Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

(COSHH)

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people's health at risk. The law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health.

They have to protect both employees and others who may be exposed by complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. COSHH is a useful tool of good management which sets out eight basic measures that an employer and employees must take.

If as an employer you fail to adequately control hazardous substances, your employees or others become ill. Effect from hazardous substances can range from mild eye irritation to chronic lung disease or the occasional death. This may:

• Result in lost production to your business

• Leave you liable to enforcement action, including prosecution under the COSHH regulations

• Result in civil claims from your employees

There are positive benefits to you from carefully following the requirements of COSHH:

• Improve productivity as a result of using effective controls

• Improve moral

• Better employee understanding and compliance with Health & Safety requirements

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 are you compliant with current legislation?

• Are you aware of your legal duties as an employer?

• Do you know how to assess the risk?

• Do you know how to prevent or control exposure?

• Are your employee's aware of the risks?

Are you aware of which substances are regarded as hazardous to health under COSHH?

1st Aid, Food Hygiene and Health & Safety Training Courses in The East Midlands