MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

JSP 375 Vol 2 

Assessor 

4 

Assessor means a person, normally a line manager, who has been trained to undertake 

assessments 

INTRODUCTION 

5 

Line managers must take a number of steps to comply with the Regulations listed in para 1.  This 

leaflet explains the steps that are common to COSHH, CAWR and CLAW. However, CAWR and CLAW 

place additional duties on employers and employees for asbestos and lead respectively.  For asbestos 

therefore, Annex A to this leaflet, Leaflet 40 on Asbestos Prohibitions, and Leaflet 

54

 on Managing 

Asbestos in non domestic premises must also be observed in addition to the requirements of this leaflet.  

Similarly for lead, Annex B to this leaflet must be observed in addition to this leaflet. There is a separate 

leaflet (Leaflet 

56

) covering the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 

(DSEAR). 

6 

Requirements for providing information on hazardous substances are given at Annex C, which 

defines the duties of MOD when it is the supplier, the responsibilities of MOD managers in relation to 

information on hazardous substances and guidance on the information that can be expected on labels 

and in safety data sheets. 

DUTIES OF COMMANDING OFFICERS AND HEADS OF ESTABLISHMENTS 

Assess the risks 

7 

On sites holding large or bulk quantities of hazardous substances, there may be requirements to 

notify enforcing authorities and to mark the sites.  The requirements are defined at Annex D. 

7.1 

All processes, which use or generate substances hazardous to health, must be assessed.  

Guidance on the assessment process, including a four page form that can be used for recording 

the assessment, is at Annex F. 

7.2 

If the process is simple and the risk is very low, the results of the assessment (e.g. "no 

significant risk") may be recorded on the general risk assessment form or on the COSHH master 

register [MOD Form 911F (6/89)]. 

Prevent or adequately control exposure 

8 

The Regulations all require that exposure to hazardous substances is prevented or, if this is not 

reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.  Further guidance is given in Annexes A, B, F and G. 

Ensure that control measures are used 

9 

All personnel are required to make proper use of control measures and to report defects.  Line 

managers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do so, including providing them with 

suitable training, information and supervision. 

Ensure that controls are maintained 

10  All control measures must be maintained to ensure they are kept in efficient working order and 

good repair.  Engineering controls and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) have to be examined 

and, where appropriate, tested at suitable intervals.  Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)  annual  tests 

(normally arranged through the local maintenance authority) and weekly visual checks (by users) should 

be recorded on MoD Form 933A (or equivalent).  RPE checks should be recorded on MoD Form 933B, 

C or D as appropriate.  Note the minimum statutory requirement for thorough testing of LEV is at least 

once every 14 months, with more frequent testing required in certain cases. For practical purposes the 

minimum requirement should be seen as being an `annual' test, and is referred to elsewhere in the 

manner. 

Leaflet 

5 

April 2003 

 Page 

3