HSE PUBLISHES HELP WITH HARMFUL CHEMICALS

HSE press release E228:03 - 17 November 2003

A paper version of COSHH essentials: easy steps to control chemicals has been issued to help employers, particularly smaller businesses, control exposure arising from the use of hazardous substances at work.

This relaunch of the earlier risk assessment tool published in May 1999, now includes 70 new control guidance sheets launched on the Internet version of COSHH essentials www.coshh-essentials.org.uk in October 2003, to coincide with European Week on Safety and Health's raising awareness on handling "Dangerous Substances."

The new sheets offer practical solutions for a range of tasks or services in craft bakeries, small flour mills, foundries, motor vehicle repair, rubber making, woodworking and the service and retail sector, for example hairdressers, beauty salons, dry cleaners, embalmers and restaurants.

John Thompson, Head of HSE's Chemicals and Flammables Policy Division said: "While COSHH essentials is already available on the Internet, we recognise the need to give people a choice of format. Some prefer to have a reference copy and others will not have access to the Internet but would like help in controlling chemicals. Putting the advice into practice will help to prevent ill-health including respiratory disease, skin disease and cancer.

"There is a checklist for doing your own assessments and new sheets where this has been done for you. In line with HSC's strategy, the new advice covers three key causes of occupational asthma - isocyanates (vehicle spray painting), flour dust and wood dust."

COSHH essentials: easy steps to control chemicals, ISBN 0 7176 2737 3, Price £30, is now available from HSE Books

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