What does COSHH mean?
COSHH stands for the control of substances hazardous for health (COSHH)
Do I need a COSHH assessment?
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 states
"Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled."
A COSHH assessment can therefore be used to protect employees from hazardous substances.
What is a substance hazardous to health?
COSHH Regulations 2002 lists the following as substances hazardous to health, however it is worth noting that this list is not exhaustive:
Chemicals
Products containing chemicals
Fumes
Dusts
Vapours
Mists
Nanotechnology
Gases and asphyxiating gases and
Biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance.
Germs that cause disease such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.
Is there anything that a COSHH assessment will not be satisfactory for?:
Yes- HSE advises that the following are not covered under COSHH assessments:
Lead
Asbestos
Radioactive substances
These have different regulations governing their use.
How can HANDS HQ help with COSHH assessments?
HANDS HQ has an extensive COSHH library that we add to every week. Every COSHH assessment is created using the manufacturer data sheets. We will pull the relevant information required for COSHH assessment and present them in an easy to read format that will appear at the end of your projects.
You can edit the COSHH assessments to include site specific information including the quantity to be used and the exposure.
COSHH assessments are available for customers on advanced subscriptions and above. Please get in touch with support help@handshq.com if you are interested in COSHH assessments.