COSHH Risk Assessment Step 2: Decide what precautions are needed

Preventing and controlling risks

If possible, you should change the process or activity to avoid using or generating the hazardous substance. Otherwise, you should replace it with a safer alternative or use it in a safer form, after having first considered the new risks this might create.

If it's not reasonably practical to prevent exposure, you must control it by:

1. Totally enclosing the system or process

2. Developing safe systems of work or processes that minimise the amount of hazardous waste and by-products, and the chances of leaks, spills and escapes

3. Partially enclosing the process and handling systems, and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

4. Developing general ventilation

5. Using safe storage and disposal

6. Using personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort or just to be careful in case the other control measures fail.

PPE can't be used as an alternative to any of the above and must be provided at no cost.

Reviewing the risk assessment

You must regularly review the assessment and consider ways to improve your control measures. How frequently you review will depend on the type of work or extent of risk.