Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Employers should maintain a CoSHH Register, carry out risk assessments and put in place control measures and bring the findings brought to the attention of employees. The risks associated with hazardous substances must be assessed and reduced as far as possible. Any control measures provided must be properly used, and maintained in efficient working order.

COSHH contains specific definitions of hazardous substances. Chemicals classified and labelled under the Chemicals (Hazards Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (as amended)) as being: -

• harmful or irritant (warning label is a St Andrew's cross).
• corrosive (warning label is two horizontal dripping test tubes over a hand and workbench).
• toxic or very toxic (warning label is a skull and crossbones).
• (All the warning labels are an orange square with an appropriate black symbol, and will be clearly displayed on chemical containers).

COSHH specifies several particular instances when health surveillance is considered appropriate, including when an identifiable disease or adverse health effect is associated with exposure to a hazardous substance, and this is reasonably likely to occur under the normal working conditions.

Employers must carry out an assessment of the risks to the health of employees and others from the use of potentially hazardous materials. Employees must be given information on any risks associated with hazardous substances they may be exposed to at work, along with the necessary control measures, and the results of any monitoring carried out (except where this includes personal health-related information which is confidential). They must also be instructed and trained in the use and limitations of any control measures provided.

Employees' must use any protective equipment and implement other control measures fully and properly and attend health or medical surveillance programmes where deemed necessary.

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