1. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations
A College Guide to:
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

2. What is a Hazardous Substance?

3. Why do we need to control the use of hazardous substances?
Thousands of people are exposed to hazardous substances at work and if exposure is not properly controlled, it can cause serious illness, even death.

4. How do hazardous substances cause harm?

5. What are the routes of entry into the body?

6. What substances do you use?
Make a list of all the substances used.
Find out which of these substances are dangerous.

7. What is a COSHH Assessment?
A step-by-step process that involves:
Gathering information.
Evaluating the risks to health.
Deciding what needs to be done (control measures).
Record the assessment.
Periodic monitoring and review of the assessment.

8. 1. What information is available about each of the substances?

9. Look for Hazard Warning Labels

10. 2. How do you evaluate the risk from a substance?

11. 3. Do I need to do anything else?
Unless your assessment has shown that it is possible for most people to be exposed repeatedly without any adverse effects, then some form of action is going to be necessary to reduce the risks (Control Measures).

12. What is a Control Measure?
A control measure is the arrangement made or the precaution taken to eliminate or reduce the risk.

13. The hierarchy of risk control:
Elimination
Substitution
Enclose or isolate
Local exhaust ventilation
General ventilation
Good housekeeping
Limit exposure
Good welfare and personal hygiene
Information instruction and training
Personal protective equipment

14. Enclose the process

15. Isolate the process

16. Provide LEV to extract fumes

17. Provide LEV to extract dust

18. Good Housekeeping

19. Personal Protective Equipment

20. Why is providing information and training important?
What information and training should be provided?

21. 4. What records should be kept?
You need to keep records to demonstrate compliance with the COSHH Regulations.

22. 5. How do you Monitor the controls are working in practice?
Review the assessments if there are any changes in the circumstances of use or otherwise, every 5 years to ensure they are still relevant.

23. What are your responsibilities?
Control measures will only be effective if you play your part.

24. Information Available:
MSDS
Existing COSHH Assessments
Safe Use Information Sheets