How should control measures be chosen according to the COSHH principles?

• A. Protect the environment with signage and barriers.
• B. Choose control measures proportionate to the risk - strict SOPs in place for RVN administering.
• C. Rely solely on PPE as the only control.
• D. Place all drugs in locked cabinets without other controls.

Answer: (B)

COSHH requires assessing the hazard and the level of user exposure, then selecting controls that match that risk. The best approach is to choose measures proportionate to the risk and support them with clear, strict standard operating procedures for how the RVN administers substances. This creates a consistent, enforced practice that reduces exposure through multiple layers of control (engineering or administrative measures first, with PPE as a later safeguard if needed). Relying on PPE alone or only on storage or signage fails to address how substances are handled and used, so it won’t adequately manage the risk.