Greenway External Worker COSHH Guidance

1. What is COSHH & Why It Matters

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, created to prevent ill health from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. These substances may include dust, vapours, gases, fumes, liquids, skin‑contact agents, or infectious agents (HSE). Potential harm ranges from immediate effects like dizziness or skin irritation to long-term diseases such as asthma, lung disease, dermatitis, or even cancer (HSE).

2. Your Responsibilities as an External Worker

Even if you're not a Greenway employee, COSHH still applies to you. You must:

Participate in any COSHH risk assessments that affect your tasks or work area (Wikipedia).

Follow all control measures outlined, including PPE, safe procedures, hygiene rules, and emergency protocols.

Alert Greenway promptly about any incidents, near-misses, or unexpected exposure.

3. COSHH Process: A Simple 5-Step Cycle

Greenway applies a robust "Assess, Control, Review" framework, aligned with HSE’s guidance:

Assess – Identify hazardous substances and evaluate who may be exposed and how (PlanRadar, High Speed Training Limited).

Control – Eliminate, substitute, isolate, or ventilate; use safe systems of work or enclosures; PPE only if needed as a last resort (HSE, Wikipedia).

Provide Info & Training – You'll receive clear instructions and training before starting any task involving hazardous substances (RDaSH).

Monitor & Health Surveillance – Greenway will check that controls remain effective, and may require health checks in some cases (HSE).

Review – Assessments are updated if work methods, substances, or risks change, or after incidents (High Speed Training Limited).

4. What Greenway Provides

To ensure your safety, where possible and appropriate, Greenway commits to:

Conducting COSHH risk assessments before your arrival or before any task begins.

Sharing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and control measures in an easily understandable format.

Supplying and maintaining proper PPE, ventilation systems, or safe work setups (e.g., enclosures, extraction) depending on the hazard.

Delivering task-specific training, including emergency instructions, spill response, and correct PPE use.

Ensuring adequate site welfare, such as clean washing facilities, rest areas separate from hazardous zones, and first-aid. (This aligns with COSHH good practice and control guidance—for example, managing hazardous micro-organisms with hygiene measures) (HSEDocs, HSE, HSE, Wikipedia).

Reviewing and updating safety measures if there are changes to tasks, methods, or after any incident.

5. Special Considerations for Greenway Site Work

Depending on the substances you're working with, Greenway ensures:

Dust (e.g., silica and construction dust): Control using dust extraction, water suppression, ventilation, RPE, and adhering to COSHH “Assess, Control, Review” model (HSE).

Micro-organisms (e.g., during demolition or groundwork): Measures such as disposable or washable coveralls, hygiene breaks, handwashing, and vaccination if needed (HSE).

6. Key Hygiene & Handling Tips

Always store chemicals in their original, clearly labeled containers—never use unmarked or unsuitable bottles (HSE Network).

Ensure proper ventilation when working with volatile substances (HSE Network).

Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before breaks, eating, or touching your face (HSE).

Report any damaged containers, spills, or PPE issues immediately to Greenway.