Control banding workshop, 4-5 November 2002, London.

Abstract

The control of chemical risks in the workplace remains a major concern. We know more than ever before of the serious harm that some substances can cause; whereas many pose no great threat and can readily be controlled. How, then, to differentiate between them, and, having done so, how to share this practical control advice in a way that will be helpful to those that need it? One approach is that of control banding. The concept is simple. Group together substances of similar hazard or degree of concern and relate them to practical process and management controls that are regarded as providing sufficient protection to the worker. By this means, good industry practice can be widely shared and the user should have a degree of confidence in the solution. This treatment was piloted in the UK, as COSHH Essentials, where it meshed well with the legal structure that provides a generic framework for protecting the health of workers from chemicals in the workplace. It offers advantages in meeting the needs expressed by small businesses. They want costeffective, practical advice—not information that they cannot convert into action. Much of the workforce is in micro-enterprises, with fewer than five employees, and in the UK we are gaining a better understanding of their needs.