RAMs App

Creating a COSHH Assessment in RAMs App is a 4-step process which involves inputting the following information:

1. Substance details
2. Control measures
3. Usage details
4. Activity review

Control Measures

Control measures are the steps that you have put in place to reduce the risk of exposure to an acceptable level. This section allows you to explain what you have done to protect the worker.

Control measure details is a section which allows you to justify why you have selected a specific substance. An example could be that the product has been selected as it is the least hazardous version of the product, or you're using something specific only because a safer product doesn't exist or meet the client's specification etc.

Engineering controls can now be selected, engineering controls are the physical control measures that are in place such as exhaust ventilation, extraction systems or pressure gauges etc. The minimum requirements (Where applicable) are detailed within the Safety Data Sheet although there may be more in place than the Safety Data Sheet recommends.

Select from the drop-down list each Engineering Control that is in place to reduce the level of risk.

If the engineering controls that are in place are not listed, select "Other" and a text box will appear underneath to allow the user to enter details on any additional Engineering Controls.

PPE Requirements

When confirming the type of PPE that is to be worn when there is a risk of exposure to the substance, select the icon for each specific type of PPE. Once selected a grey box with a tick will appear to confirm that this has been selected.

More information about the PPE can be added to ensure that it is very specific. An example of this is changing protective gloves to Nitrile Gloves.

To edit the name of the PPE, select the "Edit" icon that is located below the PPE icon

A text field will appear which will allow the name to be changed. To save the changes, select the tick icon. The change will take immediate effect. 

First Aid Measures

First Aid Measures are the steps to take should a person be exposed to the hazardous substance. The following exposure routes are considered:

• Inhalation (Breathing in)
• Skin contact (Contact with Skin)
• Eye Contact (Contact with Eyes)
• Ingestion (Swallowing)

The safety data sheet for the substance will detail the actions to take although additional and more specific actions should be added. An example being "Contact the Site Medic on telephone number 222" 

Handling, Storage and Transport

Handling, Storage and Transport are the steps to take when

• Handling/Using the substance
• Storing the substance
• Transporting the substance

This information is generally taken from the Safety Data Sheet as a minimum but additional control may be required depending on the location of the work, location of water courses or depending on legislation (Offshore workplace)

Handling and Storage

These are the control measure which will keep the User safe when handling/using as well as keeping other people or the environment safe from the substance when it is being stored.

Transport

This is the information which is required for when the substance is being transported. As a rule, it is recommended that Transport by Road (ADR) is considered if substances are transported using vehicles. If substances are transported using other means (Rail, Air, Sea), alternative information may be required.

This information is taken directly from the Safety Data Sheet.

Emergency Response Measures 

Emergency Response Control measures are the steps that you have put in place in case of an accident or incident where the substance may be used or stored

This is separated into 2 sections:

1. Fire Fighting Measures
2. Accidental Release Measures

General information on the steps to take is available within the Safety Data Sheet, these should be used along with additional site controls such as deluge or suppression systems to extinguish fires or fixed/temporary bunding systems to help contain any accidental release.

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Considerations are the steps that you have put in place to make sure that the substance and any contaminated packaging are disposed of in accordance with any legal requirements and classification

This is separated into 2 sections:

1. Disposal Considerations
2. Any other information

General information on the steps to take is available within the Safety Data Sheet, although this can be quite generic. You should refer to the site environmental plan or the environmental specialist within your company should there be any uncertainty regarding the applicability of any local or national regulations.

Once you have completed Step 2, select the "Continue" button to progress to step 3

To understand Step 3, creating a COSHH, click here.