Example COSHH risk assessment - Paving company

Important reminder

This example risk assessment shows the kind of approach a small business might take. Use it as a guide to think through some of the hazards in your business and the steps you need to take to control the risks. Please note that it is not a generic risk assessment that you can just put your company name on and adopt wholesale without any thought. This would not satisfy the law - and would not be effective in protecting people.

Every business is different - you need to think through the hazards and controls required in your business for yourself.

Company name: Patio path and paving Department:
Step 1 Substance	Step 2	Step 3			Step 4 Action
Whats the hazard?	What harm, and who?	What are you doing already?		What improvements do you need?	Who	When	Check
Breathing in dust from cutting paving	Long term lung damage eg bronchitis and silicosis
	Everyone involved in cutting and anyone working nearby	Water to suppress dust. Protective goggles.		Get enough water. Those involved should wear P3 respirators, ear plugs.
Breathing in exhaust fumes from cutter	Carbon monoxide poisoning
	Everyone nearby	Always use cutter outdoors		Make sure area is not enclosed and fumes can disperse
Readymix cement - skin contact - splashes	Skin burns when laying cement
	Anyone - cement on skin	Avoid skin contact. Use protective gloves		Get access to running water. wash off splashes immediately. Use skin care products
Moss killer - skin irritation	Mixing concentrate
	Anyone - splash on skin	Use protective gloves. Wash out applicator after use.		Get access to running water. Use skin care products.

Also:		Action taken		Action needed
Thorough examination & test - COSHH		None		Check water suppression
Supervision		When available
Instruction and training		Yes		Respirator training for P3 and fit test
Emergency plans		Mobile phone
Health surveillance		None		Ask doctor about lung function tests.
Monitoring		None		None
Step 5 Review date:			Review your assessment - make sure you are not sliding back. Any significant change in the work? Check the assessment and change it if necessary
Other hazards needing attention: lifting and handling heavy weights, noise, reversing vehicles