This example COSHH risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS5 COSHH Assessment form template which has been designed to record and manage the risks associated with substances hazardous to health and includes:
- Substance details
- Physical description
- Health effects and first aid
- Workplace exposure limits (WELs)
- CLP hazard classification — visual hazard icons
- Risk rating
- Control measures
- PPE required — visual PPE icons
- Environmental considerations
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:
- Form number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
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COSHH Assessment — Argon Gas (Ar — Inert Asphyxiant / Welding Shielding Gas)
This pre-completed COSHH assessment covers argon (Ar) — a chemically inert noble gas stored as compressed gas in cylinders, used as a welding shielding gas (MIG/TIG), inerting agent and in food processing and laboratory applications. Argon is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas, pits and confined spaces causing oxygen deficiency with no warning.
What Does This COSHH Assessment Cover?
The assessment is fully completed and ready to use, covering all sections required for a complete hazardous substance risk assessment:
- Substance identification — trade name (Argon / Ar), chemical name (argon; monatomic noble gas; chemically inert), SDS reference and physical state
- Health effects and first aid — inhalation in confined spaces causing oxygen deficiency, rapid loss of consciousness and death with no warning; no toxic effect; first aid requires immediate removal to fresh air and SCBA for rescuers
- Silent asphyxiant — no warning — argon is colourless, odourless and tasteless; oxygen deficiency gives no sensory warning before rapid incapacitation; oxygen monitors are essential in any confined space where argon is used or stored
- Workplace exposure limits — no specific WEL; minimum safe oxygen concentration is 19.5% v/v; use oxygen monitors in all confined spaces
- CLP hazard classification — Pressurised gas pictogram
- PPE requirements — SCBA for confined space entry or emergency response; oxygen monitor as primary control
- Emergency procedures — evacuate immediately; do not enter without SCBA; contact emergency services for significant releases
Who Is This COSHH Assessment For?
This assessment is suitable for any workplace where argon is used or stored, including:
- MIG and TIG welding operations
- Metal fabrication and engineering workshops
- Food packaging and modified atmosphere operations
- Laboratory and analytical instrument applications
COSHH Compliance
This document provides ready-to-use evidence of COSHH compliance and supports occupational health and safety management. The assessment is based on the F-HS5 COSHH Assessment template, is fully editable in Microsoft Word, and can be customised with your company details, site-specific information and review dates.