Table of Contents
What is COSHH?
COSHH, an acronym for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, refers to hazardous materials that can affect the health of thousands of people every year. The COSHH regulation mandates the provision of a safe work environment for individuals exposed to dangerous or hazardous substances. This regulation emphasizes the responsibility of employers to implement certain control measures that minimize or eliminate the risk of exposure to hazardous substances.
Examples of the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances at work include lung disease due to dusty conditions, skin irritation, dermatitis or skin cancer resulting from frequent contact with oils or corrosive liquids, occupational asthma from sensitization to isocyanates in paints or adhesives, toxic fumes, and lung cancer.
COSHH Regulations
For HSE professionals and engineers, understanding the requirements of the COSHH regulation is critical. The legislative document provides a framework that safeguards people in the workplace against health hazards from hazardous substances. Furthermore, the COSHH 2002 regulation specifies the prohibition of many substances without formal approvals from regulatory authorities. These substances may be used directly in the workplace, such as cleaning chemicals, or may arise from the work, such as dust, fumes, and waste products.
COSHH follows a practical step-by-step approach to necessary precautions that offer cost benefits, improved morale, and industrial relations. The regulation applies to almost all substances hazardous to health, except asbestos and lead, which have their regulations, and substances that are hazardous due to their radioactive, asphyxiants, high-pressure/temperature, or explosive/flammable properties.
Definitions
What is Hazard?
A hazard refers to something that has the potential to cause harm, such as a dangerous condition, substance, or activity. Hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, or environmental in nature, and may lead to injury, illness, or damage to property. Identifying and controlling hazards is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment in the workplace, at home, and in other settings.
What is Risk?
Risk refers to the likelihood or probability of harm occurring as a result of exposure to a hazard. It takes into account the potential for harm, the likelihood of exposure, and the circumstances surrounding the situation. Risk assessment involves evaluating the risks associated with a hazard and determining the appropriate precautions or control measures to prevent harm from occurring. Managing and reducing risks is essential for promoting safety and minimizing the potential for accidents or injuries.
What COSHH requires?
- the assessment of risk
- deciding on necessary precautions
- preventing or controlling risks
- ensuring control measures are used and maintained
- monitoring exposure and health surveillance when necessary
- informing, instructing, and training employees about risks and precautions
COSHH Risk Assessment
COSHH Risk Assessment is a step-by-step approach that identifies hazards, evaluates the risks to people, and decides on the action needed to remove or reduce risks to insignificant levels. The assessment is the responsibility of the employer, and persons preparing it should have access to and understand COSHH, related legislation, codes of practice, and published guidance, consult widely within the workforce, inform them of results accordingly, and consider peripatetic workers who work for the employer on other premises.
FAQs
What is the purpose of COSHH?
The purpose of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations is to protect people in the workplace from health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.
What types of substances are covered by COSHH?
COSHH applies to virtually all substances that are hazardous to health, including those that can cause lung disease, skin irritation, dermatitis, occupational asthma, toxic fumes, and cancer. However, exceptions include asbestos and lead (which have their own regulations) and substances that are hazardous only because they are radioactive, asphyxiants, at high pressure/temperature, or have explosive/flammable properties.
What is the responsibility of employers under COSHH?
Under COSHH, employers are responsible for assessing the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace, deciding what precautions are needed, preventing or controlling the risks, ensuring that control measures are used and maintained, monitoring exposure and health surveillance where necessary, and informing, instructing and training employees about the risks and precautions needed.
What is a COSHH risk assessment
A COSHH risk assessment is a step-by-step approach to evaluating the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. This involves identifying the hazards, evaluating the risks to people, and deciding on the action needed to remove or reduce them to insignificant levels.
Why is it important to follow COSHH regulations?
It is important to follow COSHH regulations in order to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Failure to comply with COSHH regulations can result in serious health problems, legal liability, and financial penalties.
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