MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

JSP 375 Vol 2 

25  You should note and explain each stage of the process giving details of the operations that make 

up the process being assessed. Ensure that any preparation, mixing and, or, cleaning operations are 

included if you intend to incorporate them into the risk assessment: e.g. cleaning a wall may be 

described as "...add liquid cleaner to water in a bucket, wipe wall with cloth, empty bucket, rinse cloth 

and bucket...". This approach may appear over complicated but the structured nature of the description 

allows accurate risk assessment of the times involved and clearly shows the activities which are covered 

by the risk assessment. It also ensures that the process and protective equipment can be readily 

identified with or for each part of the operation. 

26  How many people are exposed directly and indirectly? In a small Joiner s Shop, for example, where 

two people are working, one cutting wood and the other using a solvent based glue on an open bench, 

both are be exposed to the vapours from the glue, one directly and one indirectly.  Take particular note 

of any more vulnerable groups e.g. young persons, pregnant workers.  

27  What process equipment is used to accomplish the task? Circular saw, paint brush, spray gun? 

Use your stage by stage explanation of the process to ensure that the list of process equipment matches 

what is actually used.  Do not include control measures e.g. local exhaust ventilation. 

Substances 

28  You need details of all the hazardous substances used in the process.  You need trade name, 

NATO Stock Number (NSN) if supplied through service sources, supplier's name, manufacturer's name 

if different, supplier's part number, etc. 

29  What quantities are used in the process described? If it is variable then state a range of values. A 

reasonably accurate estimate can usually be obtained by asking the person who actually does the job. 

Another method may be to look at stock level and the volume of stock consumed over a time period if 

the duration and frequency of the work is predictable. 

30  What CHIP classifications have been applied? A look at the SDS should tell you. 

31  Do any of the constituents listed on the safety data sheet have occupational exposure limits 

assigned to them? (See Leaflet Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)  

32  Does any of the available information suggest that any constituent of the product may cause 

cancer? 

33  Can any of the constituents listed on the supplier s safety data sheet be absorbed through the skin. 

The safety data sheet should tell you but look out for the annotation "sk  next to any exposure limit given 

in the data sheet, or against the relevant entry in EH40. This is an indication that the substance can be 

absorbed through the skin and may highlight an additional route of entry that you need to consider.  

34  Are any of the constituents listed on the supplier s safety data sheet capable of causing respiratory 

sensitisation? In EH40 such chemicals have been annotated with "Sen" against their entry. 

35  By which routes can any of the substances cause harm?  Could it be by direct contact with the skin 

or eyes; by absorption through the skin or eyes; by inhalation; by ingestion or by some other route?  

What are the corresponding symptoms of over exposure? This information is available from the 

supplier s safety data sheet usually under the headings of first aid and hazards. Other routes of entry 

include injection, e.g. from high pressure equipment, and aspiration of liquid into the lungs.  

36  Some processes produce substances that are hazardous to health even though they may start with 

apparently harmless materials. In welding, the rods and base metal present no immediate hazard before 

the arc is struck, but as soon as welding commences fume and gases are produced. Similarly, sanding 

old paint may not appear to present a hazard, but as soon as work commences dust will be produced. 

Dust, on its own, can be a substance hazardous to health if there is enough of it, but if the paint also 

contains some toxic metals for example, there may be a significant hazard. Alternatively, some 

processes may involve two or more chemicals, which react to release a third substance that may be 

harmful. 

Leaflet 5 Annex F 

April 2003 

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