Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

1 Understand what substances can be hazardous to health

Substances that need to be assessed as part of a COSHH risk assessment: chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dust, vapours, mists, nanotechnology, gases, biological agents, germs.

Hazardous substances are not covered by COSHH and why: Lead, radiation, asbestos, separate policies.

An organisation's legal responsibility for COSHH: (if no local legislation exists refer to the UK legislation as listed here), exposure limits, exposure controls policies, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

Information that must be present on a chemical datasheet: hazards presented by chemical, handling, storage, emergency measures. 

2 Be able to conduct a COSHH risk assessment

Identifying the hazardous substances within the workspace

• process used to identify substances: interviews, observations, manufacture instructions.
• types of substances that could be a hazard: chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dust, vapours, mists, nanotechnology, gases, biological agents, germs.

Assessing the risk of the hazardous substances: risk of harm, level of risk, who is at risk (employees, customers, general public, vulnerable workers).

Recording findings from a COSHH risk assessment on a digital system: data storage, creating templates, data protection, and required information.

Reviewing existing COSHH policies: review schedule, fit for purpose, and changes in legislation. 

Proposing changes to COSHH policies as a result of a COSHH risk assessment: presenting findings, practicality, and resources management.

3 Understand how to control substances hazardous to health

How to safely use hazardous chemicals: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), correct dilution protocol, storage, spills.

How to safely use and control biological agents and germs: controls, storage, access, ventilation, disposal.

How to safely work with hazardous gases or airborne substances: ventilation, masks.

Safety logos on hazardous substance containers: corrosive, toxic, flammable, explosive, gases under pressure, health hazard, dangerous for the environment, oxidising.

4 Be able to follow procedures in place to control substances that are hazardous to health 

Using required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly: gloves, eyewear, clothing, disposal, instructions, ensuring supplier of equipment is legitimate.

Following workplace, suppliers’ or manufacturers’ instructions for the safe use of substances: safety labelling, dilution procedure, use by dates, storage, disposal.

Working in ways that minimise the risk of harm or injury to self and others: following procedure, following policy, acting on concerns, raising concerns.

Dealing with hazards within own area of responsibility: adhering to procedures, adhering to policy, ensuring others follow procedure, storage, safe decision-making.

5 Understand the consequences of not correctly following COSHH policy

Consequences of a hazardous substance leak or spill: corrosive substances, contamination, notifiable events.

Consequences of mishandling hazardous substances: accidents, injury, organisational-wide consequences, wider-reaching consequences, environmental consequences.

Legal ramifications of inadequate COSHH policies: liability, insurance, costs, criminal cases.

Required emergency procedures needed for COSHH: first aid, evacuation, fire response, informing authorities.

6 Be able to respond to COSHH incidents or complaints

Following workplace, supplies or manufacturers’ instructions to respond to an emergency: first aid, dilution, disposal, evacuation.

Recording any COSHH-related incidents or complaints using an electronic system: correct recording procedure, computerised records, data protection, access.

‍Investigating COSHH-related incidents or complaints: interviews, non-judgemental discussions, deciding blame, actioning results.