What is COSHH?

COSHH means Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. COSHH is a regulation that requires employers to control substances and biological agents that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:

•    finding out what the health hazards are;
•    deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment);
•    providing control measures to reduce harm to health;
•    making sure they are used ;
•    keeping all control measures in good working order;
•    providing information, instruction and training for employees and others;
•    providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases;
•    planning for emergencies.

Most businesses use substances, or products that are mixtures of substances. Some processes create substances. These could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people.