Example COSHH risk assessment - Electronics

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:	Antique electrical repair	Date assessment made:
Department:	Workshop	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 fume from soldering and de-soldering	May cause asthma
Skin contact with fume	May cause dermatitis
	Repairers	On-iron extraction. When it blocks up, clean it out		Use rosin-free solder. Build small extracted booth. Skin inspection and care products
Breathing in mist from degreaser aerosol spray	Irritating to skin, drowsiness
	Repairers - brief uses only	Good general ventilation, use near extractor fan		Get disposable nitrile gloves
Waste materials - valves, lamps, plastic, wire, Bakelite	Unknown harm
	Repairers	Dispose to WEEE contractor for recycling		Avoid breaking display screens and fluorescent tubes check for radioactive substances and dispose of accordingly

Also:		Action taken		Action needed
Thorough examination & test - COSHH		Check extraction		Test new booth
Supervision
Instruction and training				Skin inspection training
Emergency plans		Fire
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: flammable degreaser, radioactive paint on old instrument dials