PTCL COSHH Proforma

Shown below is the information required for a COSHH assessment, with brief comments on each section. You can collect blank hardcopy forms from the PTCL Safety Officer, who can also provide further advice. Note that COSHH assessments must be updated whenever there is a significant change in the procedure used for handling the chemical, and in any case not less frequently than every five years.

PTCL COSHH ASSESSMENT

Chemical Give the IUPAC name of the chemical, and common name also if widely used (e.g. acetone, acetic acid, mesitylene)

Procedure Outline the way in which the chemical will be used. (e.g. used as a drying agent for organic solvents, feedstock for the preparation of gas-phase reagents). Be specific.

Chemical Hazards List all significant chemical hazards, such as flammability, potentially dangerous reaction with oxidizing agents, can form explosive peroxides, etc.

Health Hazards List all significant health hazards, such as carcinogen, mutagen, harmful if inhaled, narcotic, causes severe burns, etc. Check whether Maximum Exposure Limits (MELs) are set for the substance. The MEL list is available through this server. If the material is on the MEL list, the PTCL DSO or Chemistry ASO must be contacted to determine what the limit is, and precautions to ensure this limit is not exceeded must be strictly observed. The list of MELs is also available in the Safety Information area of the PTCL library.

Control measures to be adopted This is the central section of a COSHH assessment, and explains what procedures must be adopted to ensure the chemical can be used safely. Measures must be explicit, clear, comprehensive, and practical. e.g. Use only in a fume cupboard, wear protective gloves, use only when suitable burn cream is available.

Checks on control measures List any checks that are required before work can begin with the chemical, e.g. check HF burn cream is available before starting work, ensure this chemical is peroxide tested every six months.

Disposal Give detailed instructions on how used or unwanted chemical should be disposed of. This may involve disposal by the research group (e.g. flush down a fume cupboard sink using plenty of water), or through the safety office (e.g. contact the Laboratory Safety Officer for disposal instructions).

Emergency Give brief and explicit instructions for dealing with an emergency involving the chemical (e.g. evacuate area immediately, mop up spills using plenty of water, open windows).

First Aid Outline relevant first aid treatment. State clearly if professional medical aid should be called in the case of skin contact, ingestion or inhalation

Comments Any other information relevant to the safe use of the material.

Signed The assessment must be signed by all who will use the chemical, and dated. COSHH forms must be reviewed every five years, or when the operations involving the material are significantly changed (for example, a chemical which had been used straight from the bottle is now to be purified by distillation before use).

I have read and understood this assessment.

Signed:

Date:

Updated June 5, 2003