New BWF guide makes controlling hazardous substances safer for joinery businesses

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has launched new guidance on the COSHH regulations to ensure that joinery businesses can keep their employees healthy and avoid punitive action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for non-compliance.

Joinery businesses are legally required under the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) to control exposure to materials in the work place that cause ill health. To comply with the regulation, they are required to carry out a COSHH Assessment which means you must:

– identify harmful substances in the workplace.

– assess who is at risk, how they might be exposed to the substance and harmed.

– evaluate what control measures you have implemented to prevent harm and assess whether more could be done.

– provide information, instruction and training.

– where appropriate, provide health surveillance.

The new guidance makes this easier and consists of a template BWF COSHH Assessment Form that joinery companies can adapt plus additional guidance on completing the COSHH Assessment Form.

BWF produces a wide range of publications to support members and the joinery industry. On the BWF website, members can find a wealth of information, including the popular Machine Safety Cards, Heritage & Conservation Joinery Factsheets, and a range of employment guides all supported by the BWF member helplines. The documents can be downloaded from www.bwf.org.uk/publications.

ENDS

The British Woodworking Federation is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK. Not a member? Use this quick response form to provide us with some contact details. We will send you an email to confirm your interest and then one of our experienced membership team will be in touch to complete the membership process.