COSHH Regulations 2002 FAQs

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.

A substance hazardous to health that has one or more hazardous property. These substances come in many forms which includes:

• Chemicals
• Products containing chemicals
• Fumes
• Dusts
• Vapours
• Mists
• Nanotechnology
• Gases and asphyxiating gases
• Biological agents (germs)

The legislation for hazardous substances in the UK is The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations require employers to control exposure from any substances that may be hazardous to health. The Health and Safety Executive has produced a COSHH Essentials guidance note that helps explain Employers responsibilities and duties.

The internationally recognised system for COSHH symbols is called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and use pictograms and symbols to help recognise the chemicals risks.

These symbols distinguish the hazards associated with each particular substance. These pictograms appear in the shape of a diamond with a red border and white background.

A COSHH assessment focuses on the hazards and risks from substances in your workplace to establish controls to prevent harm.

A COSHH data sheet or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided by the supplier of a chemical or substance and provides information about the potential hazard/s a substance or chemical presents and provides information about safe handling, storage and emergency procedures.

Data sheets are not a replacement for a risk assessment – you need to undertake your own risk assessment separately however the SDS might be helpful in achieving a suitable assessment.

Effects from exposure to a hazardous substance vary depending on the substance – they can range from effects which might be acute and go away such as dermatitis to severe chronic effects such as respiratory diseases like asthma. Long-term or intense exposure can also cause diseases such as cancer.

There are a number of ways a worker might be exposed to a hazardous substance, including:

• Inhalation or breathing in substances
• Contact with the skin or eyes
• Ingestion swallowing a substance from contaminated hands
• Injection such puncturing the skin

Hazardous substances should be properly controlled and stored safely often being locked away safely from workers not authorised to use them or if there are vulnerable people who may be at risk of accidentally accessing them, such as patients, children or those with visual impairment.

Employers have a legal duty to provide information to their employees about workplace risks and hazards, as well as suitable instruction and training to use appropriate control measures.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations were first introduced in 1989 in the UK. They were established to protect workers from health risks arising from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

The regulations have since been updated, with the most recent version being the COSHH Regulations 2002, which incorporate amendments to ensure alignment with evolving workplace safety standards.

The COSHH Regulations cover the control of substances hazardous to health in the workplace to prevent illness or injury. They include guidance on identifying hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dust, biological agents, and nanomaterials, and require employers to assess and manage the risks associated with exposure.

The regulations also mandate measures such as proper storage, labelling, safe handling practices, and the provision of protective equipment, training, and monitoring to ensure workplace safety.

COSHH regulations generally do not apply to medications that are prescribed for personal use by individuals.

However, they do apply to hazardous substances, including some medications, when they are handled or used in a workplace setting, such as in pharmacies, hospitals, or laboratories. In these environments, employers must assess and control the risks associated with handling hazardous medications to protect workers’ health.

Asbestos is not covered under COSHH regulations because it is specifically regulated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 in the UK. These regulations provide detailed requirements for managing and working with asbestos to prevent exposure.

While COSHH deals with hazardous substances broadly, asbestos requires its own regulation due to the significant health risks it poses.

Under COSHH regulations, employers are responsible for protecting employees and others from the health risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing measures to control exposure, and providing adequate training and information to employees.

Employers must also ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances, as well as monitoring exposure levels and providing health surveillance where necessary.

The purpose of COSHH regulations is to protect workers and others from health risks posed by hazardous substances in the workplace. They aim to ensure that these substances are properly identified, assessed, and managed to prevent illness, injury, or long-term health issues.

By enforcing safe practices, COSHH helps maintain a healthier and safer working environment.

COSHH regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, along with local authorities. These bodies ensure compliance through workplace inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions.

Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines or prosecution, to protect workers’ health and uphold safety standards.

Under COSHH regulations, legal responsibilities fall on both employers and employees. Employers are required to assess and manage the risks of hazardous substances, provide training, and implement safety measures.

Employees also have responsibilities, such as following workplace safety procedures, using protective equipment correctly, and reporting any concerns about hazardous substances to their employer.

Both parties must work together to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment.

Failing to follow COSHH regulations can result in significant consequences, including harm to employees’ health, such as illness, injury, or long-term health conditions.

Employers who do not comply may face legal action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or local authorities, including fines, prosecution, or even imprisonment in severe cases.

Non-compliance can also damage an organisation’s reputation and lead to increased costs from compensation claims or disruptions to business operations.

Yes, COSHH regulations apply to cleaning products if they contain hazardous substances, such as strong acids, alkalis, or other chemicals that could pose health risks.

Employers must assess the risks associated with these products, provide appropriate training, and ensure safe storage, handling, and use. This includes supplying personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary and ensuring employees understand the potential hazards and how to manage them safely.

Under COSHH, employees must follow the safety procedures and guidelines provided by their employer for handling hazardous substances. They should use any personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied, follow safe working practices, and attend training sessions as required.

Employees are also responsible for reporting any safety concerns, incidents, or exposure to hazardous substances to their employer to ensure risks are managed effectively.