JSP 375 Vol 2 

MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

64  But use common sense before answering yes. If control measures are not properly maintained or 

used then control measures are not adequate. If there are obvious signs such as ill health amongst the 

workforce, fine dust deposits on people or surfaces, droplets in the air, excessive odour, complaints of 

discomfort, conflicting recommendations given in the sources of information etc. then control measures 

may not be adequate. 

65  If there are significant deficiencies in the controls which could lead to higher exposure then the 

answer to question (d) must of course be 

No

 and 

CONCLUSION 2.

66  If there are deficiencies in the administrative controls that do not directly affect the level of 

exposure e.g. missing signs etc. you can conclude 

Yes

 and 

CONCLUSION 3

, but ensure that the 

deficiencies are rectified. If you are unsure whether the deficiencies directly affect the level of exposure 

or not ask for advice from your Establishment Safety Officer. 

67  If you cannot determine whether control measures are adequate then you must answer the 

question as 

Don't Know

, choosing 

CONCLUSION 4

. 

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

68  Having reached this stage you will have chosen one of five possible conclusions, each of which will 

determine what supplementary actions, if any, are necessary. 

69  In all cases when the risk assessment is complete you must: 

69.1 

Inform the workforce of the findings of the risk assessment. This should include details of 

the potential health hazards posed by the substances in use, the risks of exposure describing any 

routes of entry which may be significant and details of any control measures which are necessary 

including information on how to use them, and  

69.2 

Review the risk assessment if the work changes significantly and/or every 2 years from the 

date the original risk assessment is completed. Some type of bring up system will be required to 

ensure that these reviews are conducted at the appropriate interval. 

Conclusion 1   The risks are insignificant now and it is not reasonably foreseeable that they 

could increase in the future 

70  Action required: Finish the risk assessment. No precautions are necessary for the purposes of 

COSHH and review the risk assessment in 2 years or if the situation changes. 

Conclusion 2   The risks are high now and not adequately controlled 

71  This conclusion covers the situation where there are serious deficiencies in the working procedure 

and drastic action may be required to protect the health of your workforce. 

72  Consider stopping the process or implement immediate interim controls to prevent or reduce 

exposure to an acceptable level. This may involve the use of personal protective equipment as a stop 

gap measure pending the procurement or instigation of alternative physical controls. 

73  If you find yourself in this situation ask for specialist help at an early stage so that professional 

advice on the selection of personal protective equipment (especially respiratory protection) can be 

obtained. It is also highly likely that the new control measures will require some degree of specialist 

input. 

Conclusion 3   The risks are controlled now but could foreseeably become higher in the future 

74  Determine any precautions necessary to regain control should the chance event occur. Also 

investigate any additional control measures, which might reasonably be provided to prevent the high risk 

event occurring in the first place. This may involve alterations to the method of work, provision of alarms, 

back up systems etc. 

Leaflet 5 Annex F 

Page 10 

 April 

2003