How often to review a COSHH assessment.
There is no fixed number of months. HSE asks for regular review, and for a review whenever something changes. Here is what that means in practice.
- HSE sets no fixed review interval.
- Review regularly, and at once if the assessment may be invalid or the work changes significantly.
- Also review after workers report problems, or after accidents or near misses.
- Twelve months is a common house rule. It is your choice, not HSE's number.
- Quickler records the review date. It does not send reminders.
Regularly, and at once when things change
HSE sets no fixed interval. It does require regular review, and an immediate one if the assessment may no longer be valid or the work changes significantly.
Review when
A new product, process, person or piece of equipment.
Workers report problems, an accident or a near miss.
A date you set yourself, such as 12 months.
Put a review date on every Record
Your COSHH Check can ask for the review date, so each Record carries one.
Put a review date on every COSHH Record.
Send one safety data sheet and see the Record. £75 a month per phone number, or £750 a year (2 months free). Unlimited free dashboard accounts.
What HSE saysThe rule
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HSE COSHH frequently asked questions: there is no fixed interval. It depends on the type of risk, the work and how likely change is. Review at once if the original may no longer be valid or the work changes significantly. There is still an absolute requirement to review regularly. The law is the COSHH Regulations 2002. |
What should prompt a reviewTriggers
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From HSE: how to carry out a COSHH risk assessment: review if controls may no longer be effective, after changes to staff, a process, or the substances or equipment used, and after workers report problems, or after accidents or near misses. Also review the controls themselves to confirm they work. |
Choosing a regular dateYour rule
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Pick an interval you can keep, and write it on each assessment. Twelve months is common. Higher-risk substances may warrant sooner. If a product is changed, do not wait for the date. |
The date on the RecordQuickler
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Your COSHH Check can ask for a review date. If the Check sets it as a number of months from the assessment, Quickler works the date out for you. When someone sends a document whose review date has already passed, Quickler files a Fault saying so. Quickler does not send you review reminders. You find due dates in your Records list. Write 10 COSHH records a month and that's £7.50 a record; at 30 a month it is £2.50 a record. Reports, photos and messages are unlimited. See the COSHH guide and the inspection frequency guide. |
HSE sets no fixed interval. Review regularly, and immediately if the assessment may be invalid or the work changes significantly.
Not by HSE. Many firms choose 12 months as their own rule.
A change in staff, process, substances or equipment, workers reporting problems, accidents and near misses.
No. It records the review date on each Record. It does not send reminders.
Quickler files a Fault on that Record noting the review date has passed.