The Control of Hazardous Substances (COSHH)

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. Common examples of ill health include occupational asthma, lung disease, dermatitis and skin irritations.

The COSHH Regulations 2002

To prevent ill health as a result of exposure to hazardous substances, the law provides a framework to ensure that employees and others are protected in the workplace.   

COSHH lays down a sensible step-by-step approach to the necessary precautions and it is a useful tool of good management. The potential for identifiable cost benefits (e.g. tighter control over the use and storage of materials), improved morale and industrial relations have been widely realised.

COSHH applies to virtually all substances hazardous to health. Exceptions include asbestos and lead (which have their own regulations) and substances which are hazardous only because they are radioactive, asphyxiants, at high pressure/temperature or have explosive/flammable properties.

COSHH requires the following:-

i) assessment of the risks
ii) deciding what precautions are needed
iii) prevention or control of the risks
iv) ensuring that control measures are used and maintained
v) monitoring exposure and health surveillance, where necessary
vi) informing, instructing and training employees about the risks and precautions needed

Definitions

hazard - is the potential to cause harm. 
risk - is the likelihood that it will harm you in the actual circumstances of use
The risk will depend on a number of factors, such as the hazard presented by the substance, how it is used, how exposure is controlled, the degree and extent of exposure etc.

It is important that persons preparing the assessment have access to and understand: COSHH, related legislation, codes of practice and published guidance.  They should be competent to carry through the work of assessment and for the assessment to be effective they should consult widely within the workforce and inform them of results accordingly.  

When assessing whether or not the substances that you have are hazardous, remember they include:- i) substances classified as dangerous to health under the Chemicals Hazard Information and Packing for Supply) (CHIP3) Regulations 2002. Many are listed in "The Approved Supply List" which is part of the "CHIP 3" regulations, ii) substances with occupational exposure limits (these are specified in Guidance Note EH40 which is revised annually), iii) biological agents and iv) dusts of any kind in substantial concentrations.  You should also look at the hazard data sheets, labels etc provided by your suppliers (required by law).

When assessing the risk posed by each hazardous substance you will have to look at a variety of factors:-

  • use, handling, generation, release etc. of hazardous substances 
  • who might be affected and likely exposure level/extent 
  • nature of exposure (breathing in, swallowing, skin absorption etc.) 
  • current measures to prevent or control exposure - effectiveness and use? 
  • accidental leakage, spillage or release 
  • cleaning and maintenance operations.      


Once you have assessed the risk you need to decide what further action is/might be required.  This may include:

  • no likelihood or insignificant risk - no further action until review of assessment 
  • risks identified - ensure appropriate control measures, in the following order of priority:-

Prevention

  • change process/activity so that the hazardous substance is not required or generated
  • replace with safer alternative 
  • use it in safer form

Control

  • total enclosure of the process
  • partial enclosure and extraction equipment
  • general ventilation
  • using systems of work and handling procedures which minimise chances of spills, leaks etc. or exposure to the substance(s)
  • personal protective equipment (eg respirators, protective clothing) - this should only be used as a last resort, if there are no other options.    
      

Employees are required to make proper use of control measures and to report defects.

Employers are required to keep controls in efficient working order and good repair. Engineering controls and respiratory protective equipment have to be examined and, where appropriate, tested at suitable intervals. Suitable records of all such actions taken must be kept.

Monitoring exposure is required in certain circumstances, e.g. where there could be serious risks to health if control measures were to fail or deteriorate or where you cannot be sure that exposure limits are not being exceeded. Records of monitoring should be kept. 

Health surveillance is required where:

i) an employee is engaged in one of the processes listed in Schedule 5 of COSHH and is likely to receive significant exposure to the substance involved.

ii) where employees are exposed to a substance linked to a particular disease or adverse health effect and there is reasonable likelihood under the conditions of the work of that disease or adverse health effect occurring and it is possible to detect the disease or adverse health effect. Suitable records must be kept for 40 years.

Recording and Reviewing the Assessment

Unless the assessment is so simple that it can be easily recalled and its conclusions explained, it should be put in writing. Reviews should take place regularly, at not less than five-yearly intervals, and in any case where it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes in the work.

Informing, Instructing and Training Employees

Must be carried out by employers regarding the substances and their associated risks and precautions. Sufficient information and instruction should be given on control measures, personal protective equipment, results of any exposure monitoring or health surveillance and emergency procedures.

Your Checklist for COSHH:

  1. Have you a complete inventory of substances used/generated in the workplace? Yes/No
  2. Have you identified any substances hazardous to health? Yes/No
  3. Have you gathered information about the substances, the work and working processes? Yes/No
     - i.e. what hazards are involved? Yes/No
  4. Have you evaluated the risks to health (either on an individual or group basis)? Yes/No
     - i.e. the chance of exposure occurring? Yes/No
     - what level of exposure could happen? Yes/No
     - the duration of the exposure Yes/No
     - the frequency of the exposure? Yes/No
  5. Have you decided what needs to be done in terms of: 
     - preventing or controlling exposure? Yes/No
     - maintaining control measures? Yes/No
     - using control measures? Yes/No
     - any monitoring/surveillance? Yes/No
     - information, instruction and training? Yes/No
  6. Have you decided to record the assessment? Yes/No
  7. If "yes" to (6), have you decided on the extent, presentation and format of record? Yes/No
  8. Have you decided when each assessment should be reviewed? Yes/No
  9. Have you established a system or procedure to manage and record the above elements? Yes/No 

On-line form for further advice or to request a service

References/Further Details

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 SI2002/2677.  ISBN 0 11 042919 2

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.  Approved Code of Practice and guidance L5  ISBN 0 7176 2534 6  

COSHH - a brief guide for employers IND(G) 136L (HSE) - http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf

COSHH Essentials: easy steps to control chemicals.  Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations  HSG193 - www.coshh-essentials.org.uk