COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

Category: Loss control & prevention · Reviewed by Al Jabbar, Broker · Specialist Risks · Last reviewed

COSHH

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677), known as COSHH, require employers in Great Britain to prevent or adequately control employees’ exposure to substances hazardous to health.

Scope of “hazardous”

• Substances classified as toxic, harmful, irritant, corrosive or sensitising under the GB CLP Regulation.
• Substances with a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) listed in HSE EH40.
• Biological agents.
• Substantial concentrations of any dust.
• Any substance that creates a health risk by virtue of its properties or use.

It explicitly excludes asbestos (managed under CAR 2012), lead (CLAW 2002), radioactive materials and substances hazardous only because of explosive or flammable properties.

Duties

Eight principal duties under regulations 6–13:

1. Assess the risk (regulation 6) — a written COSHH assessment for each substance and process.
2. Prevent or control exposure (regulation 7) — hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.
3. Maintain control measures (regulation 9) — including planned maintenance and statutory examination of LEV (every 14 months).
4. Monitor exposure (regulation 10) where required.
5. Health surveillance (regulation 11) where appropriate.
6. Information, instruction and training (regulation 12).
7. Arrangements for accidents and emergencies (regulation 13).

Insurance relevance

EL and PL underwriters routinely request COSHH compliance evidence for manufacturing, construction, agricultural, healthcare, laboratory and cleaning risks. Occupational disease claims (occupational asthma, dermatitis, dermal sensitisation) are heavily influenced by COSHH compliance.

References

• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677).
• HSE ACOP L5 — Control of substances hazardous to health (Sixth edition).
• HSE EH40 — Workplace exposure limits.

Cross-references

• RIDDOR
• Display Screen Equipment regulations

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