Hazardous Substances
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Hazardous Substances

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Soldering

Compressed Gases and Steam

Transport of Dangerous Substances

Ventilation

Common Questions

Key Points

There must be a specific COSHH risk assessment for any activity that could expose anyone to a hazardous substance, including any infectious agent. The assessment must be carried out by a competent person and specify the risks of the activity.

If the assessment shows that risks have not been reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable, the manager responsible for the activity must take whatever steps are necessary to reduce risks accordingly, and must ensure that staff involved receive suitable information, instruction and training.

Manufacturers or suppliers of products must provide information and instruction (product/material safety data sheet or MSDS) on their safe use, and usually these precautions will be sufficient. Information and training should be provided as required, and any recommended personal protective equipment such as gloves or goggles made available, used and effectively supervised.

Where potentially higher risk materials are in use, it will also be necessary to carry out a detailed risk assessment on the use and storage of materials. Assistance can be provided by contacting BBC Safety. Further detailed information on COSHH can be found on the HSE website.