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

Step 3 of the COSHH process allows the User to describe exactly how exposure to the substance may occur.

How is the Substance being used/created?

Select the drop-down menu and select the phrase which describes how the substance is being used, or how exposure could occur.

Select "Other" if the correct option is not available and an additional text box will appear where you can enter a phrase which describes how the substance is being used, or how exposure could occur.  

Provide a detailed description of how the substance is being used, or how exposure could occur. 

Select the physical form of the substance - This is the physical form based on how the substance is being used for this activity. 

The physical form of a hazardous substance can change based on how the substance is being used/created. An example of this is Weed Killer. it would be a liquid whilst it is being decanted from the bottle/container into the spraying machine (Activity 1). After this has occurred, it is then sprayed onto weeds (Activity 2) and will be in the form of a spray or mist. Again, if the correct substance form is not available to select, please select "Other" and provide more details in the text box that appears. For this guide, we will use liquid to match the detailed description of how the substance is being used. 

Finally, select the exposure route. Exposure routes are the ways that exposure could occur. Select the relevant exposure routes that are applicable for this substance and activity.

NOTE: Multiple exposure routes can be selected. 

Usage Details

Usage detail allows the User to take into consideration the location where exposure may occur, the amount/quantity, duration of exposure.

This is all answered using the drop-down selections:

1. Location of Use is a description of where exposure may happen - Inside, outside, confined space etc.
2. Duration of exposure - This is how long exposure may happen
3. Amount of Substance used in a day - This could be in g's, kg's, ml, ltrs etc.
4. Frequency of use - This is how often exposure could occur - Daily, weekly, Monthly 
5. Number of persons exposed - Consider public or other persons, not just the workers or users.
6. Is the material being used out of its recommended temperature limit - Select Yes or No. If yes, further details will be required.
7. Are there any susceptible persons? Susceptible persons could be workers with known allergies, public, children, elderly expectant mothers etc.
8. Are any other persons at risk from indirect exposure - Select Yes or No. If yes, further details will be required. Indirect exposure could be fumes that are blown by wind etc.
9. Type of health surveillance - Select the type of health surveillance in place to identify early onset of health conditions from exposure to the substance such as skincare checks etc.

Once complete, select the "Continue" button to complete the assessment and proceed to Step 4, Activity review

Click here for Understanding Step 4, activity review.