The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) are designed to protect employees from risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. These can include chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, and biological agents.
Under COSHH, employers have a legal duty to control the use, storage, and handling of these substances to protect staff — and the wider public — from harm.
What Employers Must Do Under COSHH
Employers should:
-
Find out what the substance is and its hazardous qualities. Obtain the manufacturer’s safety data sheet.
-
Carry out a risk assessment to identify the risk, who is affected, how they may be affected, and the extent of the risk.
-
Introduce control measures to minimise the risk of harm.
-
Provide information, training, and instruction to staff to ensure they are aware of the risks and how to avoid or minimise them.
-
Ensure containers are clearly labelled.
-
Ensure containers are stored in secure, fire-resistant cabinets or rooms.
-
Provide monitoring and health surveillance systems.
-
Plan for emergencies.
COSHH Hazard Symbols and Their Meanings
-
Explosive – exploding bomb
-
Flammable – flame
-
Oxidising – flame over a circle
-
Corrosive – test tubes pouring on hand/surface
-
Acute Toxicity – skull and crossbones
- Hazardous to the Environment – dead tree and fish
-
Health Hazard – exclamation mark
-
Serious Health Hazard – silhouette with star on chest
-
Gas Under Pressure – gas cylinder
