What does COSHH mean?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.

The COSHH regulations require employers to take actions to prevent or significantly reduce their workers’ exposure to any substances that would be hazardous to their health. This would include any dangerous substance that could affect a worker in the short term, for example if a cleaner splashed bleach on their hands or eyes. It would refer to any substances that could cause long term ill-health, such as asthma from work place fumes and dust. It also applies to possible situation that exposes the worker to substances that could cause severe health issues in later life, such as possible carcinogens.

Ideally the exposure to potentially hazardous substances in the workplace should be prevented completely. If this is not possible there may be a way to replace dangerous substances with safer options, or if it is not reasonably possible to prevent this entirely, then exposure to dangerous substances and conditions be controlled by methods such as protection, enclosure and ventilation.

What do we mean by ‘Hazardous Substances’?

Hazardous substances are substances that are used or present in many workplaces which are dangerous to a person’s health.

Hazardous substances may take many different forms, including solids, dust, liquids, mists and gaseous fumes, and include certain chemicals, dusts, bacteria and other micro organisms, as well as any other substance which has comparable health effects. Exposure to hazardous substances by skin contact, inhalation and ingestion can adversely affect the body in many different ways

The COSHH regulations apply to almost all substances hazardous to health. There are some exceptions such as asbestos and lead, and substances that are hazardous only because they are radioactive, asphyxiants, at high pressure/temperature or have explosive/flammable properties. These exceptions have their own special regulations.

Who is responsible?

It is an employer’s responsibility to safeguard the health and safety of their employees and other people in teh workplace who’s health might be affected in any way by their business.

Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve the safest possible environment. The employer must make sure that the control measures to minimise exposure to dangerous substances are set up and adhered to. If necessary they must monitor exposure and health surveillance may be required under some circumstances.

Workers are also obligated to take care of their own health and safety and also to safeguard others who may be affected by their actions at work. Workers must co-operate with employers and co-workers to help everyone meet their legal requirements, in order to maintain a safe workplace environment for everybody.

Employers are required to maintain a safe environment for their staff, and may have to provide a safety statement to demonstrate an awareness of safety issues. Many companies who do not require full time services outsource the health and safety manager tasks to third parties such as heath and safety manager.

What Chemical Safety Training is Required?

Employers and employees who work with chemical hazards in the workplace are required to demonstrate that they are aware and competent to work in the presence of dangerous substances, and can follow designated procedures to minimise any health risks to themselves and to their co-workers.

The easiest and fastest way to obtain the required certification is by completing a chemical safety training course online. This can be done at your own pace and in comfortable surroundings, and does not incur an travel time or expense.

It is important to choose a suitable chemical training course that provides a certificate as a result of completing a test at the end of the course to demonstrate that the candidate is fully aware of all the information, including risks and best practices, which are an  integral part of the chemical safety awareness course.

We work with our partners to offer a course for Chemical Safety Training Online, in which you can learn what you need to know to handle hazardous substances in your workplace with a convenient, concise, online chemical safety awareness course. This Online Chemical Safety Training Course for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health or COSHH provides you with the information you need  to handle hazardous substances in your workplace in a single convenient, concise, online chemical safety awareness course.