HC Deb 02 July 1990 vol 175 cc413-4W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessments under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations have been undertaken at all workplaces used by civil servants in his Department.

Mr. Curry

The responsibility for complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has been delegated to line managers who are familiar with local working arrangements and potential hazards. Technical assistance is available both from safety officers on their staff and from the departmental health and safety unit.

COSHH assessments of work activities which are liable to expose Ministry employees to substances hazardous to health have been undertaken both in respect of premises which are occupied by the Ministry and in respect of premises which are occupied by third parties but where Ministry employees use or may be exposed to such substances.

Detailed records are not held centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

The COSHH regulations impose a commitment to review assessments and this is a process which continues within the Ministry.