Part 5:
COSHH Employer and Employee Duties
Now that you’re aware of the COSHH regulations, let’s examine your responsibilities. Contrary to popular belief both employers and employees have responsibilities to fulfil under COSHH.
An employer has the following responsibilities:
- Implement control measures to protect workers from hazardous substances.
- Prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances (So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable – SFAIRP).
- Provide employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction, training, and appropriate protective equipment where necessary.
- Ensure that control measures are maintained, kept in full working order, and in a clean condition where appropriate.
- Draw up plans and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies involving hazardous substances.
- Ensure any employees exposed to hazardous substances whilst at work, are under suitable health surveillance.
- Ensure that substances do not exceed the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL).
- Carry out a COSHH Risk Assessment.
An employee has the following responsibilities:
- Make use of control measures and facilities provided by the employer.
- Ensure equipment is returned and stored properly. Report any defects or insufficiencies in control measures.
- Wear and store personal protective equipment (PPE) and remove any PPE that could cause contamination before eating or drinking.
- Make proper use of washing, showering, and bathing facilities when required.
- Maintain a high level of personal hygiene.
- Comply with any information, instruction, or training that is provided.