HSE issues COSHH reminder

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to businesses about the regulations regarding the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

The new guidance gives details on what substances the regulations apply to and how to implement them.

COSHH covers chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, nanotechnology, gases and asphyxiating gases, biological agents (germs) and germs that cause diseases.

It does not cover lead, asbestos or radioactive materials because these all have their own documentation.

In terms of how to manage substances under COSHH, in section 2a 'Good practice', it states that protective workwear must be provided.

"Where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide, in combination with other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment," point five says.

A COSHH assessment will help a business to identify all the substances in the workplace that could pose a risk to workers and the HSE provides 'A step by step guide to COSHH assessment' to help firms complete this essential process.

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