COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

It’s a UK regulation designed to protect people at work from health risks caused by hazardous substances, such as chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, and biological agents.

In practice, COSHH requires employers to:

  • Identify hazardous substances
  • Assess the risks
  • Prevent or control exposure
  • Provide information, training, and protective equipment
  • Monitor and review control measures

Example: Cleaning chemicals in a workplace

Below is an example of how COSHH is applied to particular a workplace which stores cleaning chemicals such as bleach and disinfectant.

How COSHH is applied:

  1. Identify the hazard
    The chemicals can cause skin burns or breathing problems if mishandled.

  2. Assess the risk
    Employees may be exposed when taking chemicals from storage or during spills.

  3. Control the risk

    • Chemicals are kept in a locked, clearly labelled cupboard or

    • Chemicals should be stored on a bunded pallet or IBC Bund

    • Containers remain sealed when not in use

    • Incompatible chemicals (e.g. bleach and acids) are stored separately

  4. Provide information and training

    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are kept nearby

    • Staff are trained on safe handling and what to do in a spill

  5. Use protective equipment

    • Gloves and eye protection are provided and worn when handling chemicals

  6. Review regularly
    Storage conditions and labels are checked to ensure they remain safe and readable.