What is COSHH?

The aim of the COSHH is to prevent the use of substances that are hazardous to the health of the employees. The various that may cause hazardous to health include chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapors, mists and gases, and biological agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, etc. However COSHH is not applied over the substances like lead, asbestos or radioactive substances as separate rules and regulations are designed for these substances.

The various working places where these hazardous substances may be found are factories, shops, mines, farms, laboratories, offices and many more. COSHH rules and regulations are applied to those persons who are either employers or self-employed.

The various steps that must be taken for implementing the COSHH rules and regulations at the working place includes: -
(a) Firstly assess the risks involved while working at the work place.
(b) Decide the type of precautions which can be taken in accordance with COSHH.
(c) Prevent the exposure or take necessary control measures.
(d) Ensure that various control measures are being used and maintained at the working place.
(e) Monitor the exposure of the each and every employee to the hazardous substances.
(f) Appropriate health surveillance must be carried out.
(g) Prepare appropriate plans and procedures to effectively deal with any unprecedented situations like accidents or emergencies, etc.
(h) Finally ensure that each and every employee is properly informed, trained and supervised for handling such substances.