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  3. Hazardous Substance Risk Assessment (COSHH) - HS005

Hazardous Substance Risk Assessment (COSHH) - HS005

Course overview

This two-part non-accredited course equips delegates in laboratory and research settings to assess and control risks from hazardous substances. Delegates first complete a self-paced online module, then attend a practical workshop in which they prepare a risk assessment for their own work. The course covers duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR).

Who should attend

The course is designed for researchers, postgraduate students, technical staff, principal investigators and supervisors who work with, or oversee work involving, hazardous chemical substances. It suits both those new to risk assessment and those who wish to refresh their knowledge and improve the quality of their assessments. No prior formal training is required.

Learning outcomes

On completion, delegates will be able to:

  • Explain the legal duties under COSHH and their own responsibilities under health and safety law.
  • Identify hazards and distinguish the three hazard types.
  • Interpret a Safety Data Sheet, including hazard (H) and precautionary (P) statements and the hazard pictograms used under GB CLP.
  • Recognise the routes of exposure and the factors that influence risk, including who is most at risk.
  • Assign a risk level to a substance and apply a risk matrix.
  • Select proportionate control measures using the COSHH eight principles of good practice and hierarchy of control.
  • Complete a hazardous-substance risk assessment form for their own activity.
  • Recognise the circumstances in which an assessment must be reviewed.

Course structure

The course follows a two-part sequence: delegates must pass the Part A online knowledge check before booking and attending the Part B workshop. The workshop then applies that learning to a risk assessment for the delegate’s own activity.

Part A

Online e-learning (self-paced)

A self-paced interactive module of about 1 hour, delivered through the CPD learning platform. It covers the law, hazard identification, reading Safety Data Sheets and ends with a short knowledge check. A pass mark of 80% is required to book on Part 2

Part B

Face-to-face workshop

A facilitated, approximately 3-hour session where delegates apply their online learning to a real activity of their own. Through worked examples, practical exercises and group discussion, delegates complete a risk assessment with facilitator support. The session concludes with a short online knowledge check, for which a pass mark of 80% is required.



Assessment and certification

To receive a certificate of completion for their CPD record, delegates must:

  • Pass the Part A online knowledge check with a score of at least 80%.
  • Attend the Part B workshop.
  • Pass the Part B online knowledge check with a score of at least 80%.

Regulatory basis

The course reflects current Great Britain legislation and guidance. This includes COSHH 2002 (as amended) and Approved Code of Practice L5; DSEAR 2002; the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; UK REACH and GB CLP; the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; and HSE guidance EH40 on Workplace Exposure Limits.

 

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