Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

What it covers

COSHH covers substances hazardous to health — chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, gases and biological agents — and how exposure to them at work is assessed and controlled.

Who it applies to

Employers, in respect of their employees and others who may be affected by work with hazardous substances.

Key duties

• Assess the risks to health from hazardous substances before work starts.
• Prevent exposure, or where that is not reasonably practicable, adequately control it.
• Make sure control measures are used, and maintained in efficient working order and good repair.
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) must be thoroughly examined and tested at least once every 14 months, or more often for certain processes, and records kept.
• Monitor exposure and provide health surveillance where required; provide information, instruction and training; plan for accidents and emergencies.

How Censiary helps

• Control equipment such as LEV held as assets, with examination dates and evidence.
• Assessments and method statements linked to the asset and the people doing the work (Censiary RAMS, available to demonstrate and adapt for your site).
• Inspection findings and photos kept with the asset record.