Do you know… your duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002?

What is a substance hazardous to health?

A substance hazardous to health is a substance or mixture with the potential to cause harm if they are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact, or are absorbed through the skin.
Substances can take many forms and include:
- 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.

What is NOT a substance hazardous to health?

I am self-employed, does this apply to me?

Yes. If you have employees (you control their work), every part of COSHH applies. If you have no employees (but you take hazardous substances to other people’s premises), all parts of COSHH regulations apply except those about monitoring and health surveillance.

Do I have to provide my employees with a copy of the COSHH assessment?

Employers must provide information about the hazards, risks and control measures, and instruction and training to use the control measures.
All employers must carry out a risk assessment and those employing five or more employees must also record significant findings.
This record needs to be accessible so that safety representatives, inspectors, etc. can examine it.

Do I need to record COSHH assessments on a specific form?

No. Risk assessments may vary in their complexity, so you are free to use something that works for you.

How can Logic assist?

We can help produce COSHH assessments for you.
We can offer guidance and support to allow you to meet your legal obligations in this area.
We can review your existing COSHH assessment documents.
We can provide training on many aspects of COSHH, including our COSHH awareness course.