Example COSHH risk assessment - DIY shop

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:	DIY Shop		Date assessment made:
Department:			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
Gloss solvent-based paint colour mix and match - breathe in solvent, skin contact	Irritating vapours and irritating to skin
	Shop worker operating mixer, handling pigments	Keep paints cool. Spill clean-up kit. Good ventilation		Lidded bin for wipes and waste - put outside at night. Disposable nitrile gloves
Water-based paint colour mix and match - skin contact	Shop worker operating mixer, handling pigments	Spill clean-up kit		Lidded bin for wipes and waste - put outside at night.
Mixer cleaning product - skin contact	Flammable, irritating to eyes and skin
	Shop worker - skin contact	Heavy duty gloves, changed when worn out		Disposable gloves, discard after use

Also:		Action taken		Action needed
Thorough examination & test - COSHH
Supervision
Instruction and training		On mixer
Emergency plans		Evacuation practice
Health surveillance		None
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: flammable liquids, slips, manual handling, unsupervised children