Evaluation of Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) Essentials Model by Measuring Occupational Exposure in a Chemical Production Industry.

Control of Substances Hazard to Health (COSHH) Essentials is a simple, user-friendly matrix that provides risk-control solutions. Considering a large number of small enterprises under 25 workers in Iran and the lack of a suitable control banding tool, the COSHH Essentials can be considered an appropriate option. The purpose of the present experimental semi qualitative study was to evaluate the validity of the COSHH Essentials tool. Six processes were selected from a chemical products industry, including the production of silicone glue, polishing, PVC glue, Grease, Twin glue filling, and quality control. Amorphous silica and toluene concentrations were monitored using NIOSH 0600 and NIOSH 1501 in the ambient air of operators. The predicted exposure range (PER) was obtained by combining the control strategies available at the sampling time with exposure predictor (EP) bands in the COSHH Essentials, then compared to silica and toluene concentrations in the air. All exposure data were within the PER for amorphous silica dust and lower or within the PER for toluene. Compared to the acceptable concentration range in hazard bands, the threshold limit value (TLV) for respirable dust is within the acceptable concentration range, while toluene TLV exceeded it. COSHH Essentials is a conservative and safe tool, especially in liquids. Due to its simplicity, employers and health center experts can use the COSHH tool successfully for small enterprises or as a screening tool before a comprehensive risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]