Guide to COSHH

A GUIDE TO COSHH

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations act as a legal framework designed to help employers protect staff and visitors from exposure to harmful substances.

Summary

Which substances are hazardous

How to adhere to COSHH REGS

Risk Assessments

PPE

Staff training

RISK ASSESSMENTS

The lab manager or other relevant specialist should identify all hazards within the lab and determine the correct control methods to prevent them from causing harm to health. Employers must:

• Ensure that staff are aware of RAs
• Complete Risk Assessment training with staff

• Guarantee safety equipment is up-to-date
• Provide adequate PPE

FUMES

CHEMICALS

Which substances are hazardous?

VAPOURS

DUSTS

GASES

MISTS

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS

NANOTECHNOLOGY

ADHERING TO REGULATION

• Take a look at the specific HSE page for your industry • Walk around your workplace and make a note of all substances used in your lab that could cause harm • Identify personnel who could be at risk of exposure to substances • Provide staff with training related to the substances they regularly use

PPE

If there are harmful substances and risks within the work environment, then PPE can prove invaluable. Consider which risks are apparent and how certain equipment could mitigate them. • Respirators • Eye protection • Protective gloves • Protective footwear

STAFF TRAINING

Training and monitoring should be a necessity within your lab. After all, a fully trained team and a safety-oriented workplace can help your lab to stay happy, healthy and functional.