the set Exposure Limits. Adequate control also means having systems in place to deal with emergencies, spills and disposal. Only as a last resort should personal protective equipment be used as a means of protection. (However, the routine wearing of laboratory coats and safety glasses is generally regarded as a basic measure to minimise risks from foreseeable hazards - it is not reasonably practicable to provide other means of protection for workers and especially for their eyes.) Ensuring that Control Measures are Used and Maintained Employees are required to make proper use of control measures (e.g. fume-hoods) and to report defects and employers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do so. Employers must also ensure that the equipment is kept in efficient working order and good repair and that it is tested regularly. Monitoring Exposure and Health Surveillance Monitoring of the concentrations of hazardous substances in the air must be carried out in certain circumstances e.g. where there could be a serious risk to health if control measures failed or deteriorated. Where the assessment has shown this to be necessary e.g. use of a substance known to cause occupational asthma or severe dermatitis, then health surveillance must be carried out. Information, Training and Supervision COSHH requires that employers provide their employees with suitable information, instruction and training about:the nature of the substances they work with or are exposed to and the risks created by exposure to those substances and the precautions they should take Employers should give sufficient information and instruction oncontrol measures and how to use them, the use of any personal protective equipment and clothing, results of any exposure monitoring or health surveillance and emergency procedures. HSE Press Release E099:01 - 15 June 2001 Trichloroethylene users advised to plan ahead for revised hazard classification The Health and Safet...
