COSHH

A practical approach to managing hazardous substances

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The regulations require employers to assess the risks associated with hazardous substances used or produced at work and take appropriate steps to control exposure.

COSHH applies to far more than obvious chemicals. Depending on the work being undertaken, hazardous substances can include cleaning products, solvents, dusts, fumes, biological agents and other substances that can cause harm to health.

What does COSHH require?

1. Identify hazardous substances
Determine which substances used, produced or encountered at work could cause harm to health.

2. Assess the risks
Consider how workers may be exposed, who may be affected and the potential consequences.

3. Prevent or control exposure
Where possible, eliminate the use of the hazardous substance. Where that isn't reasonably practicable, introduce suitable control measures to reduce exposure.

4. Provide information and training
Employees should understand the hazards they may encounter and how to work safely with the substances involved.

5. Review the controls
COSHH assessments and control measures should be reviewed when circumstances change or when there is reason to believe they are no longer effective.

Common COSHH problems we see:

COSHH assessments that don't reflect the work being carried out
A generic assessment may identify the substance but fail to consider how it is actually being used, including quantities, frequency and methods of application.

Safety Data Sheets are available but not properly considered
Having a Safety Data Sheet on file is useful, but it does not replace an assessment of how the substance is actually used in the workplace.

Control measures are identified but not followed
An assessment may specify gloves, ventilation or other controls, but these measures are only effective if they are suitable, available and actually used.

Employees aren't given sufficient information
People using hazardous substances should understand the risks involved and the precautions they need to take.

What we've seen in practice

During investigations, we sometimes find that the paperwork appears to deal with the hazard, but the controls described on paper are very different from what happens in practice.

Employers fail to consider that continued exposure to even a well-known everyday chemcal can cause reactions and allergies to develop.

This is particularly important with cleaning products and other substances that employees may use regularly. Familiarity can lead to risks being overlooked or controls gradually becoming less effective.

Need a practical COSHH toolkit?

Our COSHH Toolkit is designed for small UK businesses that need straightforward documentation to help assess hazardous substances and manage the associated risks.

The toolkit provides editable documents that can be adapted to your workplace, helping you record the substances involved, assess exposure and identify appropriate control measures.

View the COSHH Toolkit

Health & Safety Templates UK
Practical health & safety guidance, templates and resources for UK businesses.

Health & Safety Templates UK is a resource provided by Liability Claims Investigations Ltd.
Our health & safety resources are informed by practical experience investigating workplace accidents and liability claims for businesses and insurers.