Pathology and Laboratory Service / Page 1 of 8
Trust Form / Date of issue 09/07/2013
COSHH RISK ASSESSMENT
Directorate:Acute Directorate / Division:Point of Care Testing
Date of Risk Assessment: / 15/08/2013
Brief Description of process/activity (Include details of equipment used, how long and how often this is carried out and the quantity of substance used) / Analysis of blood gas samples throughout the Southern trust. These analysis are carried out 15-50 times a day within 10 separate units. Two models of instruments are currently used, Radiometer ABL 90 Flex and ABL 825. One blood gas takes approx. 2-3 minutes to run with very small amounts of reagent been used each time.
Location of process being carried out? / Various units in CAH and DHH.
Identify the persons
at risk: / Staff Contractors Patients/Clients Visitors
Name the substance involved in the process, quantity used and its manufacturer
(A copy of a current safety data sheet for this substance should be attached to this assessment) / Substance: / Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Oxygen, 4-Morpholinopropanesulphonicacid, 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, Sodium hypochlorite, Imidazole.
Quantity Used: / Small amounts per blood gas sample.
Manufacturer: / Radiometer Medical
HAZARD SYMBOL AND ABBREVIATION
Explosive Flammable Corrosive
Oxidising Compressed Gas Toxic
Environmentally Irritant Health hazard
Damaging
WARNING AND PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Hazard Statement e.g. H240
(replaces Risk Phrases e.g. R31) / Precautionary Statement e.g. P233
(replaces Safety Phrases e.g. S1)
H280,R31,R34,R50,H314,H315,H318,H400,EUH031,R22,R23/24/25,R43,R50/53,R61,H301,H30,H311,H317,H331,H360D,H400,H410,R8,H270,H280,R36/37/38,R43,H319,H335. / P410/403,P220b,S17
HAZARD TYPE (TICK ALL THAT APPLY)
Gas Vapour Mist Fume Dust Liquid Solid Other (State)
ROUTE OF EXPOSURE (TICK ALL THAT APPLY)
Inhalation Skin Eyes Ingestion Other (State)
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS (WELS)PLEASE INDICATE N/A WHERE NOT APPLICABLE
Substance / Long-term exposure level (8hrTWA): / Short-term exposure level (15 mins):
Carbon Dioxide / 15 Mins
Chlorine / 15 Mins
STATE THE RISKS TO HEALTH FROM IDENTIFIED HAZARDS
Gas or vapour displaces oxygen available for breathing (asphyxiant).In high concentrations: May be harmful if inhaled. Sodium hypochloritemay be corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes (due to the high pH-value).The membrane boxescontain a substance which may cause harm to the unborn child. The productcontains very small amounts of Isothiazolone which may provoke an allergicreaction among sensitive individuals. Cartridge based Bag 1: In high concentrations: May be harmful if inhaled.Bags 2-7: The hazardous properties of the product are considered limited.However, the product contains a small amount of sensitising substance whichmay provoke an allergic reaction among sensitive individuals.
CONTROL MEASURES: (for example: local exhaust ventilation, fume cupboard, total enclosure,training, supervision). Include special measures for vulnerable groups, such as disabled people and pregnant workers. Take account of those substances that are produced from activities undertaken by another employer’s employees.
Carbon dioxide: Provide adequate ventilation. Observe occupational exposure limits andminimise the risk of inhalation.Respiratory equipment: In case of inadequate ventilation, use air-supplied full-mask.
Chloride: Provide adequate ventilation. Observe Occupational Exposure Limits andminimise the risk of inhalation of vapours.Personal protection: Personal protection equipment should be chosen according to the CENstandards and in discussion with the supplier of the personal protectiveequipment (local PPE policy appropriate).Respiratory equipment: No specific recommendation made, but respiratory protection may still berequired under exceptional circumstances when excessive air contaminationexists.
Membrane boxes: Provide adequate ventilation. Minimise the risk of formation of aerosols.Personal protection: Personal protection equipment should be chosen according to the CENstandards and in discussion with the supplier of the personal protectiveequipment.
Hand protection: Wear protective gloves. Nitrile gloves are recommended. Other types of glovescan be recommended by the glove supplier.
Eye protection: Wear goggles/face shield.Skin protection: Wear apron or protective clothing.Hygiene measures: Wash hands after handling. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.Personal protection may not be worn during meal breaks.
Cartridge based methods: Provide adequate ventilation.Bag 1: Observe occupational exposure limits and minimise the risk ofinhalation.
NOTE: Due to the small packaging the risk of inhalation is minimal.Personal protection: Contact with the product is not likely when used according to directions.Respiratory equipment: No special precautions. Due to the small packaging the risk of inhalation is
minimal.Hand protection: In case of contact with spilled product: Wear protective gloves. Nitrile glovesare recommended.Eye protection: Risk of splashes: Wear goggles/face shield.Hygiene measures: Wash hands after contact.
Is health surveillance required?YesNo
Is environmental/air monitoring required? YesNo
(If yes, refer to Flow Chart for Air Monitoring)
Is LEV testing required? Yes No
(If yes, refer to Flow Chart for LEV)
FIRST AID MEASURES
What first aid equipment is available? / First aid equipment in line with local hospistal policy.
What action should be taken if substance(s) are:
Swallowed: / Hypochlorite solution/Membrane box/Solution pack: Immediately rinse mouth and drink plenty of water or milk. Keep person underobservation. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, keep head low. Transportimmediately to hospital and bring along these instructions.
In contact with Skin: / Hypochlorite solution: Remove contaminated clothing and flush with plenty of water until paindisappears. If discomfort persists transport to hospital and bring theseinstructions.
Membrane box/Solution pack: Remove contaminated clothes and rinse skin thoroughly with water. In case ofeczema or other skin disorders: Seek medical attention and bring theseinstructions.
In contact with Eyes: / Hypochlorite solution/Membrane box/Solution pack: Immediately flush with plenty of water for up to 15 minutes. Remove any contactlenses and open eyelids widely. If irritation persists: Seek medical attention andbring along these instructions.
Breathed in: / Gas/Membrane box/solution pack: Move injured person into fresh air and keep person calm under observation. Ifnecessary, seek hospital and bring these instructions. Serious cases: If notbreathing, give artificial respiration.
Other:
Storage: please specify how the substance should be stored
Gas: Store in a cool and well-ventilated place. See storage temperature on the product label. Do not store near heat sources or expose to high temperatures. Protectagainst direct sunlight.
Hypochlorite Solution/Membrane boxes/Solution pack: See storage temperature on the product label.
How should an accidental release/spillage be dealt with?
Gas: Allow to evaporate. Provide good ventilation.In case of inadequate ventilation, use respiratory protection.
Hypochlorite Solution/Membrane boxes: Absorb spillage with suitable absorbent material. Flush away small spillages withplenty of water. Avoid discharge into drains, water courses or onto the ground.
Solution pack: Avoid discharge into drains, water courses or onto the ground.
Disposal: How should these substance(s) be disposed of?
Gas: Make sure containers are empty before discarding (explosion risk). Do not puncture or incinerate even whenempty.
Hypochlorite Solution/Membrane boxes/Solution pack: Dispose of contaminated packings as residue.
Fire Precautions: What actions will be taken in the event of a fire involving these substance(s)?
Gas: Use fire-extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials. Specific hazards: Containers can burst violently when heated, due to excess pressure build-up.
Hypochlorite Solution : Use fire-extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials.Specific hazards: When heated and in case of fire, toxic vapours/gases may be formed.
Membranes: Use fire-extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials.
Solution packs: Use fire-extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding materials.Specific hazards: Bag 1: May cause or intensify fire; oxidiser. Considering the size of thepackaging, the risk is regarded as minimal.
Exposure Control
Is exposure adequately controlled? Yes No
(If No, please complete Action Plan below)
ACTION PLAN
Action Required / Target Date / Action by whom / Completion date
COSHH Risk Assessor
I hereby declare that a suitable and sufficient COSHH assessment has been carried out whereby hazards have been identified, actions suggested and risks prioritised
Name: NIGEL QUINN / Signature: / Date: 16/08/2013
Person in charge/Manager
I acknowledge the risks identified by the assessment and will ensure that the risks are reduced as far as is reasonably practicable.
Name: DEREK MCKILLOP / Signature: / Date: 16/08/2013
Review Date (annually) / Reviewed by
COSHH Risk Assessment Form Controlled Document at: 10/07/2018