For employers, compliance managers, occupational hygienists and engineers managing hazardous substances, exposure controls and COSHH evidence. It is UK-focused and not legal advice.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require employers to assess the risks from hazardous substances and put control measures in place before work begins.
What a COSHH assessment covers
- The substances used and their hazards
- The routes and likely level of exposure
- Who is at risk
- The control measures and PPE required
- Monitoring and health surveillance where needed
The hierarchy of control
Exposure must be prevented where it is reasonably practicable to do so, or otherwise adequately controlled, applying the principles of good control practice and the workplace exposure limits.
Maintaining and testing controls
Control measures such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) must be maintained, and thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months, more often for certain processes.
COSHH on CertFlow
CertFlow links each substance to its assessment, safety data sheet, storage location and the PPE required, so the control measures are visible wherever the substance is used.