What is COSHH?

COSHH is an important part of workplace safety for many engineering, fabrication and manufacturing businesses. If your workplace uses oils, chemicals, sprays, dusts, fumes or cleaning products, COSHH is likely to apply.

The regulations are designed to help protect employees from substances that could damage their health if not properly controlled 

What Does COSHH Mean?

COSHH stands for:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

 

COSHH can apply to many common substances found in engineering and workshop environments, including:

Cutting oils & coolants
Welding fumes
Solvents & degreasers
Paints & thinners
Adhesives
Dust from grinding or cutting
Cleaning chemicals
Smoke & vapours
Battery acids
Metalworking fluids

Some substances may cause immediate harm, while others can create long term health problems after repeated exposure.

What Does COSHH Require Employers To Do?

Under COSHH regulations, employers should:

Identify Hazardous Substances

Workplaces should identify any substances that could harm health.

This often includes reviewing:

  • labels
  • product information
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Assess the Risks

Businesses should assess:

  • how substances are used
  • who may be exposed
  • what harm could occur
  • how exposure can be controlled

This is commonly documented using COSHH assessments.

Control Exposure

Employers should reduce exposure wherever reasonably practicable.

Examples may include:

  • extraction systems
  • ventilation
  • enclosed processes
  • safe storage
  • limiting contact time
  • good housekeeping

Provide PPE Where Required

Suitable personal protective equipment may include:

  • gloves
  • eye protection
  • respirators
  • protective clothing

PPE should be appropriate for the substance and task.

Provide Information & Training

Employees should understand:

  • the risks involved
  • safe handling procedures
  • emergency arrangements
  • correct PPE usage 

What is a COSHH Assessment?

A COSHH assessment is a document used to identify hazardous substances and outline the control measures required to reduce risk.

A typical COSHH assessment may include:

Substance name
Hazard information
Exposure risks
Required PPE
First aid measures
Storage requirements
Spill response
Safe handling procedures

These assessments help businesses organise and communicate safe working practices

See COSHH Risk Assessments Here

Compliance without the Costs..