Understanding COSHH & COSHH Risk Assessments
Workplaces across the UK use substances to carry out work activities. These substances could harm employees, contractors, and even members of the public. Substances from everyday cleaning products through to solvents, fuels, and industrial chemicals all carry risks if not handled and managed correctly.
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations place legal duties on employers to prevent or reduce exposure to substances that could cause harm to health.
Examples of substances covered by COSHH include:
- Chemicals such as solvents, acids, and alkalis
- Fumes, dusts, vapours, and gases
- Biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses, moulds)
- Products containing hazardous ingredients, such as cleaning agents or paints
It is important to note that COSHH does not usually cover asbestos, lead, or radioactive substances, as these are controlled by separate, specific regulations.
Why COSHH Matters
Exposure to hazardous substances can result in both short-term and long-term health issues, including:
- Skin irritation, dermatitis, or chemical burns
- Breathing difficulties, occupational asthma, or lung damage
- Headaches, nausea, or poisoning
- Increased risk of serious conditions such as cancer
By following COSHH requirements, employers protect their workforce, meet their legal responsibilities, and avoid the costs of ill health, enforcement action, and reputational damage.
What is a COSHH Assessment?
A COSHH assessment is the process of identifying hazardous substances in the workplace, evaluating the risks, and deciding on appropriate control measures to implement.
The assessment should cover:
- Substance identification – what is it, and how can it harm.
- Exposure routes – examples include: Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection or instilling through the eyes.
- Who could be exposed – persons such as Workers, cleaners, contractors, visitors or members of the public.
- Exposure level and frequency – how often is the chemical being used and in what quantities.
- Control measures – ways to eliminate or reduce risk (e.g. using a less harmful substance, ventilation, or PPE).
- Emergency procedures – Spill response, first aid measures, and reporting.
Employers should record these findings and keep assessments up to date by reviewing them regularly, if working practices or processes change, new substances are introduced, if a substance’s composition changes, or after an incident.
Control Measures under COSHH
The COSHH hierarchy of control requires employers to consider the following, in order:
- Eliminating the hazardous substance altogether
- Substituting with a safer alternative
- Implementing engineering controls (e.g. extraction systems)
- Using safe systems of work (procedures, training, supervision)
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last line of defence
Control measures must be properly maintained, monitored, and supported by adequate training.
The Importance of Training
Even the best COSHH assessment will only be effective if employees understand the risks and know how to work safely. That’s why training in general COSHH awareness is so important. Workers need to be able to recognise hazard symbols, follow safe systems of work, and use control measures — including using PPE correctly.
It’s also essential that employees are familiar with the findings of your COSHH assessments. This doesn’t have to be complicated — key points from a COSHH risk assessment can be shared through a short toolbox talk or safety briefing. By breaking down the hazards, controls, and emergency procedures into a simple, workplace-specific context, employers can ensure staff are engaged, informed, and able to act safely in practice.
Regular refresher training and updates, provided whenever new substances or processes are introduced, will help maintain robust COSHH management practices, which can be an integral part of an effective health and safety management system. Further training on general COSHH considerations can also be delivered as a short course, helping employees build a deeper understanding of how to identify risks and protect themselves at work.
Practical Example
Let’s look at a practical example. Imagine a vehicle maintenance workshop using brake cleaner spray. The COSHH assessment would identify risks such as:
- Inhalation of harmful vapours
- Skin contact leading to irritation or burns
- Eye splashing if the spray or liquid enters the eyes during use
Control measures might include:
- Switching to a less harmful cleaning product where possible — although in this case a specific product may be required, making substitution difficult
- Using sprays in a well-ventilated area
- Wearing protective gloves and safety glasses or goggles to guard against splashes
- Ensuring an eye-wash station is available and staff know how to use it
- Having access to washing facilities and clean clothes in case of contamination
- Storing aerosols securely and away from ignition sources
- Providing training on safe use and emergency spill procedures
Together, these measures significantly reduce the likelihood of exposure and make sure staff can work safely when handling hazardous cleaning products.
How Practical Safety Ltd Can Help
At Practical Safety Ltd, we understand that managing COSHH obligations can feel daunting for many organisations. That’s why we provide:
- Support in carrying out tailored COSHH assessments for your workplace
- Practical advice on selecting and implementing effective control measures
- Training for employees so they know how to safely handle hazardous substances
- Ongoing reviews to keep your documentation compliant and up to date
Our goal is to make health and safety straightforward, helping you protect your people while staying compliant with UK regulations.
Conclusion
COSHH is not just about paperwork. It’s about protecting people from real risks that can cause lasting harm. A well-done COSHH assessment is practical, specific to the workplace, and ensures that everyone knows how to work safely around hazardous substances.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
*Disclaimer: This blog provides general information on COSHH and COSHH assessments in the UK. It is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your organisation, consult the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and a competent health and safety professional. Practical Safety Ltd aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is incorrect, incomplete, or out of date.
