Example COSHH risk assessment - Workshop

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: Picture frames and mounts Department: Workshop
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 and skin contact with mounting spray	Flammable, irritating to eyes, skin and
	Framer - short bursts from spray can	Used on table near extractor fan (turned on) avoid spraying on self
Breathing in and skin contact with softwood dust	Asthma and dermatitis in woodworkers
	Framer hand-sawing in mitre jig, sanding	Skin checks		Vacuum up at end of work day
Fixing frames (super-glue) - skin contact, fumes	Irritating vapours, skin sensitisation, skin bonding
	Framer, assembling frame	Used on table near extractor fan (turned on). Good washing facilities		Get disposable vinyl gloves

Also:		Action taken		Action needed
Thorough examination & test - COSHH
Supervision
Instruction and training		Warn about skin contact
Emergency plans		Fire
Health surveillance		Skin checks		Use asthma questionnaire.
Monitoring		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: fire practice