X - COSHH assessments

Summary

Step 1 Assess the risks

A COSHH form may be completed for each chemical used, but the easiest method is to complete a form for an entire procedure, which includes details of all the substances used and formed (and their quantities) during the experiment. An assessment should include the title and aim of the work, and location of the work, and name the personnel involved (including their status and experience). The hazard description (e.g., explosive, oxidizing, etc.) and occupational exposure standard, maximum exposure limit, or similar occupational exposure limit should be listed for all substances. For archaeological material, it is also necessary to include an assessment of the samples themselves; for example, dust from a lead coffin may be hazardous. More recently, biological hazards have been included in the COSHH regulations. For archaeologists, this means that an assessment has to be made of the hazards of exposure to soil, which may be contaminated by animal fecal material, fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses. It is necessary to consider what microorganisms might be present, the possible route of infection, virulence, transmissibility, and whether it is active via a toxin or gives rise to an allergy. Some groups of people may be more sensitive to exposure than others (e.g., pregnant women, immuno suppressed, diabetics, etc.). Some chemicals also lead to enhanced sensitivity with extended exposure. The hazards associated with a chemical will be identified by the chemical supplier on material safety data sheets (MSDS).