What is COSHH?

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

COSHH training is extremely important for anyone using chemicals as part of their daily routine.

This article explains COSHH in more detail and outlines why it is important.

Is COSHH training a legal requirement?

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. You can prevent or reduce workers exposure to hazardous substances by:

finding out what the health hazards are;
deciding how to prevent harm to health with risk assessments;
providing control measures to reduce harm to health;
making sure they are used;
keeping all control measures in good working order;
providing information, instruction and training for employees and others;
providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases;
planning for emergencies.

Why is training in COSHH important & who is required to complete it?

The purpose of COSHH is to reduce the number of people who become unwell due to being exposed to harmful substances in the workplace.

13,000 estimated deaths each year are linked to past exposure at work, primarily to chemicals or dust*.

*Source Health and Safety Executive 2021

Anyone who works with substances hazardous to health is required to complete COSHH training to ensure they are clear on the dangers associated with using chemicals.

This includes cleaning and maintenance staff.

13,000 estimated deaths each year are linked to past exposure at work, primarily to chemicals or dust*.

Who is responsible for COSHH training?

Employers and Employees have their part to play. Here are a number of key responsibilities regarding COSHH laws:

EMPLOYERS

Exposure - Employers must prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances. This can include the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
Control measures - Implement control measures around hazardous substances and ensure these are maintained and kept up to date, in full working order and clean where appropriate.
Instruction - Provide employees with information, instruction and training around working with hazardous substances.
Procedures - Having procedures in place to deal with accidents and emergencies relating to hazardous substances.
Surveillance - Ensure employees exposed to hazardous substances are under adequate surveillance.
Risk assessments - Carry out COSHH risk assessments.
Limits - Ensure the use of hazardous substances doesn't exceed the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL).
Supervision - Check employees are carrying out tasks as they are supposed to.

EMPLOYEES

Employees have the responsibility to ensure that tasks are carried out safely to ensure no harm comes to themselves or others. These include:

Safety - Assist their fellow employees in creating a safe working environment. This can include supporting colleagues to abide by the regulations specific to their workplace.
Procedures - Follow the procedures put in place to stop accidents and overexposure.
PPE (personal protective equipment) - Wear the correct PPE including eye and noise protection. This includes ensuring all PPE is stored correctly in the appropriate place.
Reporting - Report and record all accident, spillages and breakages.
Check-ups - Attend medical check-ups when required to.
Cleaning - Use cleaning and showering facilities provided by employers in line with official procedures.
Training - Keep up to date with training provided by employers.

CLP symbols & COSHH

Under COSHH all persons at work need to know the safety precautions to take so as not to endanger thenselves or others through exposure to substances hazardous to health.

CLP symbols (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures) must always be displayed on chemicals which pose a risk.

These are explained in more detail within our online COSHH training or by clicking on the button below.

CLP symbols explained

COSHH Training

What does COSHH training involve?

Our training includes the following:

The 4 ways chemicals can harm you.
What to do in the event of a chemical accident.
The pH scale.
How to dilute chemicals safely.
Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) and what the hazard symbols mean.

Click here to begin our online COSHH training assessment

How long does COSHH training take to complete?

You can register online from our homepage for the COSHH training course or click on the link below, you can either log in to your account or provide an email address to start.

The training consists of 3 short videos followed by multiple choice questions and can be completed in around 20 minutes.

After successful completion of the course you will have the opportunity to download a certificate, you will also receive a copy to the email address you provide.

How long is COSHH training valid for?

It is our recommendation that you complete a refresher of your COSHH training every 12 months to ensure your knowledge of the subject is maintained and up to date.