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On this pageÌý

• What is a hazardous chemical?
• ​Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2017 (COSHH)Ìý
• Principles of Good Practice for Control​
• COSHH Assessment​Ìý(new page)

The rules for ensuring that hazardous chemicals are used safely are covered in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

​Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

COSHH is the law thatÌýrequires all employers including Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê to have effective control over chemicals that are hazardous toÌýhealth.​

Effective control is defined as:​

1. The principles of good practice for control are being applied and implemented.​

2. Any workplace exposure is not exceeded.​

3. Exposure is reduced to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).​

​Since 2005 COSHH has given a checklist of controls that should be in place when working withÌýhazardous chemicals. This is not a hierarchal list, all controls should be considered and put in place ifÌýpossible – it isÌýreferred to as theÌýPrinciplesÌýof Good Practice in Control​.

​The way of recording that the Principles of Good Practice in Control have been implemented is aÌýCOSHH assessment.​

Principles of Good Practice for Control​

​There are 8 principles of control within COSHH. This is not a hierarchy where the more important oneÌýis listed first but rather a framework with all eight principles needing to be adhered to:​

​When working with any hazardous chemicals, the risk assessment should indicate how the eightÌýprincipals have been met under the control measures to ensure that when the activity is carried out,Ìýthe risks are adequately controlled.​

1. Design and Operate

Design and operate processes and activities to minimise emission, release and spread ofÌýchemicals hazardous to health.​

2. Relevant routes of exposureÌý​

Take into accountÌýall relevant routes of exposure - inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion - whenÌýdeveloping control measures.​

3. Control exposureÌý​

Control exposure by measures that are proportionate to the health risk.​

4. Effective and reliable controlÌý​

Choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimise the escape and spread ofÌýchemicals hazardous to health.​

5. PPE​

Where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide, inÌýcombinationÌýwith other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment.​

6. Check​ and Review

Check and review regularly all elements of control measures for their continuingÌýeffectiveness.​

7. Information and TrainingÌý

Inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks from the chemicals with which theyÌýworkÌýand the use of control measures developed to minimise the risks.​

8. Holistic Approach

Ensure that the introduction of control measures does not increase the overall risk to health andÌýsafety.​