Risk assessment

COSHH risk assessment for silica dust exposure, construction (Great Britain)

A COSHH risk assessment template for construction, focusing on substances like silica dust or solvent-based paints, covering hazards, exposure, controls, RPE, training, and review.

Fill it in online - free, no account needed. 35 questions.

What it is for

This template helps assess and manage risks from hazardous substances like silica dust in construction.

The full question list

1. Assessment Details

  1. Substance or process being assessed (e.g., cutting concrete, solvent-based painting) *
  2. Specific hazardous substance(s) identified (e.g., respirable crystalline silica, toluene) *
  3. Date of this COSHH assessment *
  4. Location of work where exposure may occur *
  5. Number of workers potentially exposed *
  6. A COSHH assessment for this work activity was completed before work started. *

2. Hazard Identification and Risk

  1. Hazard classification of the substance(s) (e.g., Carcinogen, Respiratory sensitiser, Specific target organ toxicity) *
  2. Form of the substance during work (e.g., dust, vapour, liquid) *
  3. Likely routes of exposure (select all that apply) *
  4. Duration of potential exposure per shift (hours) *
  5. Workplace exposure limits (WELs) for the substance(s) have been identified and are known. *

3. Control Measures

  1. Prevention of exposure is reasonably practicable (e.g., by eliminating the substance or substituting with a safer alternative). *
  2. If prevention is not reasonably practicable, exposure is adequately controlled. *
  3. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems are in place where required and visibly well-maintained.
  4. Date of last LEV system thorough examination and test (if applicable)
  5. Water suppression or other dust control methods are effectively used during operations (e.g., cutting, grinding).
  6. Work areas are kept clean and tidy to minimise accumulation of hazardous dusts/substances. *

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  1. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is specified in the assessment. *
  2. Type of RPE specified (e.g., FFP3 disposable, half-mask with P3 filters)
  3. Workers observed wearing the correct RPE for the task. *
  4. RPE is visibly clean and in good condition. *
  5. Workers using tight-fitting RPE have received a face fit test.
  6. Other PPE (e.g., gloves, eye protection, protective clothing) is specified and used where required. *

5. Information, Instruction and Training

  1. Workers liable to exposure have received suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training on the hazardous substance. *
  2. Workers understand the risks associated with the substance and the control measures in place. *
  3. Workers know how to correctly use, maintain, and store their RPE and other PPE. *
  4. Workers know what to do in case of an emergency (e.g., spill, uncontrolled release). *

6. Monitoring and Review

  1. Exposure monitoring is carried out where required to check the effectiveness of controls.
  2. Date of last exposure monitoring (if applicable)
  3. Health surveillance is in place for workers where required due to the nature of exposure.
  4. Date of next scheduled review for this COSHH assessment. *
  5. The COSHH assessment is reviewed regularly and updated if there are significant changes or reasons to suspect it is no longer valid. *

7. Sign-off

  1. Completed by (Name) *
  2. Date of completion *
  3. Signature *

References

How the score works

The score is the share of scored questions that pass. N/A is left out of the score; text, dates and signatures are recorded but not scored. A completed template is a record of what you checked; it is not an inspection by a regulator or an accreditation body.

Questions

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a set of regulations that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.

Why is a COSHH assessment important in construction?

Construction workers are frequently exposed to hazardous substances like silica dust, solvents, and cement. A COSHH assessment helps identify these risks and put in place controls to protect workers' health.