Overview of COSHH Compliance
What does COSHH cover?
The first step is simple: identify the substances that are subject to the COSHH regulations and those that are not.
Purchased products
(e.g. paints, adhesives)
Process emissions
(e.g. dusts, welding fumes)
Biological material
(e.g. pigeon droppings, blood, bacteria, viruses)
Contaminants
(e.g. used engine oils)
Some notable substances do not fall under COSHH regulations, mainly because they have other sets of regulations for their governance. These include, but are not limited to:
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Radioactive material
- Physically induced risks
- Therapeutic agents
- Cosmetics
- Items of PPE
- Explosives
- Articles
Remember: COSHH covers exposure to a substance. If you are not exposed to the substance in the workplace, then you do not need to have a COSHH assessment for it.
Once you have identified the hazardous substance, your first duty is to try and prevent the exposure of it. Like with many areas of health and safety, prevention and control can be achieved in several different ways. We recommend following the hierarchy of control, which is as follows:
Elimination Physically remove the hazard (if possible). E.g. buy pre-coated materials to prevent use of paints; or replace welding with riveting.
Substitution Substitute potentially harmful substances with something less hazardous. E.g. replace solvent-based products with water-based alternatives.
Engineering Controls Control the hazard by isolating your workforce from it. E.g. Enclosed systems and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).
Administrative Controls Adjust the way people work to reduce the level of exposure to the hazard. E.g. introduce changes such as training, procedure changes, warning, signs and labels.
PPE If Personal Perotective Equipment (PPE) is required, make sure that you select the correct type. Often, the type of equipment required can be just as varied as the substances themselves. PPE includes hard hats, respirators, safety glasses and hi-vis clothing.
