Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) is a United Kingdom statutory instrument that aims to protect workers and others from the health risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. The regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and are a key part of the UK's health and safety legislation.

Overview

The COSHH regulations require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. This includes chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dust, vapors, mists, nanotechnology, gases and asphyxiating gases, and biological agents (germs). The regulations also cover asphyxiating gases and substances that have similar effects.

Key Requirements

The main requirements of COSHH are:

• **Risk Assessment**: Employers must conduct a risk assessment to identify hazards and assess the risks to health.
• **Control Measures**: Employers must implement appropriate control measures to reduce exposure to hazardous substances. This can include engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• **Monitoring and Health Surveillance**: Employers must monitor the exposure of workers to hazardous substances and provide health surveillance where necessary.
• **Information, Instruction, and Training**: Employers must provide workers with information, instruction, and training on the risks and the measures in place to control them.
• **Emergency Procedures**: Employers must have procedures in place to deal with accidents, incidents, and emergencies involving hazardous substances.

Risk Assessment

A COSHH risk assessment involves:

• Identifying hazardous substances in the workplace.
• Evaluating the risks to health from exposure to these substances.
• Deciding on the necessary measures to protect health.
• Recording the findings of the assessment.
• Reviewing the assessment regularly and updating it if necessary.

Control Measures

Control measures can include:

• **Substitution**: Replacing a hazardous substance with a less hazardous one.
• **Engineering Controls**: Using equipment such as fume cupboards or extraction systems to reduce exposure.
• **Administrative Controls**: Implementing safe work practices and procedures.
• **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Providing workers with appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, and respirators.

Monitoring and Health Surveillance

Employers must monitor the exposure of workers to hazardous substances and provide health surveillance if there is a risk of adverse health effects. Health surveillance may include medical examinations and biological monitoring.

Information, Instruction, and Training

Employers must ensure that workers are informed about the risks associated with hazardous substances and the measures in place to control them. This includes providing training on the safe use of substances and emergency procedures.

Emergency Procedures

Employers must have procedures in place to deal with accidents, incidents, and emergencies involving hazardous substances. This includes providing first aid and ensuring that workers know what to do in an emergency.

Enforcement

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for enforcing the COSHH regulations. Employers who fail to comply with the regulations can face enforcement action, including fines and prosecution.

See Also

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Personal protective equipment
• Occupational safety and health
• Hazardous waste