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COSHH: Managing Hazardous Substances Safely in the Workplace

  • Writer: Myra Abordo
    Myra Abordo
  • Sep 10
  • 2 min read
A worker in full protective PPE, including gloves, respirator, and coveralls, handling hazardous substances safely in a workplace environment.

Workplaces handle a wide range of chemicals and hazardous substances daily—from cleaning agents to industrial chemicals. Even small exposures, if unmanaged, can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory problems, skin conditions, burns, or long-term illnesses. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) provides a structured approach to help organisations identify, assess, and control these risks effectively.


Why COSHH Matters:

  • Exposure to hazardous substances is one of the leading causes of occupational illness in the UK.

  • Without proper control measures, substances can cause immediate injuries, long-term health conditions, or chronic illnesses.

  • COSHH compliance is a legal requirement under UK health and safety law.


Practical Steps for Compliance:

  1. Identify Hazardous Substances: Understand which substances in your workplace could be harmful. This can include chemicals, powders, fumes, or biological agents.

  2. Conduct Risk Assessments: Assess how employees might be exposed, considering duration, concentration, and potential health effects.

  3. Implement Control Measures: Introduce safety measures such as safe storage, appropriate PPE, proper ventilation, and safe handling procedures.

  4. Provide Staff Training: Ensure employees understand how to safely handle substances, recognise risks, and know what to do in the event of an incident.

  5. Monitor and Review: Regularly inspect equipment, storage, and procedures to maintain safe practices and compliance with regulations.


Examples of COSHH in Practice:

  • Cleaning staff wearing gloves and masks when handling strong detergents.

  • Ventilated storage and spill kits for laboratories or workshops with chemicals.

  • Updating employees on new substances, regulations, or revised handling procedures through regular training sessions.


Benefits of Proper COSHH Management:

  • Reduces the risk of workplace illnesses and injuries.

  • Protects employees from long-term health problems.

  • Ensures compliance with UK health and safety law.

  • Creates a safer, more confident, and informed workforce.


Ensure your team handles hazardous substances safely. Contact us today to know more about COSHH assessments or explore Base Solutions’ COSHH Training Courses to provide practical knowledge and skills for effective workplace safety.

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