COSHH - What does it stand for and other COSHH regulations

What does COSHH Stand for?

COSHH or Control of substances hazardous to health regulation is a law that requires employers to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health to protect employees and other persons from the hazards of substances. 

According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Employers can reduce or prevent the exposure to hazardous substances by carrying out the below checks - 

• finding out what the health hazards are;
• deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment);
• providing control measures to reduce harm to health;
• making sure they are used ;
• keeping all control measures in good working order;
• providing information, instruction and training for employees and others;
• providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases;
• planning for emergencies.

What is classed as a substance which is hazardous to health?

A substance is a matter which has a specific configuration and specific properties. We all use many materials and substances in our day to day working life, which could harm our health. Whether its paints, ink, glue, lubricant, detergent and beauty products (to name but a few), many of which can harm health, however if used properly, they almost never do.

The substances which make up part of COSHH incude any form of hazardous material, which includes - 

• Chemicals
• Products containing Chemicals
• Fumes
• Dusts
• Vapours
• Mists
• Nanotechnology
• Gases and asphyxiating gases
• Biological agents, bacteria and viruses

They are deemed hazardous if the can cause damage to the lungs, skin, nose, mouth, genes, internal organs, eyes or central nervouos system, as well as the risk of injury due to combustion or explosion.

Some substances are not covered within the COSHH regulations, as they have their own specific regulations. They are:

• Lead
• Asbestos
• Radioactive Substances

The principles to obtain effective and reliable control of your COSHH substances

Once the substances which could cause ill health are identified at the work place, there are a good set of principles to maintain effective and reliable control of COSHH products.

• Minimise emission, release and spread of substances hazardous to health
• Understand all relevant routes of exposure
• Choose control measures proportionate to the risk
• Choose effective control options
• Provide personal protective equipment if control of exposure cannot be achieved
• Check and regularly review the effectiveness of the control measures
• Provide training and information to all employees on the hazards and risks from substances which they work with.
• Has the introduction of the measures to control exposure increased the overall risks?

Here at Tanks Direct, we offer a range of COSHH compliant products which can help with the storage of COSHH substances.