Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations

Health and Safety Level 2

COSHH, or the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, is a set of UK laws requiring employers to control exposure to substances that can cause ill health. The regulations mandate that employers perform risk assessments, prevent or control exposure through measures like ventilation and safe work procedures, provide appropriate PPE, and offer training. Failure to comply with COSHH regulations can lead to legal penalties.

What COSHH requires:

- Risk Assessment:
  
  Identify hazardous substances in the workplace and assess the risks to health from their use, handling, storage, or disposal.

Exposure Control:

Prevent exposure to hazardous substances, or, if not reasonably practicable, control it to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable and below approved Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).

Control Measures:

Implement control measures, which can include:
Using control equipment like total enclosure or local exhaust ventilation.
Improving working procedures, supervision, and training.
Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or eye protection.

Monitoring and Health Surveillance:

Monitor worker exposure to hazardous substances and conduct health surveillance where appropriate.

Information and Training:

Provide employees with information, instruction, and training on the risks associated with these substances and the controls put in place to protect them.

Emergency Procedures:

Include arrangements for dealing with accidents, incidents, and emergencies, such as spillages.

Examples of Hazardous Substances:

Harmful substances include dusts, gases, fumes, liquids, gels, powders, biological agents (like bacteria and viruses), paints, and cleaners.

Why COSHH is important:

It prevents or limits exposure to substances that can cause immediate or long-term health problems, including asthma, cancer, skin damage, and lung diseases.

It provides a clear legal framework for managing chemical and health risks in the workplace.

Breaching these regulations can result in fines or other legal consequences.

Five examples of substances regulated under COSHH are cleaning fluids, wood dust, silica dust, certain bacteria, and solvents. COSHH regulations cover a broad range of substances, including chemicals, biological agents, fumes, dusts, mists, vapours, and nanotechnology.

Here are five examples of substances that fall under COSHH regulations:
1. Cleaning Fluids:
  
  Many chemicals found in cleaning products can be hazardous to health and are therefore covered by COSHH.
2. Wood Dust:
  
  Dust generated from woodworking processes is a hazardous substance that requires control measures under COSHH.
3. Silica Dust:
  
  Dust from cutting tiles or stone, for example, contains silica and poses a health risk, making it subject to COSHH.
4. Biological Agents:
  
  Germs, such as certain bacteria (e.g., Legionella) and viruses, are covered by COSHH because they can cause disease.
5. Solvents:
  
  Solvents, including those used in glues and paints, contain chemicals that pose health risks and are regulated under COSHH.
What COSHH regulates:
- Chemicals: Both liquids and solids.
- Fumes, dusts, mists, and vapours: These are hazardous forms of substances that can be inhaled.
- Nanoparticles: Materials in their nano-form are also included.
- Biological agents: These are living organisms, like bacteria and viruses, that can cause disease.
- Products containing chemicals: Ready-made products that contain hazardous chemicals are also covered.
Exclusions: Some highly hazardous substances, such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive substances, are covered by their own specific regulations and do not fall under COSHH.