WHAT IS COSHH? AND WHAT ARE COSHH BASICS?

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by: 

• 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.

Most businesses use substances, or products that are mixtures of substances. Some processes create substances. These could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people.

Sometimes substances are easily recognised as harmful. Common substances such as paint, bleach or dust from natural materials may also be harmful. COSHH covers substances that are hazardous to health. Substances can take many forms and include:

Chemicals products containing chemicals fumes dusts vapours mists nanotechnology gases and asphyxiating gases and biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance. Germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.

Are you the owner or manager of a cafe, restaurant, bar or other food establishment? Find out how a 5 star food hygiene rating can help your business.