Coshh Employee Responsibilities

Working with hazardous substances comes with risks, but by following the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, you can keep yourself and others safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Section 7), every employee has a duty to:

• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or inactions.
• Cooperate with their employer to enable them to meet legal health and safety obligations.

In simple terms, this means following safety rules, using equipment correctly, and reporting issues to prevent accidents or harm. Here’s what you need to know about your responsibilities under COSHH and how you can contribute to a safer workplace.

Use Control Measures and Safety Equipment

Your employer will provide control measures to reduce your exposure to hazardous substances. It’s your responsibility to:

• Use control measures correctly: This includes equipment like ventilation systems, extraction units (e.g., Local Exhaust Ventilation - LEV), and safety enclosures.
• Report any defects: If equipment isn’t working properly or is damaged, inform your employer immediately.
• Assist in maintaining a safe environment: Help keep work areas tidy and free from hazardous spills or leaks.
• Return equipment to its correct storage place after use to avoid accidents or contamination.

Wear and Maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is your last line of defence against hazardous substances. You must:

• Wear the correct PPE as instructed, such as gloves, goggles, masks, or protective clothing.
• Store PPE correctly: Keep it clean, dry, and in good condition to ensure it continues to provide protection.
• Remove PPE before eating or drinking to avoid contamination.
• Check PPE regularly for damage and report any defects to your supervisor.

Browse our range of personal protective equipment designed to keep you safe at work.

Follow Safety Procedures and Training

To keep yourself and your colleagues safe:

• Follow all safety protocols and operating procedures: This includes safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Attend all safety training sessions: Stay up to date with the latest safety practices, emergency procedures, and proper use of control equipment.
• Comply with any information, instruction, or training provided by your employer.
• Assist colleagues in maintaining a safe working environment by sharing safety knowledge and encouraging good practices.

Maintain Personal Hygiene

Hazardous substances can be absorbed through the skin or ingested if proper hygiene isn’t maintained. You must:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking.
• Use washing, showering, or bathing facilities provided by your employer if required by your role.
• Maintain a high level of personal hygiene to reduce the risk of contamination.

Report Defects, Accidents, and Concerns

Under COSHH regulations, you are legally required to:

• Report any defects in control measures, equipment, or PPE to your employer.
• Report accidents, spillages, and breakages immediately, no matter how minor they seem.
• Participate in health surveillance programmes if required by your employer to monitor your health for signs of exposure.
• Notify your employer of any symptoms or concerns related to hazardous substance exposure.

Make reporting and compliance easier with our COSHH Information Stations, designed to keep safety data sheets and reporting forms easily accessible.

Know the Emergency Procedures

In the event of an accident or exposure, you must:

• Follow the emergency procedures set out by your employer, including evacuation routes and first aid measures.
• Know the location of emergency exits, eye wash stations, and spill kits.
• Communicate effectively during emergencies using the systems provided, such as radios or public address systems.
• Report incidents immediately so that proper action can be taken, and records can be kept for investigation and prevention.

Stay prepared with our emergency equipment, including spill kits and eyewash stations to handle accidents swiftly and safely.

Work Together for a Safer Workplace

Safety at work is a shared responsibility. By understanding and following your duties under COSHH, you protect not only yourself but also your colleagues. Remember:

• Your actions can directly impact the safety of others.
• Cooperate with your employer by using control measures, attending training, and reporting issues.
• Lead by example to create a positive safety culture at your workplace.

If you have any questions about your responsibilities or the safety equipment needed for your role, speak to your supervisor or safety representative.

Stay Safe with SafetyBuyer

Protecting yourself and your colleagues starts with understanding your COSHH responsibilities. SafetyBuyer offers a wide range of products to support safe working practices, including:

• COSHH & Flammable Storage Cupboards
• COSHH Information Stations to keep safety data sheets and compliance information accessible.
• First Aid Stations to respond effectively to accidents or exposure incidents.

If you need help choosing the right safety equipment, contact us on 0800 043 1061. Your safety is our priority.