Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

This website provides practical advice and guidance on the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. On the website you can find information on what the law requires and advice on completing COSHH assessments. 

• COSHH basics: What is a ‘substance hazardous to health’?; I’m self-employed. Does COSHH apply to me?; What you need to do; COSHH assessment; Substance substitution; Exposure limits; Chemical safety data sheets; Control measures; Permits to work; Personal protective equipment; Monitoring; Health surveillance; Training for employees; Emergencies.
• COSHH in more detail: COSHH, CLP and REACH; REACH and COSHH; Principles of good practice.
• COSHH and your industry: agriculture, baking, beauty, catering, cleaning, engineering, fumigation, hairdressing, offshore oil and gas, printing, motor vehicle repair, welding, woodworking.
• Frequently asked questions.

Resources:

• COSHH essentials: see the e-tool and the Direct advice sheets.
• Case studies: solderer, baker, cook, welders, isocyanates, dermatitis.
• Example risk assessments: office, DIY shop, workshop, engineer, sandwich maker, garden centre, paving company, feed mill, die caster, electronics, fruit farm, warehouse.
• Further information.
• Publications: e.g. Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH; Control of substances hazardous to health (Sixth edition) — L5; A step by step guide to COSHH assessment — HSG97.
• Research reports.