Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health

The law requires you to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health. This is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

Many materials or substances used or created at work could harm your health. These substances could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe in, or liquids, gels or powders that come into contact with your eyes or skin. There could also be harmful micro-organisms present that can cause infection, an allergic reaction or are toxic.

Harmful substances can be present in anything from paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder fume, blood or waste. Ill health caused by these substances used at work is preventable. Many substances can harm health but, used properly, they almost never do. Let us help you to understand COSHH!

Our experts will visit your premises to assess the risks at your premises and provide expert advice and guidance to ensure that you are complying with your COSHH responsibilities.

Our COSHH Service typically involves (but is not limited to):

  • initially meeting with the responsible person

  • carrying out a COSHH risk assessment

  • reviewing any existing policies, procedures etc.

  • preparing an action plan that sets out in detail how the risks from COSHH will be controlled (including addressing any areas of concern e.g. from the Accident Log)

  • planning for emergencies

  • offering impartial advice on working with substances hazardous to health

  • advising on staff inductions and training

  • providing ongoing advice and guidance

What is COSHH?

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH) is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. Substances can take many forms and include:

  • chemicals

  • products containing chemicals

  • fumes

  • dusts

  • vapours

  • mists

  • nanotechnology

  • gases and asphyxiating gases

  • biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance

  • germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.

COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos or radioactive substances. These have their own specific regulations.

Most businesses use substances, or products that are mixtures of substances. Some processes create substances. These could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people. Sometimes substances are easily recognised as harmful. Common substances such as paint, bleach or dust from natural materials may also be harmful.

Some substances can cause asthma or other diseases, including cancer. Many can damage the skin, and some can cause serious long-term damage to the lungs.

The effect can be immediate, such as dizziness or stinging eyes, or can take many years to develop, such as lung disease. Many of the long-term or chronic effects cannot be cured once they develop.

You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:

  • finding out what the health hazards are

  • deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment)

  • providing control measures to reduce harm to health

  • making sure they are used

  • keeping all control measures in good working order

  • providing information, instruction and training for employees and others

  • providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases

  • planning for emergencies

CSS is here to help

If you have a general query about COSHH or would like to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.

We are here to help you to ensure that you are doing enough to meet the minimum legislative COSHH requirements.

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Contact us.

info@csscompliance.co.uk