Compliance hub / Sector guide
COSHH — Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Almost every workplace handles substances covered by COSHH — solvents, cleaning chemicals, fuels, dusts, fumes, biological agents. The regulations don't ban these substances; they require you to understand and control the risk before workers are exposed.
What the law says
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) require employers to: assess the risk from each hazardous substance, prevent exposure where reasonably practicable, control exposure where prevention isn't, monitor exposure, carry out health surveillance where required, and train and inform workers. Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are set in HSE document EH40 and updated annually.
Recommended starter spec
- COSHH assessment for every hazardous substance, signed and dated, reviewed annually.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) held on file for every substance — current within 2 years.
- Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) thoroughly examined every 14 months.
- Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) face-fit tested for every wearer.
- Spill kit appropriate to the substances stored, located where spills are likely.
- Eyewash stations and emergency showers tested weekly and recorded.
Common gaps we find
- Generic COSHH assessment copied from supplier rather than site-specific.
- SDS files years out of date with new hazard classifications.
- RPE issued without face-fit testing — invalid for compliance.
- LEV in use past its 14-month examination date.
- Spill kits incomplete after a previous use.
This guide is for general information. A site-specific risk assessment by a competent person is required under the relevant regulations.