Understanding COSHH: A Guide to Hazardous Substances

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to control substances that can harm workers' health. From cleaning chemicals to dust and fumes, hazardous substances are present in almost every workplace.

What Substances Does COSHH Cover?

COSHH applies to a wide range of substances including:

• Chemicals used directly in work activities (cleaning agents, adhesives, paints)
• Substances generated during work (dust, fumes, vapours)
• Naturally occurring substances (flour dust, wood dust)
• Biological agents (bacteria, viruses)

Employer Duties Under COSHH

As an employer, you must:

• Assess the risks to health from hazardous substances
• Prevent or adequately control exposure
• Ensure control measures are maintained and used
• Monitor exposure and conduct health surveillance where required
• Provide information, instruction, and training

Conducting a COSHH Assessment

A thorough COSHH assessment involves:

Identifying Hazardous Substances

Review all substances used, produced, or encountered in your workplace. Check Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazard information and examine product labels for hazard pictograms.

Assessing the Risks

Consider how workers might be exposed (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), the extent and frequency of exposure, and the severity of potential health effects.

Implementing Control Measures

Apply the hierarchy of control:

1. Eliminate the substance if possible
2. Substitute with a less hazardous alternative
3. Use engineering controls (ventilation, enclosure)
4. Implement administrative controls (procedures, training)
5. Provide personal protective equipment as a last resort

Common COSHH Mistakes

We frequently encounter these issues during audits:

• Missing or outdated Safety Data Sheets
• Generic assessments that do not reflect actual work practices
• Over-reliance on PPE without considering other controls
• Lack of training on specific substances and procedures
• Failure to review assessments after changes

Getting COSHH Right

Effective COSHH management protects your workers' health and demonstrates your commitment to safety. If you need assistance with COSHH assessments or training, our consultants can help you develop practical, compliant solutions tailored to your operations.