Example COSHH risk assessment - Office

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: Architects office
Department:
Date assessment made:
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 solvent vapours - wide format inkjet printer Irritation          
  Everyone in the office Leave prints in well-ventilated room to dry Move printer to ventilated room      
Skin contact with ink Anyone filling printer cartridges Skin cleanser provided Get sealed cartridges      
Skin contact with solvent Anyone cleaning a print head - skin damage Use nitrile gloves and lidded bin for waste Begin skin checks      
Indoor air quality Everyone from time to time - irritation          
  Sore eyes / throat, stuffy nose   Better fresh air provision.  provide plants to increase humidity Use questionnaire      
Photocopier - breathing in emissions Toner dust (not harmful), odour (not ozone)          
  Anyone nearby Change filter and corona wires Vacuum up dust.  Get a new copier.      
 
Also: Action taken Action needed      
Thorough examination & test - COSHH          
Supervision          
Instruction and training          
Emergency plans   Spill of print-head cleaner      
Health surveillance None Skin checks      
Monitoring   None        
Step 5
Review date
:
  1. Review your assessment - make sure you are not sliding back.
  2. Any significant change in the work?  Check the assessment and change it if necessary
Other hazards needing attention: slips and trips, lifting, electrical appliances

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2023-04-18