Part 1:
Your responsibilities under the law
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) require employers to manage dangerous substances at the workplace. These regulations are intended to help create safer working conditions for employees.
Dust is regulated under COSHH due to its potential health risks. Exposure to dust can lead to a range of serious health issues including asthma, COPD, heart disease and even lung cancer. Depending on the types of dust present in your workplace, you must adhere to the COSHH Regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
COSHH gives a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for different substances which produce dust that may be highly toxic. Examples of dusts with WELs include:
● Aluminium metal dust
● Flour dust
● Grain dust
● Cotton dust
● Talc powder
● Silica powder
● Graphite powder
● Hardwood & softwood dusts
Even if dust does not have an official WEL, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to handle. In such cases, employers should develop their own internal standards based on best practices.