COSHH system protects staff and boosts business

Health and safety manager, Steve Davies, explains: “As the AMRC has grown and our research became more sophisticated and challenging, we were in need of a sophisticated service that would permit us to create more specific assessments. We found Alcumus’ CMS was the perfect solution, providing instant access to a database of more than 750,000 COSHH assessments."

Alcumus was also able to offer assistance with producing substance data sheets. These contain vital information on handling, storing and emergency measures, assisting with the creation of initial detailed COSHH assessments. This is vital for R&D organisations such as the AMRC, which often work with new or prototype substances, chemicals and products that haven’t been used before and, therefore, don’t yet have the relevant safety data. With the implementation of the new Alcumus CMS system, the AMRC can create specific data sheets, using the substance’s chemical make-up to deliver accurate COSHH assessments.

Knowledge is key

As well as requiring a system that assisted with the creation of specific COSHH assessments, AMRC required technical expertise and advice on how to ensure compliance with COSHH legislation. Alcumus’ in-house technical experts, who man a 7-day-a-week helpdesk, are always on hand to offer advice and guidance. Davies says: “Since installing the CMS I have personally used the help-desk 8 to 10 times. On each occasion, the Alcumus team was able to help over the phone, instantly. Their knowledge and guidance contributes to a more streamlined process."

Added benefits 

The AMRC is also experiencing a financial benefit from implementing CMS in terms of time-saving. With the help of the Alcumus database of COSHH assessment forms, AMRC’s COSHH assessors have saved hundreds of hours that they would have spent writing COSHH assessments from scratch. Davies comments: “On average, up to an hour is saved per assessment, saving us thousands of pounds per year. This frees up staff time, allowing them to focus on research rather than paperwork, while ensuring that a representative COSHH assessment has been created.

“It’s not just the time saved per assessment that’s improved; we now have a better understanding of the level of risk as the assessments are far more concise and accurate. We now experience a far more varied and accurate response, with a range of assessments being placed across the three classifications; low, medium and high.”

Additionally, with the calibre of clients the AMRC has – and the commercially sensitive projects the teams work on – there is a high level of client confidentiality that needs to be managed correctly. The new system provides AMRC with an auditable system for managing IP, ensuring all clients’ projects are fully protected.

Monya Merrison, director of Alcumus Sypol, comments: “It’s great to work with such an interesting client, whose COSHH needs are integral to the business. AMRC is a perfect example of how an integrated system can have a positive effect on a business, including time management, compliance and even client relationships.

“Creating COSHH assessments can be a challenging and timely process. Unless you’re an expert in this field, it’s not something that’s thought of as essential. However, staff wellbeing should be a priority for all businesses, especially in a high risk environment. This is why it’s encouraging to see companies such as AMRC take control of their COSHH needs and understand how implementing a cohesive system can help improve many aspects of a business, not just legal compliance.”