Almost every workplace uses substances that can harm health, from cleaning chemicals and paints to dust, fumes and biological agents. COSHH is the law that requires employers to control the risks these substances create. If your business uses or produces hazardous substances, understanding COSHH is essential. This guide explains what COSHH is, what a COSHH assessment involves, and how to comply.
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. It requires employers to prevent or reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous substances. These substances include chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists and biological agents. If exposure is not properly controlled, the results can range from skin conditions and asthma to serious long term illness.
What does COSHH require employers to do?
In broad terms, COSHH requires you to:
- Identify the hazardous substances present in your workplace
- Assess the risks they pose to health
- Decide on the precautions needed
- Prevent or adequately control exposure
- Ensure control measures are used and maintained
- Monitor exposure and provide health surveillance where needed
- Inform, instruct and train employees
What is a COSHH assessment?
A COSHH assessment is the process of identifying hazardous substances, judging how they could harm people, and deciding how to control the risk. It is not about paperwork for its own sake. A good assessment looks at how substances are actually used, who is exposed and how, and what practical steps will reduce the risk, whether that is substitution, ventilation, protective equipment or safe systems of work.
Who needs COSHH training?
Anyone who works with hazardous substances, or who manages people who do, benefits from COSHH training. It is especially important in cleaning, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality and laboratories. Training helps staff understand the hazards, use control measures correctly, and recognise the early signs of a problem. Our COSHH training course gives your team the knowledge to work safely with hazardous substances.
Frequently asked questions
What does COSHH stand for?
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, the law that requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances at work.
Is a COSHH assessment a legal requirement?
Yes. Where hazardous substances are used, employers must assess the risks and put controls in place, and a COSHH assessment is how that duty is met.
What substances are covered by COSHH?
COSHH covers chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists and biological agents. It does not cover asbestos, lead or radioactive substances, which have their own separate regulations.
Control hazardous substances with confidence
Good COSHH management protects your workers and your business. Give your team the training to handle hazardous substances safely.
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