Example COSHH risk assessment - Die caster

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:	Miniature die-cast reproduction	Date assessment made:
Department:	Preparation shop	Date discussed with employees:

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 zinc alloy	Harmful dust - lungs and body organs
	Operators removing flash on abrasive wheel (3 wheels)	Dust directed into bin. Overalls, protective gloves	Use contract laundry for overalls
	Operators finishing by filing down	Overalls	Get skin-care products. Use contract laundry for overalls
	Cleaning up dust	Dry brushing	Damp down and mop up
Skin contact with metal primer - low VOC paint	Skin dryness, dermatitis
	Operator - manual dipping	Tongs, nitrile gloves. Lidded bin for waste wipes.	Get disposable gloves. Get spill clean up kit. Get skin-care products.
	Drying	Overnight - general ventilation	Get drip tray

Also:		Action taken	Action needed
Thorough examination & test - COSHH		None
Supervision			Occasional checks
Instruction and training		On the job (all part timers)
Emergency plans			Spill clean up
Health surveillance		None	Start skin checks
Monitoring		Not needed
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: eye protection, noise and vibration, abrasive wheel guarded, flammable dust produced. Flammable liquid.