A COSHH assessment should therefore consider the product, application method, working environment and potential routes of exposure.

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What Should a COSHH Assessment Consider?

A suitable COSHH assessment should consider factors including:

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• The hazardous properties of the product
• Who could potentially be exposed
• How exposure could occur, including inhalation, skin and eye contact
• The quantity of material being used
• Frequency and duration of exposure
• Ventilation and the working environment
• Existing control measures
• Appropriate PPE
• Storage and handling
• Spill and emergency procedures
• Waste and disposal
• Information, instruction and training requirements

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Control measures should be selected according to the actual circumstances in which the product is being used.

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StarFix Products & COSHH

StarFix products are professional construction products and should always be used in accordance with the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Technical Data Sheet and application instructions. The SDS provides important information including product classification, hazards, first-aid measures, handling and storage requirements, exposure controls, PPE and disposal considerations.

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A Safety Data Sheet is not, however, a COSHH assessment.

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The information contained within the SDS should be used by the employer or responsible person when completing a COSHH assessment appropriate to the particular task and workplace.

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StarFix ZERO

Reducing Hazard at Source

One of the fundamental principles of COSHH is to consider whether exposure can be prevented or whether a hazardous product or process can be replaced with a safer alternative.

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This principle has been an important consideration in the development of the StarFix ZERO range. StarFix ZERO products have been developed to reduce or eliminate many of the substances traditionally associated with solvent-containing construction products while continuing to provide the performance required for professional installation.

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Where an appropriate lower-hazard alternative can perform the required task, its selection can form part of an organisation's approach to reducing occupational exposure.

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Lower hazard does not mean that COSHH considerations can simply be ignored.

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Users should always consult the current product Safety Data Sheet and consider the actual application conditions before use.

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Exposure Control

Good occupational hygiene and sensible working practices should be followed when using StarFix products.

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Depending upon the product and application, appropriate measures may include:

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• Adequate general ventilation
• Avoiding unnecessary skin contact
• Suitable protective gloves
• Appropriate eye protection
• Keeping containers closed when not in use
• Preventing unauthorised access to the working area
• Appropriate procedures for dealing with spills
• Suitable storage and waste-management arrangements

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PPE should be selected according to the product Safety Data Sheet and the findings of the site-specific COSHH assessment.

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Diisocyanates

Some polyurethane products may contain diisocyanates. Professional and industrial users of products containing 0.1% or more monomeric diisocyanates are subject to specific training requirements under UK REACH.

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Where applicable, users should therefore ensure that the appropriate training has been completed before using affected products.

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Please refer to our dedicated Diisocyanate Training & Regulatory Guide and the individual product Safety Data Sheet for further information.

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COSHH Assessment Guidance

Star Uretech provides COSHH assessment guidance/templates for relevant StarFix product groups to help customers prepare their own workplace assessments. These documents bring together relevant product information and typical considerations associated with their intended applications.

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However, every installation is different. Factors including the workplace, ventilation, application method, quantity used, other substances present, employees involved and site-specific procedures can significantly affect the level of risk.

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For this reason, Star Uretech cannot complete the final COSHH assessment on behalf of the employer or contractor carrying out the work.

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Our documentation should instead be used alongside the current product Safety Data Sheet and information about the actual working environment to assist a competent person in preparing the appropriate site-specific assessment.

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Safety Data Sheets

Current Safety Data Sheets should always be consulted before using a StarFix or StarFix ZERO product.

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Safety Data Sheets provide information covering:

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• Product hazards and classification
• First-aid measures
• Fire-fighting measures
• Accidental release and spillage
• Handling and storage
• Exposure controls and PPE
• Physical and chemical properties
• Stability and reactivity
• Toxicological information
• Disposal considerations

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Always ensure that you are working from the current version of the relevant Safety Data Sheet.

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Need Assistance?

Star Uretech is happy to provide product-specific technical and safety information to customers preparing COSHH assessments for StarFix products.

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Our technical team can provide relevant Safety Data Sheets, Technical Data Sheets, application guidance and supporting product information.

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Responsibility for assessing the actual workplace and ensuring appropriate controls are implemented remains with the employer or organisation carrying out the work.