The Importance of COSHH Training in the Workplace

Why is COSHH training important? Every year, thousands of workers in Great Britain suffer from ill health caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 13,000 deaths annually are linked to past workplace exposures, while thousands more workers develop new respiratory conditions, occupational asthma, dermatitis, and other work-related illnesses.

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training helps employees understand the risks associated with hazardous substances, how to identify potential hazards, and the control measures required to work safely. By providing effective COSHH training, employers can reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and long-term health issues, while ensuring compliance with legal responsibilities. Ultimately, a well-trained workforce is better equipped to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the wider organisation from the harmful effects of hazardous substances.

What does COSHH mean?

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, a set of UK health and safety regulations designed to protect workers from hazardous substances in the workplace. The COSHH Regulations require employers to assess risks, implement appropriate control measures, and minimise employee exposure to substances that could cause harm to health.

Hazardous substances covered by COSHH include chemicals, dusts, fumes, vapours, gases, and biological agents. The regulations set out requirements for the safe storage, handling, use, and disposal of these substances to help prevent workplace injuries, occupational illnesses, and long-term health problems. By following COSHH regulations, employers can create a safer working environment and ensure compliance with UK health and safety law.

What does COSHH cover?

COSHH covers any substance that can be hazardous to health in the workplace. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, employers must assess and control the risks associated with hazardous substances to protect employees and others who may be affected.

Substances covered by COSHH include chemicals, products containing chemicals, dusts, fumes, vapours, mists, gases, biological agents, and nanomaterials. Exposure to these substances can occur through inhalation, skin or eye contact, ingestion, or injection and may result in occupational illnesses, injuries, respiratory conditions, skin disorders, or other serious health problems. Some hazardous substances may also present additional risks, such as fire or explosion hazards.

By identifying hazardous substances and implementing appropriate control measures, organisations can reduce workplace risks and comply with COSHH regulations. To learn more about the dangers associated with hazardous substances, read our guide to COSHH hazards every business should know.

What are the COSHH symbols and their meanings?

COSHH symbols are internationally recognised hazard pictograms used to identify substances that may pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, containers holding hazardous substances must display the appropriate hazard symbols to warn users of potential dangers and the precautions required when handling them.

There are nine COSHH hazard symbols, each representing a specific type of risk:

Explosive symbol

warns that a substance can potentially explode if not handled and stored with extreme care. People should only use these substances with specialised training and supervision. This symbol marks explosives such as fireworks and ammunition.

Flammable symbol

warns that a substance can easily ignite and burn quickly. This symbol marks flammable substances or products such as industrial solvents, cleaners, adhesives, paints, waxes, and polishes. People must keep flammable substances away from heat, sparks or open flames.

Oxidising symbol

warns about substances that can cause a dangerous reaction with other substances. This reaction could start a fire or explosion and increase the intensity of a fire. Oxidisers can be dangerous when using or storing them near heat, sparks or open flames. Oxidisers are common in most workplaces, and it is usually present in bleach. Therefore, hairdressers and cleaners should be mindful about how they use and store their bleaching products. The Oxidising COSHH symbol is also present on medical oxygen cylinders.

Corrosive symbol

warns about substances that can damage living tissue or any other material if they come into contact with it. Corrosive substances can damage metals or other strong materials and severely injure skin and eyes. If a person breathes in or swallows a corrosive product, it can burn their nose, throat, or stomach. For example, corrosive substances are present in bleach, drain cleaner and pesticides. They are also present in activities such as printing and preserving food. Workers must wear PPE to ensure that they do not come into contact with a corrosive substance and suffer harm.

Toxic symbol

means that a substance can cause severe health damage, even if a person is exposed to a small amount and for a short time. If a person swallows, inhales or touches the substance with bare skin, the consequences can be fatal. Toxic substances should be substituted with safer alternatives, otherwise they must be handled with extreme care. If a person does come into contact with a toxic substance, they must seek immediate medical advice. For instance, the toxic symbol label is present on pesticides, biocides and methanol.

Hazardous to the environment symbol

warns about substances that can cause serious immediate or long-term damage to one or more components of the environment if people use or dispose of them incorrectly. This symbol is present on containers that hold pesticides, petrol, turpentine and biocides. These substances cause damage in rivers and lakes, so people should never pour them down the drain.

Health hazard symbol

means that a substance can cause harm to health. If a person swallows, inhales or touches these substances, they may feel drowsy or dizzy. Also, they may experience eye irritation, respiratory problems or allergic reactions. For example, the Health hazard symbol is present on washing detergents, toilet cleaners and coolant fluid.

Serious health hazard symbol

symbol warns that a substance can severely damage a person’s health or can even be fatal if they ingest or inhale it. Small exposures to these substances over a long period of time can cause asthma, allergies, cancer, infertility or genetic defects. For instance, the serious health hazard symbol is present on turpentine and petrol containers.

Gas under pressure symbol

is present on containers that store pressurized gas, such as gas containers, cylinders and air conditioning units. The symbol warns that a gas container may explode when heated and cause a fire. This symbol is also present on refrigerated gas containers, which could cause cryogenic injuries and burns if they are damaged.

Who needs COSHH training?

Anyone who works with or around hazardous substances can be affected by COSHH. Hazardous substances are used in a wide range of industries, including cleaning, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, transport, utilities, laboratories, agriculture, beauty and hairdressing, and even office environments. As a result, millions of workers may be exposed to substances that can pose risks to their health if they are not handled correctly.

Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to serious health problems, including occupational asthma, respiratory diseases, skin disorders, chemical burns, and certain types of cancer. Some substances can also create fire and explosion hazards, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The level of risk varies between occupations, but understanding COSHH hazards, recognising COSHH symbols, and following safe working practices are essential for anyone who may come into contact with hazardous substances at work.

By providing effective COSHH training, employers can help workers identify risks, reduce exposure, and maintain a safer and healthier workplace.

Who is responsible for COSHH compliance?

The primary responsibility for COSHH compliance rests with employers. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, employers must identify hazardous substances, carry out COSHH risk assessments, implement appropriate control measures, and minimise employee exposure to substances that could harm health. They are also responsible for providing suitable information, instruction, and COSHH training, maintaining control measures, monitoring exposure levels, and ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.

However, COSHH compliance is a shared responsibility. Employees must follow workplace health and safety procedures, use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly, report hazards and defects, and follow safe working practices when handling hazardous substances. They should also cooperate with their employer by following the findings of COSHH risk assessments and adhering to the control measures that have been put in place.

What is a COSHH Risk Assessment?

A COSHH risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify hazardous substances in the workplace, evaluate the risks they pose, and determine the control measures needed to protect employees. Employers must carry out COSHH risk assessments wherever hazardous substances are present to ensure compliance with COSHH Regulations and reduce the risk of workplace illness and injury.

Effective COSHH compliance begins with a thorough risk assessment. By identifying hazards, assessing exposure risks, and implementing suitable controls, organisations can reduce the likelihood of workplace illnesses, injuries, fires, and other incidents involving hazardous substances. For more guidance on creating a safer workplace, read our article on how to improve health and safety in the workplace.

What are employer’s responsibilities under COSHH?

In order for employers to comply with COSHH Regulations 2002, the following measures must be taken, employers must:

1. Have a written risk assessment

Have a written risk assessment for any substances that workers are using or producing within the workplace that are hazardous to health. The risk assessment must name the substances that are harmful, specify who is in danger and how, and evaluate the risks. If your company doesn’t have someone to carry out adequate checks, you may be interested in our online risk assessment course.

2. Decide on precautions to prevent exposure

Decide on precautions to prevent exposure, such as replace a substance with a safer alternative or change work practices so that people are less exposed to the harmful substance. For example, a factory might lower the temperature to minimise the amount of harmful vapour getting into the air. As a result, people don’t inhale it.

3. Prevent exposure

Prevent exposure to hazardous substances if it is reasonably practical to do so. Otherwise, apply measures to adequately control exposure to the hazardous substance. For example, increase ventilation, reduce the time workers are exposed to a harmful substance, provide PPE and display warning signs.

4. Use and maintain control measures

Ensure that a workplace uses and maintains control measures to reduce exposure to a substance hazardous to health. Control measures include reviewing work systems, examining ventilation, cleaning the workspace and equipment, or assessing quality and effectiveness of PPE. Employers must review these measures regularly.

5. Keep track of exposure to any hazardous substances

Keep track of exposure to any hazardous substances in the workplace. Also, ensure that it does not exceed legal workplace exposure limits.

6. Conduct health surveillance

Conduct and record health surveillance in appropriate cases to assess employees’ health regarding exposure to hazardous substances.

7. Plan for emergencies

Plan for emergencies to conduct essential procedures in an emergency involving a hazardous substance.

8. Provide information, instructions and training

Provide information, instructions and training for employees and anyone that can be exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. They must be are aware of the substances they are using and the risks associated with exposure to these substances. Most importantly, employees understand the precautions they should take and emergency procedures they must follow.