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COSHH - What does it mean to me?

What is COSHH?

COSHH is the ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’.

Why does it matter?

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put peoples’ health at risk. The COSHH Regulations require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances and to prevent the ill health of employees and others who may be exposed to hazardous substances in a work activity.

What is a hazardous substance?

Under COSHH Regulations a range of substances are regarded as hazardous to health. These include:

• Any substance or mixture classified as dangerous to health under the Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP).
• Any substance with a working exposure limit (WEL).
• Any biological agent connected with work, or incidental to work, such as exposure to legionella from poorly maintained water systems.
• Any kind of dust or particulate matter.
• Any other substance which creates a risk to health. This may include asphyxiants, pesticides, medicines, cosmetics and some substances produced in a chemical process.

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