consider record keeping (Reg

11)

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9. Risk Assessment

The risk assessment (or task) section of the COSHH summary sheet identifies the minimum control

measures required in order to prevent ill health occurring as a result of exposure of employees to

the material.

Top Line

Risk Assessment #’Number’ - The unique identifier for the risk assessment relevant to the

material on the Sypol database. An individual material may have several

risk assessments attached to it, many of which will not be appropriate

to each subscriber.

Iiiiii iiiiii iiiiii – A traffic light risk rating based on a qualitative assessment

of risk. Similar to the hazard ratings, low level risks will have green flag,

medium level risks will have a yellow flag and high level risks will have a

red flag.

Method Identifies the manner in which the substance is to be used or how

exposure is expected to occur. For more details on individual methods,

see the ‘Create Assessment’ section.

Area Identifies the conditions that the substance will be used or where

exposure is expected to occur. For more information on areas of use,

see the ‘Create Assessment’ section.

Exposure Time Identifies how long an exposure to the material will last. For more

information on exposure time, see the ‘Create Assessment’ section.

Activity Comments Comments written onto the risk assessment by the Sypol CMS

consultant. The comments may identify particular procedures that need

to be taken into account for the material.

Alternatively, they may be used by the Sypol CMS consultant to identify

unique or unusual situations in the way the material is being used and

the effect that this has on the risk assessment (e.g. the use of very

small/gross quantities of a material). Activity comments will commonly

take account of the ‘Additional Work Practice Information’ entered by

the Sypol CMS viewer, editor or co-ordinator when requesting a COSHH

assessment via the ‘Create Assessment’ process.

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Control Measures

The control measures section, displayed using simple, easy to read pictograms, identifies the

measures required in order to prevent ill health occurring as a result of exposure of employees to

the material. These measures are listed in a specific order.

Collective Control Controls necessary to protect those indirectly exposed to a material in

the environment or find themselves exposed to a material being used by

others

This control measure is attached to any activity carried out in a confined

space.

Workers in a confined space should make use of an oxygen sensor that

alarms if the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere drops below

19%.

This is specified for certain toxic, irritant or asphyxiating gases.

Workers using these gases should carry an alarm that triggers in the

event of a build-up of these gases.

People not directly involved in the task should be excluded from the

area e.g. through the use of barriers and signs.

Curtain to protect passers-by and nearby workers from the welding

activity.

Contact Protection Measures to protect harm caused by contact with skin and eyes.

Normal work wear consisting of trousers and long sleeve top. This

measure is applied to materials that are not sufficiently hazardous to

require specialist skin protection.

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A loose-fitting coat or one-piece garment worn to offer protection

against dirt or heavy wear. These should be worn to minimise contact

with hazardous materials.

One-piece impermeable coverall designed to cover the majority of the

body’s surface. The garment should incorporate elasticated wrist and

ankle seals to prevent splashes from migrating through gaps.

Type 6 – Limited splash tight

Type 4 – Spray tight

A full body diving suit offering protection to high concentrations of

hazardous substances when operating underwater.

Disposable apron made of a specified material. Used for toxic or

corrosive materials where skin contact could result in acute effects.

The specified arpon material (e.g. nitrile, PVC, butyl) is based on an

assessment of the chemical hazard. Control against additional hazards

such as the presence of heat, drawing-in or mechanical abrasion etc. will

need to be identified by your PPE risk assessment.

Laboratory coat worn to minimise contact when operating under

laboratory conditions or other areas requiring upper body protection

from hazardous materials.

Disposable gloves made of a specified material. It is important to check

the manufacturer's specification for breakthrough times, permeation

and degradation rates in accordance with the material in use.

Similar to the selection of aprons, the specified glove material (e.g.

nitrile, PVC, butyl) is based on an assessment of the chemical hazard.

Control against additional hazards such as the presence of heat,

drawing-in or mechanical abrasion etc. will need to be identified by your

PPE risk assessment.

For very low skin hazard materials (e.g. skin sanitisers, soaps) there will

be no specification of glove type. Instead, individuals should ‘Avoid over

exposure’ of the material with skin.

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Eye protection conforming to BS EN166 e.g.

Frame Grade:

3 – denotes resistance to ‘liquids droplets or splashes (goggles /

faceshields)

4 – denotes resistance to coarse ‘dust particles’

9 – denotes resistance to molten ‘metal & hot solids’

Depending on the risk of contact to the eyes and the potential health

effects, eye protection may not need to be worn at all times during the

task.

A full face visor to the specified standard is required to protect the eyes

and face e.g. when using corrosive materials, mechanically pressurised

spray applying (Spraying (Pressurised)), or welding a material.

EN166 - Technical performance standard

Visor Grade:

3 – denotes resistance to ‘liquids droplets or splashes

4 – denotes resistance to coarse ‘dust particles’

9 – denotes resistance to molten ‘metal & hot solids’

EN175 - Equipment for eye and face protection during welding and

allied processes

Where it is foreseeable that the foot will come into significant contact

with the material (e.g. the application of wet cement, corrosive agents

or pesticides) footwear may be specified to prevent exposure. The

selected footwear should be waterproof and resistant to chemical

attack.

Airborne Exposure

Control

Controls required to properly ventilate a work area and ensure

inhalation risks are controlled.

Ventilation provided by normal air movement in the outside

environment.

A good supply of clean fresh air provided through non-mechanical

means in an interior location.

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Mechanically enhanced ventilation in a more enclosed area with

naturally poor ventilation.

Ventilation supplied entirely by mechanical means.

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) of sufficient design and face velocity to

extract process emissions from the working area. The manufacturer

should always be consulted when selecting the appropriate LEV

specification.

LEV may be given as a control measure in preference to the use of RPE.

Alternatively, the use of LEV and RPE may both be required

simultaneously.

Booth used to remove contaminants at source. Often used during dust

producing activities such as blasting, or mist forming activities such as

the pressurised spray application of paints.

Fume cupboard to remove contaminants at source – for activities or

exposure with an inhalation risk when operating in a laboratory

environment.

Safety cabinet to remove contaminants at source. Keep sash as low as

possible when in use.

Often used as the primary means of containment for working safely

with infectious microorganisms.

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A ventilated bench used to draw contaminants away from the workers

breathing zone. Place opening as close as possible to the source.

Exhaust ventilation attached directly to dust or fume producing tools or

plant e.g. orbital sander with integral dust extraction.

Face-fitted disposable and semi-disposable respiratory protective

equipment (RPE) of the designated standard with filters of the specified

type and protection factor e.g.

BS EN149 FF P 2

British Standard Filter Type Assigned protection factor (APF)

For further information, either contact the Sypol CMS Helpdesk (Phone:

+44 (0)1296 678464 or E-mail: [email protected]) or

your personal protective equipment (PPE) supplier.

Non-disposable face-fitted respiratory protective equipment (RPE) with

disposable filters of the specified type and protection factor e.g. BS

EN14387 AXP2.

Powered respirator used to assist breathing where a high protection

factor is required. Quantitative fit testing is required for the use of

powered respirators.

Air fed breathing apparatus e.g. air fed helmets and suits. This form of

RPE will be specified for activities or exposure with a significant

inhalation risk.

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Hygiene Measures Personal hygiene measures designed to prevent an employee being

harmed by accidental contact or exposure.

Smoking, eating or drinking in work areas is prohibited and should

only take place in designated areas.

Skin conditioning creams should be used to reduce the risk of

dermatitis.

Good personal hygiene practices and procedures e.g. thoroughly

washing the hands and face after using the material or at the end of

shift as specified.

Ensure shower facilities are available to enable immediate

decontamination following work activities or exposure to hazardous

materials.

Provision of specified decontamination facilities to be made available

for those working in particularly high hazard areas or for those

carrying out particularly dirty work where the spread of

contamination is of concern.

Change out of contaminated work wear following exposure to a

material. It is important to ensure that on leaving the working area

contaminated work wear is removed and kept apart from

uncontaminated clothing and equipment.

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Housekeeping Measures Measures for workplace hygiene designed to minimise the risk of

accidental exposure.

Ensure containers are properly closed when not in use. This measure

should be in place to reduce the risk of exposure/spillage.

The material in use may be incompatible with certain other

substances specified and should never be mixed with them. This is

common when using acid and alkali cleaning products.

An industrial vacuum cleaner should be used to clear material. If a

special vacuum is required this will be specified on the assessment.

Once dust is in the air, it is very hard to control. One of the simplest

ways of controlling it is to stop it from getting into the air. Damping

down should be undertaken in order to minimise the generation of

airborne dusts.

Prevent the generation of airborne dusts by avoiding the practice of

dry sweeping. Damp down or vacuum.

Storage

Recommendations

Recommendations for safe storage and disposal of the material’s

packaging; by-products of use; and contaminated clothing and PPE.

Various words (e.g. TOXIC) may appear with this pictogram, detailing

the specialist storage and disposal requirements for the material in

accordance with the classification.

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Do not dispose of pressurised containers (e.g. aerosols) by crushing,

shredding or burning.

Specialist Control

Measures

Specialist measures for specific working environments

Workplace must be sealable to facilitate disinfection. Air-ducting

systems must be constructed to permit gaseous decontamination.

Accessible to authorised personnel only.

Workplace must be sealable to facilitate decontamination. Air-ducting

systems must be constructed to permit gaseous decontamination.

Doors must be kept closed and the room kept under negative pressure.

Space needed between the exposed and source of contamination

Sterilises and disinfects items that have come into contact with a

hazardous material.

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4. COSHH Control Sheet

The COSHH Control Sheet (CCS) documents the decisions of the Sypol CMS viewer, editor/co-

ordinator or manager regarding the considerations (see Section 3; 8. Considerations) stated by the

COSHH summary sheet and additional requirements in line with the COSHH Regulations.

1. Request details

This line shows the unique reference ID for the assessment and information of the Sypol CMS user

that requested the assessment to which the COSHH Control Sheet relates.

2. Material details

Details of the material encompassing tradename, supplier (if applicable) and a Sypol assigned

material code. This section also incorporates a risk rating based upon the classification of the

material and associated exposure scenario details.

3. Activity details

Basic details of the work practice(s) or exposure to the selected material. The activity details

comprise; an Act No., the unique identifier for the risk assessment relevant to the material on the

Sypol database; a method of use; an area of use; and a length of exposure. It is important to note

that an exposure scenario may include more than one activity, although exposure scenarios should

only represent distinct work methods or practices to be carried out during one working shift.

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4. Scenario details

Further information regarding the exposure scenario relevant to the material. This will include any

additional work practice information as well as an approximation of the quantity of material being

used; frequency of use; number of people directly exposed; and details of anyone else exposed

including susceptible workers.

5. Work area

This line details the work area code and sub work area code (if applicable) thereby identifying the

location of this assessment in Sypol CMS.

6. Considerations

Statement of additional actions which must be considered in accordance with the risk assessment

based upon the contents of the material and control measures stated. Dependent upon the

exposure scenario details and associated risk, these actions will either: be considered requisite; may

be considered requisite; or will not be considered requisite. This section of the Control Sheet

enables you to state whether the actions are undertaken or not using a selection of yes or no, and

provide any further information if applicable e.g. reference to internal procedural documents for

occupational hygiene or health surveillance.

Examples of COSHH Control Sheet Questions Material Selection Has the elimination or substitution of this material been considered?

Assigned to all materials of medium or high hazard.

Allows you to address your requirement under Regulation 7 of COSHH

and Principle A of the principles of good practice as laid out in the

COSHH Regulations.

Did you know…

You can search the Sypol CMS system for suggestions of a safer

substitute using the ‘Choose safer substitute’ link available during the

Create Assessment process, or via the ‘Safer Health Hazard’ report

under ‘Hazards and Considerations’ of the reports section in Sypol

CMS

Have you considered all components of this mixture?

Assigned to materials that comprise two or more separate

components (e.g. two-pack or multi-pack materials).

This prompts you to ensure COSHH assessments have been obtained

for all parts of a multi-part material. In most cases, two-part materials

can be written as a single COSHH summary sheet by Sypol CMS

consultants.

If available, have you considered purchasing pre-diluted or pre-

mixed products

Assigned to assessments with selected activities of ‘Diluting’ of a

concentrated material or ‘Mixing’ of multiple materials.

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This prompts the consideration of purchasing dilute versions of

hazardous materials to prevent exposure to the concentrated form or

purchasing of pre-mixed materials to reduce exposure levels.

Have you considered if your exposure to lead or lead compounds is

considered significant under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations

2002?

Assigned to materials that contain a certain concentration of lead or

lead compounds.

Maintenance Are procedures to ensure the maintenance of controls in place?

Assigned to the majority of assessments that require maintenance of

the control measures.

Allows you to address your requirement under Regulation 9 of COSHH

to ensure that plant and equipment is maintained in good working

order; systems of work and procedural controls are reviewed and

revised regularly and that LEV systems are tested at least once every

14 months.

Airborne Exposure Control Are procedures to conduct exposure monitoring in place?

Assigned to any material that receives a classification based upon its

airborne toxicity.

Airborne exposure monitoring should be performed where individuals

are exposed to material that has hazards associated with inhalation as

a route of entry. The longer and more frequent the exposure time,

and the higher the risk; the more likely the need for airborne

exposure monitoring.

Did you know...

Alcumus have a specialist team of occupational hygienists able to offer

you services in the following fields, amongst others:

Hazardous substance monitoring

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) including testing

Oil & gas services (Offshore)

Contact the helpdesk to speak to an occupational hygienist for further

information (Phone: +44 (0)1296 678464 or E-mail:

[email protected]).

Have you implemented the use of the engineering controls before

resorting to the use of RPE?

Assigned where respiratory control measures are listed by the COSHH

Summary Sheet.

The use of RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) should always be

considered where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved

by other means e.g. enclosure or the installation of Local Exhaust

Ventilation (LEV). For routine work, engineering controls should

always be given priority. Interim or one-off tasks may be adequately

controlled with the use of RPE.

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Are all personnel provided with necessary RPE, suitably trained in its

correct use, maintenance, and storage and been fit tested where

required?

Assigned where RPE is listed as a possible respiratory control measure

by the COSHH Summary Sheet.

Allows you to demonstrate the effective implementation of RPE as a

control measure where the use of engineering controls is not

applicable.

Spillage, First Aid & Fire Are local area evacuation procedures in place in the event of a

significant spillage of this product?

Assigned if spillage conditions present a specific hazard based on the

material of intended use or exposure.

Allows you to document the remedial measures to be taken in the

event of a spill and reference internal spillage procedures relevant to

the material

Is the fire response team trained in the specific fire-fighting

requirements for this material?

Assigned if fire conditions present a specific hazard based on the

material of intended use or exposure.

Allows you to document the remedial measures to be taken in the

event of a fire involving combustion of the material and reference

internal fire procedures relevant to the material

Are First Aiders trained in the specific First Aid requirements for this

material?

Assigned to all materials of medium or high hazard.

In general, specific first aid training is NOT required for most

materials. However, materials (e.g hydrogen fluoride and cyanide

containing compounds) where swift and specific action following

exposure will save lives or prevent permanent injury will require

specific first aid training in accordance with the intended use or

exposure.

All actions to be taken in the event of an emergency have been

considered?

Assigned to all materials.

Allows you to document the internal emergency procedures specific

to the material i.e. spillage of the material; fire involving the material

and contact with the material.

Health Surveillance Are procedures to undertake skin checks in place?

Assigned to materials that cause long term skin damage or skin

sensitisation.

Allows you to document your consideration of skin checks and the

requirement for this form of health surveillance in accordance with

Regulation 11 of the COSHH Regulations.

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Are procedures to undertake lung function tests in place?

Assigned to materials that cause long term lung damage, lung

sensitisation or degradation of lung function.

Allows you to document your consideration of lung function tests

and the requirement for this form of health surveillance in

accordance with Regulation 11 of the COSHH Regulations.

Biological Monitoring Are procedures to undertake urine tests in place?

Assigned to materials that have a constituent in sufficient quantity to

cause health damage and that have a Biological Monitoring Guidance

Value (BMGV) for the constituent or its associated metabolite in

urine (as listed on the CCS).

Allows you to document your consideration of urine tests and the

requirement for this form of biological monitoring in accordance with


Are procedures to undertake blood tests in place?



Value (BMGV) for the constituent or its associated metabolite in

blood (as listed on the CCS).

Allows you to document your consideration of blood tests and the

requirement for this form of biological monitoring in accordance with


Are procedures to undertake end tidal breath tests in place?



Value (BMGV) for the constituent or its associated metabolite in the

end tidal breath (as listed on the CCS).

Allows you to document your consideration of end tidal breath tests

and the requirement for this form of biological monitoring in

accordance with Regulation 10 of the COSHH Regulations.

Training Have users have been informed, instructed and trained in the use of

this substance?

Assigned to materials where the user must undergo special training

in accordance with the material of intended use e.g. the use of

pesticides.

Susceptible Workers Has a pregnant worker risk assessment has been carried out for this

exposure scenario in line with Regulations 16-18 of the

Management of health and safety at work Regulations 1999?

Assigned where exposure to pregnant workers as a susceptible group

has been identified as part of the exposure scenario.

This allows the subscriber to link the assessment to their own

pregnant worker risk assessments.

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Has a young worker risk assessment has been carried out for this

exposure scenario in line with Regulation 19 of the Management of

health and safety at work Regulations 1999?

Assigned where exposure to people under the age of 18 as a

susceptible group has been identified as part of the exposure

scenario.

This allows the subscriber to link the assessment to their own young

person risk assessments.

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5. Requesting Assessments

Work Methods

Sypol CMS consultants compile a COSHH assessment in accordance with the information submitted

during the ‘Create Assessment’ process. The ‘--Choose a method--‘ drop-down identifies the manner

in which the substance is to be used or how exposure is expected to occur. It is vital the correct

method is selected; otherwise the control measures listed by the COSHH Summary Sheet may not

prevent ill health occurring as a result of exposure of employees to the material.

Listed below are the most common work activities available within Sypol CMS and a short

description about when the method should be selected. Entries are listed alphabetically.

--Choose a method-- You should select a method relevant to the intended use or exposure

to the material

Analysing Use of samples in physical diagnostic procedures, e.g. temperature or

viscosity testing.

Automated Application Process application that is not directly controlled by a human.

Automated application will often be part of an enclosed process.

Contact will generally be incidental as an individual will not be directly

involved with the application.

Blasting Using an abrasive substance to remove coatings or corrosion from

metal parts.

NOTE: We will not write blasting assessments for blasting media

which contain more than 1% by weight of sand (Schedule 6 of

COSHH).

Brazing For the liquid metal bonding of larger components at temperatures

exceeding 427°C.

Breaking Out Use of repeated impact or blunt force tools to remove structural

elements of buildings resulting in the generation of dust.

NOTE: This activity does not cover exposure to asbestos.

Burning Flame or glow consuming a material resulting in the generation of a

fume.

Connecting The activity of connecting or disconnecting a depressurised transfer

system. This activity may result in exposure to residual contamination.

Cutting (Hand) Use of hand-tools to cut solid material.

Cutting (Hot work) For gas or plasma cutting of metals.

Cutting (Mechanical) Use of mechanical tools to cut solid material.

Cylinder Changing Changing pressurised gas cylinders requiring the operator to

disconnect and connect a transfer system.

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Dab The activity of applying small amounts of a substance (usually a liquid)

by use of an applicator, brush, dispensing device or absorbent

material

Decanting The activity of controlled transfer of small amounts of liquid or solid

material from one container to another. This activity will usually result

in no splashes or dusts being emitted

Diluting To be used where a liquid substance is being mixed with a low hazard

diluent (usually water).

Direct Exposure Exposure resulting from direct use of a substance or contact with

contamination. This activity will assume significant skin contact and

the associated risk of ingestion. Inhalation risks will be addressed

according to the properties of the substance

Dispensing The activity of transferring a liquid or solid using an automated

machine or container that is designed to release a specific amount of

a substance.

Disposal The action or process of throwing away or getting rid of a material.

Dissolving To be used where a solid is being dissolved in a liquid.

Dosing The activity of applying a substance into a system or process e.g.

dosing of tablets into a washing machine. This activity will usually

involve minimal contact with the operator e.g. through the use of a

specialised applicator or a sealed unit and seal breaker.

Draining The removal by gravity of a (possibly degraded) fluid substance from

its storage tank or transfer system.

Drilling Drilling into raw materials resulting in the generation of dust.

Excavating Excavation of a hole, pit or channel by hand or mechanical plant

resulting in the generation of dust.

Filling (For fuels and lubricants) Use of a nozzle to fill a fuelling or lubrication

system in machinery, plant or vehicles. Semi enclosed process where

the inhalation hazard is expected to be significantly reduced.

Grinding Using powered grinding tools to shape or finish raw materials.

Gun Applying The activity of applying a substance by use of a tube and trigger

application system e.g. a sealant tube cartridge gun.

Gun Cleaning Cleaning of tube and trigger applying systems using water or a

cleaning material.

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Hand Applying The activity of applying a material by hand. This can include the use of

an applicator, brush, storage or dispensing device, absorbent

material, wipe, cream or dipping gel.

Hand Applying (Roller) The activity of applying a material by roller. This will generally involve

minimal contact with the operator – although additional work practice

information will be required if there is potential for paint splatter.

Handling/Storing The storage or movement of sealed containers. The activity can also

cover processes where sealed containers are placed into an

automated process that opens and empties the container.

Heating Heating raw materials for the purposes of bonding, shrinking, finishing

or to improve pliability. Generation of fumes

Igniting To cause a material to catch fire resulting in the generation of a fume.

Immersing

Indirect Exposure

The activity of dipping or submerging components/parts in a liquid

bath for cleaning or coating.

Indirect exposure to a substance in the environment or exposure to a

substance that is being used by others. This will take account of low

level skin/eye contact and inhalation. Ingestion risks will be low for

this activity

Injecting The activity of applying a substance via syringe or tube into a confined

or restricted area e.g. injecting insulation/expanding foam in a door or

wall cavity

Laboratory Work Any activity that involves analytical, diagnostic, in vitro or in-vivo work

carried out in a specifically designated laboratory environment.

Line Marking The activity of applying a substance by line marking machine. For

application of the material by line marking paint guns use the relevant

‘Spraying’ activity e.g. Spraying (Aerosol)

Machining Turning, lathing and machine working of raw materials (not metals)

resulting in the generation of dust.

Mechanical handling /

storage

The handling, transportation and storage of bulk materials via

mechanical equipment controlled by a driver (e.g. Cranes, wheeled

shovels etc.)

Melting To liquefy a material by heat resulting in the generation of a fume.

Mixing Where one material is combined with another. There will always be a

mixing activity on a two pack material. Refer to the assessments for

both materials to be mixed in order to select the appropriate control

measures.

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Mopping

The activity of wiping surfaces using a mop and bucket. This activity

applies to mopping of floors, although assessments for mopping of

walls, ceilings and other surfaces can be compiled if specified under

‘Additional Work Practice Information’

Pouring The activity of transferring gross amounts of liquid or solid material

into an open container or area. This activity will usually result in the

generation of splashes or dust emissions.

Pressure Washing This activity takes account of the removal of contamination from a

surface with water or a cleaning material. This activity should be

used in conjunction with either a cleaning material; or (where there

is significant contamination of an area) a contaminant – e.g., slurry

cleaning in a vessel.

Processing To perform a series of mechanical or chemical operations in order

to change a substance or mixture.

Pumping Activities for automated transfer of fluids. Pumping activities should

always take place in enclosed processes. For hand pumping

activities, use either decanting or filling.

Removing To remove a material (e.g. insulation lagging, trees, plasterboard)

from the position it occupies. This activity will usually result in the

generation of airborne particulates.

NOTE: This activity does not cover the removal of paint.

Repair and Maintenance To conduct repair and maintenance operations resulting in direct

contact or exposure to a substance.

Sampling Withdrawal of samples from a storage or transfer system or use of

testing instruments in these systems. Exposure to small quantities

of substance.

Sanding Removal of rough surfaces with the use of abrasive sand materials

resulting in the generation of dust. This activity can be used for both

electric sanders and sanding by hand although it important to state

the specific method used under ‘Additional Work Practice

Information’.

Scabbling Mechanical scabbling of concrete surfaces.

Scrubber and Dryer

Machine

The activity of cleaning or polishing hard floors and carpets using an

automatic scrubber and dryer machine

NOTE: This activity will usually be accompanied by a pouring or

decanting activity e.g. for cleaning materials dosed into a scrubber

and dryer machine

Scrubbing The activity of scrubbing or hard rubbing of a surface potentially

resulting in the generation of splatter.

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Shovelling

Soldering

Spraying (Aerosol)

To move a material by shovel.

For the liquid metal bonding of electrical components. These

activities should go onto the soldering consumable.

The use of any aerosol. Exposures will typically be intermittent, and

the usage time should usually be under 2 hours.

Spraying (Automated) A spray that is not directly controlled by a human. Automated spray

will often be part of an enclosed process. Contact will generally be

incidental as an individual will not be directly in contact with the

spray.

Spraying (Knapsack) Spraying using a knapsack sprayer. This activity should be used for

diaphragm pumps (both manual and electrically powered) or gravity

fed sprayers where the material is applied by spray lance.

Spraying

(Pressurised/Gun)

Spraying using mechanically induced pressure. This can be high

pressure or high volume spraying. For example, spraying of paint or

concrete.

Spraying (Trigger Bottle) Spraying using a small hand held bottle or a plant mister type spray

bottle.

Spreading The activity of distributing a substance in order to increase its

surface area

Sweeping Cleaning an area by brush.

Syringe Activity The activity of syringing a substance for medical purposes. This

activity takes account of a substance being applied by syringe, or of

fluids being drawn into a syringe

NOTE: This activity covers exposure to medical staff rather than the

patient

Tanker Connecting A specific high hazard, low risk activity for the transfer of tanker

delivered fluids in bulk. Tanker connecting controls reflect the

possibility of high impact exposure in bulk as well as more probable

exposure to residual contamination.

Tipping The activity of unloading bulk powders or solids into a hopper or

grated sluice.

Vacuum up Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

Venting The planned venting of pressurised gas from a cylinder, storage tank

or transfer system.

Welding Welding activities will only be written on assessments for welding

consumables. When requesting metal welding activities, always

include information about the type of metal that will be joined and

the type of welding to be used (e.g. TIG, MIG). Refer to 6. Specialist

Assessments for further guidance on welding assessments.

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My Activity Isn’t Covered Are you carrying out a unique activity? Follow these simple steps.

1. The most important thing is to ensure the method selected is relevant

to the intended use of the material or exposure scenario, rather than

having the exact name on the activity.

In many cases, the non-specific methods of ‘Direct Exposure, General

Exposure and Laboratory Work’ can be selected in order to obtain a

suitable and sufficient assessment. Where a non-specific method is

selected, it important to provide further detail of the method, task or

exposure under ‘Additional Work Practice Information’.

2. Consider breaking the process down. Are you carrying out a number

of actions that can be broken down into stages? Remember that the

exposure scenario can support multiple activities.

3. Still stuck and need advice? Contact the helpdesk (Phone: +44 (0)1296

678464 or E-mail: [email protected]).

--Choose an area-- You should select an area according to where exposure to the material

will occur.

Outside An area not enclosed by a roof, with good ventilation and free

access/egress.

Inside Poorly Ventilated An area where a good supply of clean fresh air cannot be naturally

maintained.

Inside Well Ventilated An internal area enclosed by a roof with a good supply of clean fresh

air and free access/egress.

Confined Space A space defined as a confined space in accordance with the Confined

Spaces Regulations, 1997.

A confined space does not need to be a small space but usually refers

to an area which is substantially enclosed thereby restricting

movement including access/egress, has a significant lack of

ventilation, or may contain substances or conditions with specified

safety hazards.

Booth A designated area set aside for particular work activities where

individuals are exposed to a material with an associated risk by

inhalation as a route of entry e.g. spraying (pressurised), blasting or

welding. A booth is always assumed to have its own extraction

system.

Containment Level 1-4 Laboratories specifically designed for the handling of pathogenic

materials.

Enclosed Process An enclosed system that will prevent individuals from coming into

contact with materials contained within e.g. the bulk transfer of

liquids through pipelines.

Underwater Beneath the surface of water e.g. diving.

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--Choose an exposure-- You should select a time frame according to the duration of exposure

to the material e.g. <1/2 hour should be selected for Spraying

(Aerosol) where the aerosol is to be applied intermittently using short,

two to three second bursts.

What other Information should I provide?

Ensure you provide as much information as possible on the exposure scenario

This will allow our Sypol CMS consultants to compile a COSHH assessment specifically tailored to

your exposure to the material. The exposure scenario is inextricably linked to the assessment.

Providing accurate details and information of the exposure scenario will aid the Sypol CMS user in

identifying the particular assessment required for a material and improve its long term usability.

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6. Specialist Assessments

For the majority of assessments, all Sypol CMS consultants require to compile an assessment is the

exposure scenario information entered during the ‘Create Assessment’ process and an up-to-date

safety data sheet (SDS).

However, there are certain assessments where we require additional information in order to

compile a suitable and sufficient COSHH risk assessment.

Cutting (Hot Work) /

Welding

Sypol CMS consultants will need the following information:

An up-to-date SDS for the welding consumable

What type of welding is being carried out e.g. MIG, MMA

etc.

What materials are being joined e.g. stainless steel, brass

etc.

A number of welding assessments already exist on the Sypol CMS

database. Try entering the type of welding being carried out

followed by the consumable under ‘Keyword’ when searching the

database during the ‘Create Assessment’ process e.g. TIG welding

aluminium, MIG welding stainless steel.

NOTE: Connecting activities will also be required for the gases used

during the welding process. Remember, it is NOT possible to weld a

gas.

Generic Sypol CMS consultants can write assessments for common or

universal materials. Generic materials may include those that,

regardless of the supplier, have an identical/similar composition and

therefore derive the same hazard classification e.g. 100%

hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, softwood dust etc. To

compile a generic COSHH assessment, Sypol CMS consultants

require any available information on the material, including an SDS,

technical information, composition details, laboratory reports and

analysis findings.

Contaminated Land Sypol CMS consultants will need the laboratory report that details

the pollutants and their concentrations from the initial site survey.

Asbestos / Lead Sypol CMS consultants will not write COSHH risk assessments for

asbestos or pure lead. Asbestos is covered by more stringent

legislation under the Control of Asbestos Regulations, 2006, whilst

lead is covered by the Control of Lead at Work Regulations, 2002.

Sypol CMS consultants can write COSHH assessments for materials

that contain lead as an ingredient e.g. lead based paints.

Radioactive Substances Sypol CMS consultants can write assessments for the hazardous

chemical properties of a radioactive substance. However, Sypol CMS

assessments do not address the radioactive properties of a

substance.

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Water Samples Sypol CMS consultants will need the laboratory report that details

the pollutants and their concentrations from water samples.

Confidential materials Sypol CMS consultants can ensure that a subscriber’s ingredients or

process materials are not available for others to see on the Sypol

CMS database.

If you wish to have an assessment protected in this way (referred to

as flagged out) then please contact the helpdesk to discuss your

requirements (Phone: +44 (0)1296 678464 or E-mail:

[email protected]).

Other materials Sypol CMS consultants can write assessments for materials covered

under COSHH that do not have an SDS e.g. a process emission such

as wood dust or natural aggregates. To compile a COSHH

assessment for these materials, Sypol CMS consultants require any

available information on the material, including technical

information, composition details, laboratory reports and analysis

findings.

If you have any doubts or concern regarding assessment interpretation, the use of Sypol CMS or

whether a COSHH assessment is required, please do not hesitate to contact the helpdesk by phone:

+44 (0)1296 678464 or e-mail: [email protected] and we will be able to advise you

on the relevant steps to take.

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7.

Alcumus is a market leading compliance & certification services group

Everything Alcumus does is driven by our vision to build a market-leading compliance and

certification services group – one that combines simple yet innovative technology with expert advice

to deliver client-led solutions that assist organisations globally with their certification, health and

safety, HR, supply chain risk and GRC strategies, regardless of their size, geography or risk profile.

Compliance Software and Services

Info Exchange Software

Streamlining compliance data for better informed decision making

• Safety, Health & Environment

• Property Compliance & Leases

• Fleet & Asset

• Supply Chains & GRC

Compliance Tracker Software

Off-the-shelf information management software

Sypol CMS

Online task-based COSHH Risk Management System

Business Compliance Services

• HS Guard - Health and Safety

• HR Guard – Human Resources & Employment Law

Monitoring Services – Occupational Hygiene

• COSHH Management

• Hand Arm / Whole Body Vibration

• Hazardous Substance Monitoring

• Local Exhaust Ventilation

• Noise Exposure

• Bespoke Solutions

Alcumus Certification Services

ISOQAR offers UKAS accredited third party certification to

internationally recognised management system standards

• ISO 9001 Quality

• ISO 14001 Environment

• OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health & Safety

• ISO 27001 Information Security

• BS 25999 Business Continuity

• BS 11000 Business Collaborative Relationships

• Specialised and sector specific schemes

• Second party audit programmes

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Alcumus Academy

Training courses delivered as scheduled public course or

in-house solution

COSHH

• COSHH Assessor

• Sypol CMS7 Training

• An awareness of the COSHH Regulations

• CIEH Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH

Health & Safety, including:

• IOSH Managing Safely

• Accident Investigation

• Asbestos Awareness

• CDM Awareness

• CIEH Level 2 Principles and Practice of Manual Handling

• CIEH Level 2 Award in Principles of Risk Assessment

• CIEH Level 3 Principles of Risk Assessment and Practice

• CIEH Levels 2 & 3 H&S in the Workplace

• CIEH Level 3 H&S in the Workplace

• CIEH Certificate in Stress Awareness

• Display screen equipment assessors course

• Fire Awareness/Fire Marshall Training

• Health & Safety Awareness

• IOSH Working Safely

• Manual Handling – training the trainer &

• Manual Handling – basic lifting techniques and awareness

• NEBOSH National General Certificate

• Office Safety & Workplace Awareness

• PUWER Assessor Training

• RIDDOR Awareness

• Risk Assessment for Managers

• Safety Representatives

• Safety Training for Directors and Senior Managers

• Site Safety Awareness

ISOQAR standards auditing

• ISO 9001

• ISO 14001

• ISO 27001

• OHSAS 18001

• ISO 50001

Human Resources

• Absence Management

• Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace

• Dealing with Disciplinary and Grievance Issues

• Essential Guide to Employment Law

• Equal Opportunities

• Handling Investigations

• Managing People at Work

• Performance Management

• Redundancy, Lay Off and Short Time Working

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