1. Hazardous Substances

2. Hazardous substances Hazardous substances can enter the body via:
Inhalation
Ingestion
Injection
Absorption.

3. Hazardous substances Types of hazardous substance: Fumes and smoke
Dust
Liquids
Gases
Micro-organisms

4. Identify the warning signs for hazardous substances
Toxic
Corrosive
Irritant
Flammable
Oxidizing
Harmful
NEW
Dangerous to the Environment
Toxic
Corrosive
Harmful/Irritant
Oxidising
Compressed Gas
Health Hazard
Flammable
Explosive

5. Legal requirements The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations (COSHH)
These require the employer to consider:
Preventing exposure to hazardous substances
Replacing with a safer alternative
Changing the process to limit exposure
If this cannot be achieved:
ASSESS the risk from the
substance

6. The requirements of COSHH assessment
Identify the substances
Their use
Where used?
Identify who is at risk
Who comes into contact?
Assess the risk
What is the hazard?
The likelihood of harm occurring
The seriousness of injury that may occur 1 2 3

7. Control measures for hazardous substances
If these are not possible…
Enclose the process
Reduce the duration of exposure
Provide ventilation
Provide a safe system of work
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Provide training on all the above 1
Eliminate 2
Substitute 3
Change

8. COSHH training requirements
The employer must provide
information, instruction, training and
supervision on:
Risks from the hazardous substances
Control measures used
Spillage procedures
How to report problems or faults
Emergency procedures

9. Health surveillance requirements
For substances which are known to cause harm and disease, and that cannot be adequately & effectively controlled, the employer must carry out… !
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Pre-employment questionnaire
Visual examination
Sample testing