COSHH — Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Using hazardous substances can put people's health at risk. COSHH requires employers to:
- Assess health risks to technicians and others.
- Act to prevent or control exposure to substances.
- Provide and maintain safety control measures.
- Monitor and record measures and employees' health.
What is a hazardous substance?
Hazardous substances include any material, mixture or compound used or produced at work which is harmful to peoples' health in the form in which it occurs in the workplace. They are found in nearly all workplaces — factories, bridges, oil platforms, office blocks. They can include:
- Substances used directly in work activities — glues, paints, cleaning agents.
- Substances generated during work activities — rock-wool or cement dust, new compounds from mixing chemicals.
- Naturally occurring substances — pigeon droppings, blood, bacteria, grain and dust.
MSDS and CHIP
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP) require commercial chemicals to be supplied with a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which provides information about the types of hazards involved in handling, storing and transporting the material.
It should provide a list of active ingredients as well as information about disposal hazards and any adverse effects on the environment.
This information may not be sufficient to safeguard your health and safety. You should produce a COSHH risk assessment in order to:
- Eliminate the need for the substance if possible.
- Substitute it for a less hazardous material.
- Change the nature of the substance (dilution, pellets instead of powder).
- Look at methods to minimise risk.
Any residual risk can then be lessened by the use of PPE.