Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH): A Quick Guide
Every workplace has a duty of care when it comes to chemical safety, but for many teams in construction, health & social care, hospitality, and facilities management, the risk posed by hazardous substances is often underestimated until something goes wrong. Understanding your responsibilities and protecting your staff and clients is not just about compliance—it’s about building a safer, more sustainable business environment. That’s why Career Path e-Learning’s COSHH course is designed to break down the essentials and provide practical, day-to-day guidance, no matter your industry.
What is COSHH and Why Does It Matter?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It’s the law that requires employers to control substances that are dangerous to the health of workers and anyone else who could be exposed. These substances include not just harsh industrial chemicals, but also everyday items like cleaning products, solvents, paints, glues, dust, fumes, and even some naturally occurring substances such as flour dust or bacteria. COSHH applies to virtually every workplace—from care homes and hospitals to construction sites and commercial kitchens.
Exposure to hazardous substances can result in immediate harm (such as chemical burns or eye injuries) and long-term health issues like respiratory problems, skin disease, or even cancer. For businesses, the stakes are high: legal claims, reputational damage, and disrupted operations are just some of the possible consequences of poor practice.
The COSHH Essentials: What Every Employer Should Do
Employers and team leaders have a legal obligation to protect their staff and anyone affected by their activities. The basics of COSHH compliance include:
- 1. **Identifying Hazardous Substances**
– Conduct an audit of all products, materials, and substances used or stored on site.
– Check for COSHH symbols and safety data sheets, which detail risks and safe handling information.
- 2. **Assessing Risks**
– Evaluate how and where staff or others might be exposed (e.g. through inhalation, skin contact, accidental ingestion, or injection).
– Consider who could be harmed and how, with attention to vulnerable staff, customers, or residents.
- 3. **Implementing Controls**
– Substitute for safer alternatives wherever possible.
– Reduce exposure through physical controls (e.g. local exhaust ventilation, safe storage, protective barriers).
– Provide and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, masks, and aprons tailored to the risk.
– Put clear protocols in place for storage, use, spill response, and waste disposal.
- 4. **Training and Information**
– Make sure every staff member knows the risks, rules, and safe handling procedures for relevant substances.
– Maintain easy-to-understand COSHH data accessible to everyone in the workplace—no jargon or guesswork.
- 5. **Monitoring and Review**
– Regularly review your processes, update risk assessments, and monitor for signs of exposure, misuse, or changing risks.
– Involve staff in identifying new risks or suggesting improvements.
- 6. **Emergency Planning**
– Have clear first aid and emergency procedures in case of accidental exposure or spillage.
– Ensure all staff are aware of what to do in an emergency, and schedule regular practice drills where appropriate.
Sector Spotlights: Why COSHH Matters in Key Industries
Construction:
Cement, solvents, insulation fibres, paints, and adhesives are just the beginning. Dust and fumes from demolition or power tools can also cause chronic health issues. Training ensures every site worker understands not just the “what” but the “why” of safe handling, using PPE, and reporting hazards promptly.
Care and Social Care:
Care homes, clinics, and healthcare providers use cleaning chemicals, medications, sterilisation products, and even biological hazards daily. Protecting staff, residents, and patients means tailoring policies to suit the vulnerable, ensuring storage is safe, and setting clear cleaning and waste-handling protocols.
Hospitality:
Kitchens, hotels, and cleaning teams handle oven cleaners, dishwashing chemicals, descalers, and more. Even natural substances like flour or food additives can harm health if mismanaged. Well-applied COSHH procedures safeguard staff, customers, and business reputation.
How Does the Career Path e-Learning COSHH Course Help?
Career Path e-Learning’s COSHH module is designed to make compliance straightforward, relevant, and accessible to everyone:
– CPD-approved: Meets professional standards for compliance and continuing development.
– Practical scenarios: Real-world examples and case studies from sectors including construction, care, and hospitality.
– Flexible, online learning: Available anytime, on any device, so can fit easily around shifts or site work.
– Human support: Responsive support from the Career Path e-Learning team for questions, advice, or technical issues.
– Free trial available: Try the course before you roll it out across your team—risk free and without obligation.
Five Practical Tips for COSHH Compliance – Starting Today
- 1. Walk your workplace and list every substance (not just chemicals) that could pose a risk. Involve your team—they often spot hazards leaders don’t.
- Check that every container has a clear, intact label and data sheet. Replace or re-label anything that is faded or missing information.
- Review your PPE – is it being used, replaced, and stored correctly? Ask staff if they feel confident using it and responding to problems.
- Quiz your team—could they all explain what to do if they spill a chemical or get it on their skin? If not, extra training is essential.
- Schedule regular COSHH reviews—especially after changes in products, processes, or team members.
Why Choose Career Path e-Learning?
Career Path e-Learning is trusted by businesses across the UK to deliver clear, up-to-date, and genuinely useful training. With modules designed for your sector and responsive human support, you are never left guessing. Every course is CPD-approved, fully online, and always includes a clear call to action—learn more, try a course, or contact our team for business bundles or tailored advice.
Don’t wait for an incident to test your compliance. Empower your team today, protect your reputation, and keep staff safe with expert-led COSHH training.
Explore the COSHH module at Career Path e-Learning now—risk free with a free trial. Your team, your customers, and your business will thank you for it.