generic risk assessments, method statements & coshh...
TRANSCRIPT
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Generic Risk Assessments, Method
Statements & COSHH Assessments
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Table of Contents
1. RISK ASSESSMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 3
Slips, trips and falls ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Vibration (general) ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Noise (general) ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Hazardous / contaminated soils ............................................................................................................... 5
Manual handling ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Buried Services ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Vehicle traffic, and unloading vehicles .................................................................................................... 7
Weather - high winds and other adverse conditions ............................................................................. 7
Sun - ultra-violet radiation (illness / sunburn / heatstroke / sun blindness) ................................... 8
Bacteriological contamination from decaying animal carcasses / animal waste............................... 8
Environmental contamination inc. ground, watercourse, noise and atmospheric ............................ 9
Previously unidentified hazardous substances encountered – e.g. asbestos ..................................... 9
Driving for work ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Hand tools and powered hand tools ...................................................................................................... 11
All other and previously unidentified hazards not included above.................................................. 12
2. METHOD STATEMENTS ...................................................................................................................... 13
Windowless sampling ............................................................................................................................... 13
Soil sampling .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Breaking out ............................................................................................................................................... 14
3. COSHH ASSESSMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 15
Zoonoses micro organisms (Weils disease, bird flu, etc.) .................................................................... 15
Cement ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Diesel ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
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1. RISK ASSESSMENTS
All Persons Exposed: Technicians, Client’s personnel, site visitors and the general public.
Non-routine Operations: The risk assessments below are for the anticipated normal routine work operations as undertaken during
duties carried out by Oakland Site Investigation Ltd. Non-routine operations have not been planned for and
should they arise further assessments for them will be completed and recorded in before they are allowed to
commence. These assessments must be made by, or brought to the attention of, the directors of Oakland Site
Investigation Ltd prior to any works commencing.
Period of Validity:
These risk assessments are valid for the time period of the works carried out by Oakland Site Investigation
Ltd, for a maximum of period of 1 year. Although these assessments are generic for the acts carried out by
the company, they are to be read in conjunction with the on-site dynamic risk assessment to ensure they are
site specific. The assessments within this living document are to be constantly reviewed and revised, after 1
year in any case. The Directors of the company or a health and safety advisor must review the document in
its entirety in order for it to remain valid and up to date.
Site-Specific (non-generic) Use:
This document and its contents is a generic document. However this must be read in conjunction within the
site specific dynamic risk assessment.
USE OF THE RISK ASSESSMENTS BELOW IS TO BE AS FOLLOWS;
Risk Exposure and Consequence;
Likelihood is rated with the listed control measures being in place and strictly adhered to.
Consequent severity is as if an accident occurs despite the control measures being in place.
Residual risk is considered and assessed by thoughtful comparison with the points summery below.
For example;
Likelihood X Severity = Residual Risk
Highly Unlikely 1 Slightly Harmful 1
4 Unlikely 2 x Harmful 2 x
Likely 3 Extremely Harmful 3
Points Summary:
Total 2 to 4 = Proceed Carefully whilst strictly following the adopted control measures.
Total Over 4 = STOP! Do not even start work. Re-assess and amend the method / works to reduce risks.
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Hazard: Slips, trips and falls Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Slips, trips and falls account for more serious workplace injuries than any other hazard, but a few simple
steps can be taken to reduce this to as low as reasonably practical.
The site technicians are responsible to maintain a clean, tidy, well organised site at all times as far as
reasonably practical, and all operatives must help and cooperate with his efforts and take responsibility
themselves too.
Work areas are to be kept clear of all hazards and slippery substances such as spoil, mud, grease, oil, etc as
far as reasonably practicable.
Treat, cover over or cordon-off slippery surfaces if they cannot be cleaned up any other way.
Prevent cables, ropes etc. from trailing across working areas, walkways and especially stairs,steps or
ladders. Keep all cables tidy on site at all times, when finished using a rope or cable, clear it away to storage
immediately.
Operatives are not to carry large unwieldy materials on their own, assistance must be sought. When several
operatives are moving large unwieldy materials, the route to be taken is to be identified and any special
hazards such as steps, pointed out to all present before the operation commences.
Do not use electrical cables or tools requiring cables in wet conditions, or allow cables to trail through
ponded areas.
Hazard: Vibration (general) Likelihood
1
x Severity
2
= Residual Risk
2
Control Measures:
Only trained and competent Technicians are to operate vibrating equipment.
Take all practicable steps to ensure that only the most vibration free machinery and methods of work are
employed in order to minimise impact.
When using vibrating equipment operatives are to work in shifts of no more than 20 minutes use in any one
hour.
Wear gloves to keep hands warm to help reduce the likelihood of HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome), the
risk of which is increased by conditions that slow the circulation, such as cold and the effects of smoking. Do
not rely on “anti-vibration” gloves as a control measure, generally they are totally ineffective in the vibration
range causing the most harm and often are not sufficiently warming.
HAVS (commonly also called “white finger”) has as its first symptom tingling in the fingertips, then
numbness and loss of feeling and dexterity. If this occurs, stop using the equipment causing it immediately
and also immediately report it to your Contracts Manager, Managing Director, and/or the Health and Safety
Consultants. It is curable at this stage if you stop using any tool causing it, if you don’t, it will worsen and
can lead to incurable symptoms.
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Hazard: Noise (general)
Likelihood
1
x Severity
2
= Residual Risk
2
Control Measures:
Measures are to be taken to provide the quietest type of equipment and quietest way of working as far as is
reasonably practicable to do the job. Consideration to the effect on clients and neighbours must be exercised
before noisy work is carried out.
Lower exposure action values; 80db daily or weekly, peak sound pressure of 135db.
Upper exposure action values; 85db daily or weekly, peak sound pressure of 137db.
Maximum exposure limit values of an average of 87db daily or weekly and a peak sound pressure of 140db
must not be exceeded.
As a rough guide, 85 decibels can be assessed on site if 2 persons need to shout to each-other to be heard,
when standing 2 metres apart and 90 decibels is where this distance to be heard is reduced to 1 metre
(exposure of 140 decibels is loud impact or explosive noises including cartridge tools). However, if in doubt
use a meter to accurately measure the sound exposure.
Any Technician requesting ear protection between the lower and upper exposure action values will be
provided with it.
It is mandatory to provide suitable ear protection when the noise exposure exceeds the upper exposure
action values and all exposed operatives MUST use it as it is intended to be used. Ear protection to be used
is either helmet mounted ear defenders to fit standard hard hats or, if not wearing a hard hat, then standalone
hearing protection (for example Bilsom Clarity 1 Ear Defender SNR26) should be used.
Prevent unauthorised access by all other persons to an effective distance from the source of the noise to
protect their hearing.
Hazard: Hazardous / contaminated soils
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Liaise with the Client to establish the sites categorisation and follow the correct BDA Guidelines. Ensure
PPE and RPE is available in the event of contaminated soil being uncovered.
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Hazard: Manual handling
Likelihood
1
x Severity
2
= Residual Risk
2
Control Measures:
Where reasonably practical, manual handling is to be avoided and mechanical handling means employed
instead, e.g. hoists, winches, rams, lifts, pallet trucks, trolleys, etc.
Technicians involved in manual handling are to have been trained in manual handling techniques.
Always practice the good principles of manual handling, lift with the legs not the back, keep the back
straight, do not twist or turn the torso when carrying loads, lower with the legs not the back, do not jerk the
body when picking up or setting down a load, do not rush, take your time and lift, carry and lower carefully
avoiding sudden movements or changes of posture. Avoid lengthy repetitive actions, awkward postures,
stooping and twisting etc. when lifting, moving or otherwise handling loads. If an item shifts, falls or is
dropped – do not try to catch it, let it fall but stay clear of its landing.
Technicians are only to carry and shift loads that they fell comfortable with and are appropriate for them to
do so considering their current physical condition at the time of each lift. Operatives are to take rest breaks
as appropriate.
Where specified in this documents Risk and COSHH Assessment control measures, appropriate P.P.E. must
be worn whilst handling materials; e.g. hard hat, goggles, gloves, protective footwear, appropriate clothing
and face masks, etc. However, do not wear unnecessary, too much or mismatched PPE that increases the
hazards to yourself rather than lessening them.
Great care should be taken when handling heavy or awkward materials, maximum assistance should be
sought at all times.
Hazard: Buried Services
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Client to set out and survey/hand auger to 1.5m or into natural soil (which ever is deeper) for buried services
prior to mechanical drilling.
Or…
Prior to the commencement of any mechanical drilling, firstly check with the Client to identify if any service
plans are available for site. If practicable, clearly mark out the location of the buried surfaces. Conduct a
full CAT and Genny cable detection scan at the proposed location of the sample hole. If practicable, hand
auger to at least 1.5m or into natural soil (whichever is deeper) prior to any mechanical drilling to identify if
buried services are present. If present, relocate the test hole location and hand auger as stated previously.
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Hazard: Vehicle traffic, and unloading vehicles
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Cordon off all affected areas being worked in to prevent “walk-through” access by unauthorised persons
whilst unloading. All staff working around vehicles must ensure they are wearing high visibility clothing at
all times.
Banks men assisting vehicle reversing operations must constantly assess their own personal situation in
regard to their immediate surrounding environment (trapping / crush hazards such as walls etc. slipping /
tripping hazards such as mud, oil, cables etc.) and the risk the reversing vehicle poses to themselves.
They must also constantly assess their own visibility to the driver, the drivers understanding of the hand
signals that may be given to him, and the possible presence, sudden appearance and unpredictable
movements of other traffic.
Whenever reasonably practical, avoid reversing operations altogether.
Ensure the route from the vehicle to be unloaded to where the materials/equipment is to be stored/used is
kept clean and clear of obstructions and trip hazards, and is as far as reasonably practical on the same level
avoiding steps etc..
Keep the distance from the vehicle to be unloaded to where the materials and equipment is being stored/used
as short as possible.
Refer also to the “manual handling” risk assessment above.
Hazard: Weather - high winds and other adverse
conditions Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
The weather conditions are to be constantly assessed by the site technicians.
In thunder storms, severe heavy rain or snow, work will cease, until conditions improve to the Lead
Technicians approval.
In lightning storms or if lightning is an imminent threat, then the rig mast is to be lowered and works are to
cease until the threat appears to have passed
Technicians will not step onto icy or slippery surfaces under any circumstances.
In excessively hot conditions, Technicians must constantly monitor themselves and those around them, and
take sufficient breaks and plenty of fluids etc. to minimize the impact. If heat sickness symptoms are felt
(nausea, dizziness, sickness, headache, over-tiredness, stopping sweating, etc), stop work, rest, take on
fluids, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are persistent or severe (especially stopping
sweating, this can indicate heat stroke which can be life threatening!).
The above are guidelines only, specific weather and site-area conditions must be assessed and reassessed
continually, including hot weather and the problems it may cause, by the Lead Technician, and if conditions
are considered hazardous then the works must stop until conditions improve.
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Hazard: Sun - ultra-violet radiation (illness /
sunburn / heatstroke / sun blindness) Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Technicians are warned that exposure to ultra-violet radiation from the sun is harmful to human tissue and
health. Exposure can lead to skin / body burns, heatstroke (failure of the bodies self-regulating temperature
control) and skin cancers. Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
On sunny days, especially at midday when the sun is at its strongest, Technicians must avoid the temptation
to remove clothing, but must wear cool full length trousers, long sleeved tops, and hats which protect the ear
and neck.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration - not soda-pops or drinks containing caffeine.
In excessively hot conditions, Technicians must constantly monitor themselves and those around them, and
take sufficient breaks and plenty of fluids etc. to minimize the impact. If heat sickness symptoms are felt
(nausea, dizziness, sickness, headache, over-tiredness, stopping sweating, etc), stop work, rest, take on
fluids, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are persistent or severe (especially stopping
sweating, this can indicate heat stroke which can be life threatening!).
Check skin regularly for possible signs of skin cancer, such as the appearance of moles or spots, or a change
in the appearance of existing moles. If concerned – seek immediate medical advice.
If applying, or working on a roof where solar reflective paints or surfaces are present, operatives must use
shaded eyewear rated to 100% UV protection, and remember that the U/V radiation from the sun is now
being reflected upwards onto any exposed skin areas and eyes, as well as from above, and take appropriate
precautions as above.
Hazard: Bacteriological contamination from
decaying animal carcasses / animal waste Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Personal hygiene is to be of paramount consideration at all times! Potential diseases include Leptospira interrogans (Weil’s disease), Psittacosis, Histoplasmosis, and many
others besides.
If carcasses and waste must be removed then damp down the items to suppress airborne particulates and use
suitable PPE, i.e. heavy rubber gauntlet style gloves and disposable overalls, and vapour masks with FFP3
protection filters.
Use (domestic strength only) disinfectant to spray clean the area after clearing the debris.
All carcasses and waste to be placed in double plastic bagging with the tops tied up, PPE and gloves to be
taken off by turning them inside out and depositing them within the outer plastic bag then tying it closed,
always remove your face mask last!
Dispose of all waste by registered carrier to a registered (non-hazardous) landfill site.
Supply First Aid kit with suitable cleansing agent for any sustained wounds.
Supply suitable cleaning facilities for use at completion of task.
Take measures to reduce as far as reasonably practicable the ingress of foul smells and dusts / spores into the
building being worked on, and affecting neighbours and passers-by.
If Technicians contract flu-like symptoms within 2 weeks of carrying out these operations, they must contact
their doctor and advise them of the work they have carried out and what they were exposed to.
Also refer to COSHH data sheet below (Zoonoses).
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Hazard: Environmental contamination inc.
ground, watercourse, noise and
atmospheric
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Noise and dust are to be kept to a minimum and no fires are allowed.
Wrappers and containers may be considered to possibly be contaminated by the materials they have held
and must be disposed of accordingly.
Cement and concrete are hazardous when wet and being mixed, and full preventative measures must be
taken to ensure their wet waste does not enter the ground or drainage systems.
Non-hazardous materials on site include bentonite, gravel, ballast, HDPE and UPVC pipe, geosock, bungs
and other installation accessories can be disposed of as non-hazardous waste.
Technicians must be vigilant and prepared to enact spillage control measures at all times including potential
contamination into the aquifer via open test holes.
Ensure spill kits are readily avalible and close at hand for use in the event of an emergency.
Also refer to all other Risk Assessments and COSHH Assessments (below) for further advice.
Hazard: Previously unidentified hazardous
substances encountered – e.g. asbestos Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
On attending site, first check if, our works may affect or impinge any asbestos or hazardous substances
upon them.
If previously unidentified suspect materials are encountered, the Directors and the Client must be informed
immediately, and works are to cease and the area safe guarded if practicable.
Prohibit all unauthorised persons from the affected site area.
Samples may be taken by the Client only to be analysed to discover their contents and if found to be
asbestos, new Method Statements and Risk Assessments must be undertaken, and a revised safe system of
work put in place to deal with the material before works are allowed to continue in this area.
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Hazard: Driving for work
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
Ensure that company owned vehicles are legally compliant, roadworthy and in clean and sound condition.
All faults should be reported directly to the Directors and instruction sought as to the action to be taken to
rectify any faults.
Vehicle accidents are most likely to happen between 2am and 6am, and 2pm and 4pm, especially after
eating or having even just one alcoholic drink (which is forbidden and against Company Policy) Ensure you
take measures to avoid sleepiness. No driver is required to drive continually for more than 2 hours without at
least a 15 minute break and drivers must be alert at all times to the early signs of fatigue. If tired, drivers
must pull over and rest. Staff must plan journey’s so that they can be completed at safe speeds, with
sufficient breaks, and without exceeding any speed limits.
Staff driving for work must never drive faster than conditions safely allow and must obey posted speed
limits at all times.
Hand-held electronic devices are not to be used while driving, this includes mobile phones, setting satellite
navigation devices, looking at lap-top computer screens, etc.
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Hazard: Hand tools and powered hand tools
Likelihood
1
x Severity
3
= Residual Risk
3
Control Measures:
All hand tools are to be checked on a daily basis for identifiable faults, loose fittings or worn / splintered
handles etc. and are NOT to be used if faults are found.
All faulty hand tools are to be labelled as out of service and are to be repaired as soon as possible, either
through the operative or the management sending them to a service centre, or are to be disposed of and
replaced.
All power tools must be no more than 110 volts and are to be checked on a regular basis by a trained,
competent person and certified as safe to use (PAT tested).
All power tools are also to be checked on a daily basis for identifiable faults, loose plugs, fitting or worn /
frayed cables etc. and are NOT to be used if faults are found. Report all faults at once using the proper form
provided.
All faulty power tools are to be labelled as out of service and are to be repaired as soon as possible, either
through the technician or the management sending them to a service centre.
Technicians are to be fully conversant with the safe use of any tools they use. Only experienced, trained
persons are to use power tools and only with appropriate P.P.E (i.e. dust mask and appropriately impact
rated protective eyewear, and, if noise exceeds guide lines, use ear protectors - see noise risk assessment
above).
Do not use electrical tools or cables in wet conditions, or allow cables to trail through ponded areas.
Do not use electric tools if hands are wet or operative is standing in water.
If a 240v power source is drawn from then a 110v transformer is to be placed as close as possible to the
source and connected with its own separate RCD (Residual Current Device) at this source (do not rely on
building’s fuses, circuit breakers, etc.)
No 240 volt extension cables are allowed on site.
When using cutting wheels, remove any clothing that may prove a trapping or combustible material from
sparks etc. (e.g. some types of polyester fleeces and Hi-Vis vests). Only trained and competent technicians
are to change cutting wheels or operate cutting equipment. The area where cutting operations are to be
carried out must be cleared and kept free from trip hazards or obstructions that may cause awkward
posturing when using circular saws. Full PPE including appropriate clothing, heavy gloves and appropriately
impact rated protective eyewear is to be issued and properly used during all cutting works.
When using vibrating equipment, and this includes such items as hammers and bolsters, operatives are to
work in shifts of no more than 20 minutes use in any one hour to minimise exposure to vibration.
Take all practicable steps to ensure that only the quietest, most dust free machinery and methods of work are
employed in order to minimise environmental impact.
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Hazard: All other and previously unidentified
hazards not included above Likelihood
-
x Severity
-
= Residual Risk
-
Control Measures:
All Employees are reminded of their duty to themselves and others to maintain a vigilant, pro-active attitude
towards health and safety at all times.
All Employees have a duty to the Company and all others to constantly assess and re-assess the site and the
working conditions, pro-actively put control measures in place to address / remove new hazards identified,
and work actively with the Contracts Manager and Safety Division in creating new control measures and
risk assessments as required.
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2. METHOD STATEMENTS
Windowless sampling
Site to be categorised in accordance with the BDA criteria for the potential of any hazardous or
contaminated soils. This will more than likely be informed by the Client, in-turn to allow and plan for any
necessary PPE and or specialist sampling equipment etc.
The tracked windowless sampling rig is predominantly designed to produce a single continuous sample and
can also carry out standard penetration tests (SPT’s) at required depths at intervals of 1m.
The rig operates by dropping a calibrated weight of 63.5kg at drops of 750mm which pushed the sample
tubes into the ground to the required depth. Full sample tubes are then jacked out by using the mast and
hydraulic rams.
Each location will be set out either by the Client or by Oakland Site Investigation if detailed plans are
received. Each test hole location will have a cable detection survey carried out using a CAT and Genny and
the test hole hand augered to 1.5m prior to mechanical drilling.
Mechanical drilling, SPT’s and soil sampling / logging will then be carried out.
On completion of the test hole, if present water samples can be taken on request by the Client and water
levels can also be monitored throughout the day prior to backfilling with the soil arising’s.
Technicians will endeavour to reinstate the soil in reverse order, and ‘top up’ with bentonite if soil arising’s
are not sufficient.
Any surplus soil arising’s will be left neatly next to the test hole they were retrieved from.
Soil sampling
Soil samples will be taken at the request of the Client. Samples can be either disturbed small samples, bulk
samples of continuous meterage, or core samples can remain within the tube liners.; Water samples and
contaminated samples can also be taken within special containers ie 1000ml tubs / soil jars and water
bottles.
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Breaking out
The hard standing area that requires breaking out will first be scanned with a CAT and Genny for the
potential of buried services, and also services plans if available will also be inspected to identify for the
potential presence of buried services.
With the power pack switched OFF the leads to the breaker will be attached to either a generator,
compressor or hydraulic power pack. The steel will then be inserted.
The breaker is to be stood upright whilst a second person initiates the power supply to the breaker.
Breaking out can now commences.
When the Technician feels the steel penetrate through the base of the hard standing, breaking out to any
further depth will cease breaking will only consist of extending width / circumference of the hole.
Please refer to the manual handling, vibration and noise risk assessments above.
15
3. COSHH ASSESSMENTS
Zoonoses micro organisms (Weils disease, bird flu, etc.) Substance:-
Micro organisms that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonoses)
Product Composition:-
Leptospira interrogans (Weils disease), believed to be a virus type infectious agent from rats.
Psittacosis, believed to be a virus type infectious agent from pigeons,
Histoplasmosis can be caused by spores within bat droppings.
Now considered a negligible risk Avian influenza A (bird flu) subtype H5N1 is still listed as a highly
pathogenic (HPAI) strain (high severity strain) of the virus that has been confirmed in poultry populations
across Asia, Russia and some southern European countries. Although this is a disease of birds it has been
shown in S.E. Asia that it can (although very rarely) be transmitted to humans. H5N1 is also important
because it raises the concern that it could recombine with seasonal human influenza virus and create a new
and potentially pandemic human flu strain.
Occupational Exposure Hazards:-
All persons working within the construction industry environment where there is the possibility of rodent,
bird, bat or other animal infestation are at risk. This risk is not exponential to the number of animals present,
and may be present anywhere.
Classification:-
Infection can be transmitted to humans through debris, blood splashes, urine and dust via skin lesions or
ingestion and by airborne spores.
Particular risk environments are railways, docks, derelict buildings, roof voids, building sites and anywhere
inhabited by humans or animals, or where there is a source of food.
Symptoms are usually flu-like and may incubate for ten to fourteen days before becoming felt.
Operatives suffering such symptoms must bear in mind where they have been working and under what
conditions, and could their “cold” or “flu” actually be something more serious. If in any doubt they should
visit their Doctor immediately and tell them where they have been working and that they may have been
exposed to an animal related disease.
Advisory and Precautionary Actions Required:-
Cover all cuts and skin abrasions with waterproof plasters, personal hygiene should be of paramount
importance. The safe and secure storage of all tools when finished with at the end of each day should be a
matter of routine. This topic is to be discussed at the induction training.
Avoid inhaling dust, wear disposable dust mask, gloves (for example, PVC Knitwrist gloves) and skin
protection (overalls).
Wash skin and clothing off using soap and clean water after exposure.
If one or more dead swans/wild fowl, three or more birds of the same species, or five or more birds of
different species are found in the same place, then call the Defra helpline on 08459 335 577 and report it.
16
Cement Intended Use:-
Common cement is used as a hydraulic binder for the production of concrete, mortars, grout etc.
Product Composition:-
Appearance: An odourless white to grey powder slightly soluble in water.
Calcium silicates, ferro-aluminates and sulphates. Small amounts of alkalis, lime and chlorides.
Occupational Exposure Hazards:-
Alkalis, lime, calcium silicates; Inhalable dust; 10 mg.m3 LEL (8-hour TWA)
Respirable dust 4mg.m3 .LEL (8-hour TWA)
Classification:-
Irritant.
Hazards include airborne particulates causing possible lung irritation.
In wet or dry form cement dust will cause alkaline burns and Dermatitis if in prolonged contact with skin.
Store in dry or weather protected formats only.
Advisory and Precautionary Actions Required:-
Environment- Under normal use, the product is not expected to be hazardous to the environment.
Inhalation: Frequent inhalation of large quantities of cement dust over a long period of time increases the risk
of developing lung diseases. Avoid inhaling the dust, wear a disposable face dust mask if exposure in dry
form will be prolonged, if irritation occurs, move to fresh air. If nose or airways become inflamed seek
medical advice.
Eyes: Eye contact with cement (dry or wet) may cause serious and potentially irreversible injuries. Eye
protection should be worn if there is a risk of splashing. Safety goggles (for example, EN166 Class B anti
scratch and anti mist goggles) would protect the eyes from splashing. If eye contact happens: A speedy
response is essential in order to avoid permanent damage to the eyes. Wash eyes immediately with plenty of
clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice without delay.
Skin: Strong alkaline solutions in contact with the skin tend to damage the nerve endings first before
damaging the skin, therefore chemical burns can develop without pain being felt at the time. Hence, prolonged
skin contact with wet cement, fresh concrete or mortar may cause serious burns. Continued exposure over the
years can lead to cumulative serious health threats including Emphysema and severe Dermatitis.
Cement, mortar and concrete mixes may, until set, cause irritant dermatitis: Irritant contact dermatitis is due to
a combination of the wetness, alkalinity and abrasiveness of the constituent materials. Wear rubber gloves and
skin protection (normal clothing) for any exposure in wet form. Do not wear saturated clothing or severe skin
burns will result. Wash skin and clothing off using soap and clean water after exposure.
If ingested: Do not induce vomiting. If person is conscious, wash out mouth with water and give plenty of
water to drink. After significant ingestion seek immediate medical attention.
Materials to avoid: Uncontrolled use of aluminium powder in wet cement should be avoided as hydrogen is
produced.
Waste Code: 16 03 04 inorganic wastes other than those mentioned in 16 03 03.
R-phases(s); R37/38 Irritating to respiratory system and skin
R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes
R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact
Fire; Cements are non-flammable and non-explosive. They will not facilitate combustion with other
materials and all types of extinguishing media are suitable. No additional specialist equipment
is required by fire fighters.
17
Diesel Intended use:-
A common fuel used for combustion engines
Composition (not a complete list):-
Complex mixture of hydrocarbon distillates. Flow improvers, marker dyes may be added.
Occupational Exposure Hazards:-
LEL – Non Assigned
SEL – Non Assigned
Classification:-
“Flammable”, keep away from sources of ignition.
Harmful by inhalation
Harmful by skin contact
Advisory and Precautionary Actions Required:-
Storage in suitably designed storage tanks and in storage areas away from sources of heat and ignition.
Drums and other containers should be stored in well ventilated areas preferably under cover away from
sources of heat and ignition. Treat any spillage as having some fire risk and ensure all sources of ignition are
removed. May damage tarmacadam and other surfaces making surface very slippery. Do not wash into
drainage system. Contain and recover using suitable absorbent.
EYES: Eye protection should be worn if there is a risk of splashing. Safety goggles (for example, EN166
Class B anti scratch and anti mist goggles) would protect the eyes from splashing. If contact: wash out
thoroughly with water. Get medical advice if irritation continues.
INHALATION: If inhalation of fumes irritates the nose or throat or causes coughing remove to fresh air. Get
medical advice.
SKIN: If contact is likely, wear rubber gloves and overalls to protect the skin from contact. Wash skin with
soap and water as soon as practicable after contact. Change heavily contaminated clothing and launder
before reuse.
INGESTION: Unlikely in normal use. Wash mouth out with water if oral contamination occurs. Do not
induce vomiting because of the danger of aspiration.
APPROVED WORKING METHOD(S)Avoid any unnecessary contact and ensure good standards of
hygiene. If contact is likely wear protective clothing as recommended.
18
Generic Risk Assessments, Method
Statements & COSHH Assessments
DATE: 29rd
April 2012
LATEST DATE FOR NEXT REVIEW: 22nd
April 2013