Coshh Control Measures
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers are legally required to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances. This involves implementing appropriate control measures to prevent harm or minimise risk.
In this guide, we’ll cover the eight principles of good control practice, key responsibilities for employers, examples of control equipment, and practical steps to maintain a safe working environment.
What is COSHH and Why is it Important?
COSHH regulations are designed to protect workers from hazardous substances, including chemicals, dust, vapours, gases, and biological agents. It governs how these substances are:
- Stored: Using suitable storage solutions to prevent spills, contamination, or unauthorised access.
- Handled and Used: Implementing safe working procedures and equipment to reduce exposure.
- Disposed of: Ensuring safe and legal disposal to avoid environmental and health risks.
Employers must conduct a COSHH risk assessment to identify potential hazards and determine the necessary control measures. If you employ five or more people, this risk assessment must be documented in writing.
The 8 Principles of Good Control Practice
These principles provide a structured approach to managing hazardous substances:
Minimise Emission, Release, and Spread
- Use enclosed systems, such as Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV), to capture hazardous substances at the source.
- Store hazardous substances in COSHH cabinets to minimise exposure risks.
Consider Routes of Exposure
- Understand how substances can enter the body (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact).
- Choose control measures that effectively block these routes, such as respiratory protective equipment (RPE) or protective clothing.
Choose Control Measures Proportionate to the Risk
- Implement controls appropriate to the hazard level. For high-risk substances, consider total enclosure systems or automated handling to eliminate human contact.
Choose Effective Control Options
- Combine multiple controls for maximum effectiveness, such as LEV systems paired with personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ensure all control measures are designed to handle the specific hazards of the substances used.
Personal Protective Equipment – The Final Control Option
- PPE should be a last resort after other control measures have been considered.
- Select PPE appropriate for the substance, such as gloves, goggles, or respirators.
- Regularly inspect and replace PPE to maintain its protective function.
Review the Effectiveness of Controls
- Conduct regular testing of control equipment, such as LEV systems, to ensure continued effectiveness.
- Keep records of examinations, maintenance, and repairs for at least five years to track equipment performance.
Provide Information and Training
- Employees must be trained on:
- Hazards of substances they work with. Correct use of control equipment and PPE. Emergency procedures, such as spill control and decontamination.
- Training records should be maintained and refreshed periodically.
New Measures, New Risks
- Any changes in substances, procedures, or equipment require a review of the existing COSHH risk assessment.
- New control measures must be evaluated for potential unintended risks.
Ways of Working and Procedural Controls
Effective COSHH control is not just about equipment - behaviour and procedures play a crucial role. Consider the following:
- Safe Operating Procedures: Clearly define methods for handling, using, and disposing of hazardous substances.
- Changing Work Practices: Reducing the frequency or duration of exposure, e.g., limiting the number of employees involved in high-risk tasks.
- Supervision and Training: Ongoing monitoring and education to ensure workers understand and follow control measures.
- Permits to Work: Implement permits for high-risk activities to ensure safety checks are completed before work begins.
Emergency Procedures and Spill Control
Employers must be prepared for potential accidents or exposure incidents:
- Emergency Plans: Include evacuation routes, first aid measures, and spill containment procedures.
- Spill Control and Clean-Up: Ensure quick and safe containment and decontamination to minimise harm and environmental impact.
- Decontamination Procedures: Proper cleaning methods and disposal of contaminated materials.
- PPE: Necessary for safe spill response and clean-up operations.
Check out our spill containment and spill response solutions to prepare your workplace for potential incidents
Maintaining and Testing Control Measures
- Regular Testing and Maintenance: Ensure control equipment is working effectively, including LEV systems and ventilation.
- Record Keeping: Document all tests, inspections, and repairs for at least five years.
- Periodic Reviews: Review control measures regularly, especially when introducing new substances or changing work procedures.
Promoting Useful COSHH Resources
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides an excellent employer guide:
- “Working with Substances Hazardous to Health: A Brief Guide to COSHH”.
- This guide is particularly useful for small businesses, trade unions, and health and safety representatives.
- It explains how to control hazardous substances and comply with COSHH Regulations.
Stay Compliant with SafetyBuyer
Navigating COSHH regulations can be complex, but compliance is essential to protect your employees and your business. SafetyBuyer offers a comprehensive range of:
- COSHH Cabinets for secure and compliant storage.
- Spill Control Kits to prepare for emergencies.
- PPE to provide necessary protection against hazardous substances.
- COSHH Information Stations to ensure safety data sheets and compliance information are easily accessible.
- First Aid Stations to handle incidents swiftly and effectively.
If you need help choosing the right control measures or equipment, contact us on 0800 043 1061. We're here to help you stay safe and compliant.
