| Description |
Upon review of live work permit 26281 “General Fabrications” this cross referenced the COSHH task risk assessment “KIT98 – Welding stainless steel, Cunifer, Galvanised Steel, Carbon Steel and Ferrous Metals”. It was found that KIT98 failed to adequately assess the work activities planned to be undertaken i.e. cutting and grinding. When comparing both documents, it was found that the control measures stipulated conflicted one another. The work permit detailed the requirement for the use of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) collectively, whereas KIT98 only highlighted the wearing of RPE when LEV was not present.
When assessing the adequacy of the COSHH assessment (KIT98) for welding operations, which is a known human carcinogen, it was found that this failed to;
• include considerations for the type of welding, the hazardous properties of substances involved with this type of work, amounts used, duration and information on potential health effects
• utilise the appropriate legislation for hazard classification e.g. substance information made reference to repealed CHIP classifications, and did not specify the applicable hazard statements
• identify any relevant workplace exposure limit
• adequately identify suitable measures to control welding fume
A further six task risk assessments (KIT1094730, KIT1052474, KIT336, KIT1052475, KIT1042783, KIT1042785) were reviewed as part of the inspection, and each were found not to adequately assess the risks with the respective task activities stated.
Therefore, you have failed to carry out suitable and sufficient assessments of the risks to health of employees and others exposed to hazardous substances and the steps needed to be taken to comply with the Regulations. |
