1. Identify products and process-generated substances
List what is used, handled, stored or produced. Check labels and current supplier safety data sheets, but also consider dust, fumes, vapours, mists, gases, biological agents and other harmful substances created by the work.
Record enough source detail to trace the assessment back to the evidence: product or substance name, supplier, SDS title or reference, revision and any relevant workplace exposure limit source.
2. Describe the task and exposure
Describe where and how the substance is used or generated, the quantity, frequency and duration, temperature or energy involved, and foreseeable non-routine work such as cleaning, maintenance or spill response.
Identify who may be exposed and by which routes. Include workers not directly doing the task, maintenance staff, other contractors, visitors and members of the public where relevant.
3. Prevent or adequately control exposure
First consider whether the substance or process can be eliminated or replaced. If not, consider changing the process, containment, local exhaust ventilation, restricted access, storage and handling systems, cleaning methods and other engineering or organisational controls.
HSE advises against automatically choosing PPE as the control. PPE and RPE may be necessary, but they normally sit alongside more reliable measures and require correct selection, fit, use, storage and maintenance.
4. Cover the full control system
The assessment should make the control arrangement operable, not just list equipment.
- who installs, checks and maintains engineering controls
- ventilation or LEV requirements and examination arrangements
- safe storage, segregation, labelling and transfer
- cleaning and spill procedures that avoid further exposure
- PPE/RPE type, compatibility, fit and replacement arrangements
- first-aid, fire, emergency and disposal information relevant to the workplace
- information, instruction, training and supervision
- exposure monitoring or health-surveillance considerations where required
5. Record, communicate and review
Record the significant findings where the legal recording duty applies and make the results understandable to the people affected. Brief workers on hazards, limits, controls, emergencies and what to report if the arrangements are not working.
Review the assessment regularly and after changes to the product, process, equipment, workforce or workplace; evidence that a control is ineffective; an incident or near miss; or new health and safety information. Update the record with the decisions made.
Sources
Read the full guidance for more detail.