When should COSHH be used?

When should COSHH be used?

COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’. COSHH is a set of regulations put in place to protect workers from ill health when working with specific substances and materials. Breach of COSHH regulations by an employer or employee is a crime, punishable by an unlimited fine.

Who needs to comply with COSHH?

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH Regulations), COSHH assessments are required by law, for any substances that are hazardous to health. So, to comply with COSHH, once you have identified these hazardous substances, you need to carry out COSHH assessments for them.

Why must COSHH be followed?

The purpose of COSHH is to reduce the number of people who become unwell due to being exposed to harmful substances. To help prevent accidents from occurring, certain regulations are put in place that should be followed, these include the regulations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

When did COSHH regulations start?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) were initially introduced in October 2002 under both the European Communities Act 1972 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. These re-enacted with amendments the Control of Substances Hazardous to Work Regulations 1999.

What is the purpose of COSHH regulations?

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances 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);

What should an employee do to comply with COSHH regulations?

Employee Responsibilities under COSHH

• Making use of control measures and facilities provided by the employer.
• Ensuring equipment is returned and stored properly.
• Reporting defects/insufficiencies in control measures.
• Wearing and storing personal protective equipment (PPE)

Which of the following is the first step to follow in complying with COSHH regulations?

There are 5 steps to a COSHH assessment: Evaluate the health risks. Select appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate the risks. Record your findings and implement your control measures. Monitor performance and review your assessment.

Is Coshh a legislation or regulation?

The occupational use of nanomaterials is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health and includes nanomaterials.

What is the purpose of Coshh regulations?

What is your role as an employee with regard to COSHH?

Employee Responsibilities under COSHH Making use of control measures and facilities provided by the employer. Ensuring equipment is returned and stored properly. Reporting defects/insufficiencies in control measures. Wearing and storing personal protective equipment (PPE)

What are PPE and COSHH risk assessment forms?

To compliment our sets of PPE and COSHH risk assessment forms we are putting out new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) policies. These will assist you to manage and monitor the necessary steps in order to comply with health and safety legislation in this area.

When to use personal protective equipment ( PPE )?

Employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for personal protective equipment. PPE should be used when all other measures are inadequate to control exposure. It protects only the wearer, while being worn.

What are the responsibilities of the COSHH regulations?

The COSHH Regulations impose duties on employers to safeguard the health and safety of employees and others (such as contractors and visitors) that may be affected by hazardous substances within the workplace through a combination of risk assessment, exposure control, monitoring, health surveillance and incident planning.

Why was COSHH put in place in the UK?

COSHH is a set of regulations put in place to protect workers from ill health when working with specific substances and materials. Breach of COSHH regulations by an employer or employee is a crime, punishable by an unlimited fine. COSHH was introduced to control the exposure of a business’ employees to hazardous substances.