What is Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)?

What substances does COSHH list as harmful?

Under COSHH regulations, harmful substances are particles, materials, or mixtures that could cause irritation, infection, allergic reaction, or severe health conditions when entering the body through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or eye exposure. 

Many industries use or generate hazardous substances in forms such as:

• Gases (including elevated concentrations of asphyxiants)
• Liquids
• Powders
• Gels
• Fibres

Harmful substances can be found in everyday products such as cleaning agents, paints, waste materials, dust, and vapours. There are also harmful micro-organisms. Employees can identify harmful substances by checking product packaging for warning labels and hazard symbols, such as toxic, corrosive, oxidising, explosive, flammable, and health hazards icons. 

Still, workers should not always rely on warning labels because not all substances come with hazardous symbols. That’s why regular training is essential: It equips workers with knowledge and techniques for identifying harmful materials and minimizing exposure risks through proper handling and wearing adequate protective equipment. 

Who do COSHH regulations apply to?

COSHH regulations apply to anyone in an eligible workplace, including employees, contractors, and volunteers whose work activities include the use of hazardous substances or exposure to them. 

However, COSHH does not regulate all harmful substances. Certain materials, like asbestos and lead, are governed by specific legislation.

COSHH excludes substances that could cause ill health due to:

• High pressure or extreme temperatures
• Radioactivity
• Explosive or flammable properties

Additionally, medicines and biological agents beyond employer control also have their regulations. 

Employers may be required to establish a personal protective equipment (PPE) policy as an additional control measure for workplace protection.

Effects of harmful substances

Exposure to harmful substances can result in immediate or long-term health issues. Short-term effects can include symptoms like dizziness, irritation, or allergic reactions. However, long-term exposure can lead to chronic conditions that may take years to develop and are often challenging to manage.

Potential health impacts include:

• Asthma: Caused by inhaling irritants or allergens
• Skin damage: Such as dermatitis and other skin conditions 
• Severe health conditions: Lung diseases or cancer caused by prolonged exposure to hazardous materials

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COSHH risk assessment

Through a COSHH risk assessment, companies work to identify all hazardous substances used in their operations and assess associated risks. The process involves completing a COSHH Assessment Form for each substance and attaching relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or Product Safety Data Sheets (PSDS). 

These records must outline the necessary steps and procedures to ensure adequate control over the use of hazardous substances in the workplace. Companies should maintain these records across all departments and regularly review them to ensure compliance with COSHH regulations and identify improvement areas. 

The assessment process includes:

Identifying hazardous materials

The assessment starts by identifying hazardous substances and their forms. Collaboration with product suppliers provides access to safety data sheets that can provide further information on the risks and safe workplace exposure limits (WEL) associated with each substance, helping employers incorporate adequate safety practices. These occupational exposure limits define the maximum concentration of a substance to which employees can be safely exposed over a specific period. Exceeding these limits may result in health risks. 

Determining who is at risk

Determining who is exposed to harmful substances and at what level is critical for implementing adequate security measures. In addition to employees directly working with harmful substances, workers in charge of clearing and maintaining the areas where hazardous substances are present are also at risk, as are visitors who enter these areas. 

Companies must pay particular attention to vulnerable groups, such as young workers , pregnant employees, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as dermatitis or asthma, to minimize health risks and provide proper working conditions.

Controlling exposure to harmful substances 

The best-case scenario is to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Unfortunately, that’s impossible in many industries, where controlling exposure is the safest option and how employers comply with COSHH regulations. Companies can achieve this through the hierarchy of control, which includes:

• Modifying processes and workplace conditions to reduce exposure
• Minimizing exposure to harmful substances wherever possible
• Providing adequate safety equipment to workers exposed to harmful substances
• Reducing the quantity of hazardous substances in particular processes

COSHH regulations require companies to ensure safe and controlled use of hazardous substances by adhering to the following guidelines: 

• Core principles of COSHH: These include assessing risks, controlling exposure, and ensuring that workplace practices follow COSHH regulations.
• Prescribed workplace exposure limits: Employers must ensure that exposure to harmful substances is below the established WELs.

Limitations on exposure to carcinogens and mutagens: Specific rules apply to substances that are known to cause cancer and mutations. Companies must strictly control exposure to these substances to minimize health risks.

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Organizing training

Familiarizing employees with workplace risks is an ongoing process, crucial for both new hires and existing staff. Regular training sessions ensure employees are aware of the hazardous nature of the substances they use. This includes understanding the risks and learning proper safety measures to prevent harm. Through training, employees learn about personal protective equipment (PPE) policies and why they are essential for maintaining a safe work environment. 

Handling accidents 

COSHH documentation includes safety data sheets (MSDS and PSDS) that, among other things, provide instructions on dealing with accidents such as fire and spillage of hazardous substances. 

Monitoring exposure

Regular monitoring determines the concentration of a particular substance to which an employee may be exposed while performing their work. Monitoring also helps evaluate the effectiveness of the safety measures implemented in the workplace. 

An individual responsible for monitoring exposure should have sufficient expertise and experience, ideally as a member of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).

Performing regular employee health checks

Health surveillance is a proactive measure that helps companies identify and prevent the adverse effects of hazardous substances on employees’ health. These checks aim to avoid undesired outcomes, such as developing severe health conditions that could be difficult to manage and cure. 

Companies should consider health surveillance in the following situations: 

• When PPE policy is the primary safety measure
• When there have been cases of severe health issues within a particular workplace or industry

FAQs about COSHH

Should employers notify employees about COSHH risks?

This is a must. Employers are required to provide detailed information about substances they use in the workplace and associated risks. They must also regularly send notifications about updates to safety measures and policies and encourage employees to participate in COSHH training sessions to create a safe work environment. 

How often should employers review COSHH assessments?

Regular assessment reviews are critical for maintaining compliance with current safety standards. Updated assessments are required whenever a company introduces a new work practice or substance. Companies can minimize health risks to employees working with hazardous substances by regularly reviewing their assessments and keeping them up-to-date.

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