What is COSHH? How COSHH Regulations Affect Your Businesses

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a crucial regulation that all UK businesses must comply with to ensure the safety of their employees. Whether you operate in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or any other industry that involves hazardous substances, understanding the answer to ‘what is COSHH?’ is essential.

What Does COSHH Mean?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations are designed to protect workers from ill health caused by exposure to hazardous substances at work. Hazardous substances can include chemicals, fumes, dust, vapours, biological agents, and other materials that may pose health risks.

Under COSHH, businesses must take necessary steps to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances. Failing to comply with COSHH regulations can lead to legal consequences, workplace illnesses, and serious harm to employees.

COSHH Symbols

COSHH regulations use hazard symbols to identify hazardous substances and their associated risks.

These symbols are part of the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and must be clearly displayed on labels and safety data sheets. The main COSHH symbols include:

• Explosive: Substances that may explode when exposed to heat or friction.
• Flammable: Materials that easily ignite.
• Oxidising: Substances that may cause or intensify fires.
• Corrosive: Chemicals that can cause severe burns or skin damage.
• Toxic: Substances that can be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
• Harmful: Chemicals that may cause serious health issues over time.
• Environmental Hazard: Substances that pose a danger to the environment.

Recognising and understanding these symbols is essential for ensuring safety in the workplace.

What Your Business Needs to Do

If your business handles hazardous substances, you have legal responsibilities under COSHH. This applies to obvious chemicals like industrial solvents and cleaning products, but also to things you might not expect, such as washing up liquid, printer toner, or dust from materials like wood or flour. Here are the key steps you need to take:

1. Identify Hazardous Substances – Assess what hazardous substances are present in your workplace and understand their risks.
2. Conduct a COSHH Risk Assessment – Evaluate the potential health risks associated with these substances and determine how to mitigate them.
3. Implement Control Measures – Use protective equipment, ventilation, and safer alternatives to reduce exposure.
4. Provide Training and Information – Ensure that employees understand the risks and know how to handle hazardous substances safely.
5. Monitor and Review – Regularly check safety measures and update risk assessments as necessary.
6. Keep Records – Maintain safety data sheets, training logs, and exposure records to demonstrate compliance.

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