Every year, around 13,000 deaths in Great Britain are linked to past workplace exposures to hazardous substances, primarily chemicals or dust. Additionally, there are an estimated 19,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems caused or worsened by work each year, according to the HSE.
These alarming statistics underscore the critical importance of managing hazardous substances in the workplace under the COSHH Regulations 2002.
This article explores what is covered by the COSHH legislation, the substances classified as harmful under these regulations, and the responsibilities of employers and employees.
What are the COSHH Regulations 2002?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) are a set of legal requirements in the UK designed to protect workers from health risks associated with hazardous substances.
These regulations mandate employers to ensure the safe handling, use, and storage of hazardous substances, thus minimising the risk of occupational illnesses and injuries.
Harmful Substances Covered by COSHH
COSHH encompasses a broad range of hazardous substances that can pose a significant health risk to employees.
Chemicals
- Includes a variety of industrial chemicals, solvents, and cleaning agents.
- Examples: Acids, alkalis, and organic solvents like benzene and toluene.
Fumes
- Produced during processes such as welding, smelting, and soldering.
- Examples: Metal fumes from welding and soldering fumes.
Dusts
- Generated in numerous industries, particularly in construction, mining, and manufacturing.
- Examples: Silica dust from cutting concrete and wood dust from carpentry.
Vapours
- Emitted from volatile substances at room temperature.
- Examples: Vapours from paints, adhesives, and petrol.
Mists
- Formed by the condensation of a vapour or the dispersion of liquid.
- Examples: Spray mists from metalworking fluids and oil mists.
Gases
- Can be toxic, flammable, or corrosive and pose inhalation hazards.
- Examples: Chlorine gas, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide.
Biological Agents
- Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause infections, allergies, or toxic effects.
- Examples: Legionella bacteria, Hepatitis B virus, and mould spores.
Categories of Harmful Substances Under COSHH
The COSHH regulations classify hazardous substances into several categories based on their specific harmful effects on health, to ensure appropriate precautions are taken for each type of risk.
Recognising the specific health risks of each substance type is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and ensuring a safe working environment.
Toxic Substances
- Can lead to immediate health effects, such as dizziness or irritation, upon exposure. Can also cause serious health effects, including poisoning, organ damage, and even death.
- Examples: Arsenic, cyanide, and certain pesticides.
Corrosive Substances
- Can destroy living tissues on contact, causing severe burns and damage to eyes and skin.
- Examples: Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide.
Irritant Substances
- Can cause inflammation and discomfort to skin, eyes, and respiratory system upon contact or inhalation.
- Examples: Ammonia, chlorine, and many cleaning agents.
Sensitising Substances
- Can cause allergic reactions in some people after repeated exposure, leading to conditions such as occupational asthma or dermatitis.
- Examples: Isocyanates, nickel compounds, and some epoxy resins.
Carcinogenic Substances
- Can cause cancer or increase its incidence upon exposure.
- Examples: Asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde.
Employer Responsibilities Under COSHH
Employers hold the ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with COSHH regulations in the workplace to ensure the safety of their employees when dealing with substances hazardous to health. Failure to comply can result in severe legal repercussions.
Here are the key responsibilities of employers under COSHH legislation.
Conducting Risk Assessments
Employers must carry out thorough risk assessments to identify potential health hazards associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. This involves evaluating and minimising risks before work with hazardous substances begins.
The risk assessment process includes identifying significant risks, the degree of exposure, and the potential health effects on employees, and documenting the findings to ensure that all potential hazards are addressed.
Risk assessments should be regularly reviewed and updated, especially when new substances or processes are introduced.
For more detailed guidance on conducting a COSHH risk assessment, read our Employers' Guide to COSHH.
Implementing Control Measures
Once risks are identified, employers must implement appropriate control measures to minimise exposure.
The hierarchy of controls should be followed, which includes:
- Elimination: Removing the hazardous substance from the workplace entirely.
- Substitution: Replacing the hazardous substance with a less harmful one.
- Engineering Controls: Using equipment such as ventilation systems to reduce exposure.
- Administrative Controls: Implementing policies and procedures to limit exposure, such as job rotation and safe work practices.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and goggles, to protect employees.
Providing Information and Training
Employers should provide comprehensive training adapted to significant changes in work practices to ensure that employees are informed about the hazards they may face and are trained in safe handling practices.
This training should cover the risks involved with specific substances and the safety measures in place to mitigate these risks.
Proper training on the use and maintenance of PPE is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness in protecting employees.
Employees must also be aware of the specific risks in their work environment and how to handle hazardous substances safely. Clear identification of hazardous substances in containers and pipes is required to inform employees of the associated dangers.
Regular training sessions and updates should be conducted to keep employees aware of any changes in procedures or new hazards.
Health Surveillance
In certain situations, health surveillance is necessary to monitor the health of employees exposed to hazardous substances.
Health surveillance helps in the early detection of any adverse health effects, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious conditions.
Employers must arrange for periodic health checks and maintain accurate health records for employees at risk. Regular health surveillance helps employers identify early signs of work-related ill health and take corrective action to prevent further harm.
Emergency Procedures
Employers must establish and communicate clear emergency procedures for dealing with incidents involving hazardous substances.
This includes procedures for spills, leaks, and accidental exposures, as well as providing appropriate first-aid measures and emergency contact information.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular monitoring of exposure levels is required to ensure that control measures are effective and maintained, and that the use of hazardous substances doesn't exceed the workplace exposure limit.
Employers must conduct routine inspections and maintenance of equipment and systems used to control exposure to hazardous substances.
Documentation and Record-Keeping
Employers must keep detailed records of risk assessments, incidents, control measures, training sessions, health surveillance, and monitoring results.
Proper documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance with COSHH regulations and can be crucial in case of inspections or incidents.
Employee Responsibilities Under COSHH
While employers have significant responsibilities under the COSHH Regulations 2002, employees also play a crucial role in ensuring a safe workplace.
Their primary responsibility is to understand and uphold COSHH requirements to ensure tasks are carried out safely and prevent harm to themselves and their peers.
COSHH legislation places the following responsibilities on employees:
- Following all COSHH safety procedures and protocols put in place by their employer
- Using PPE correctly
- Attending training and information sessions
- Reporting incidents and hazards
- Cooperating with health surveillance programs
Summary
In conclusion, COSHH legislation is fundamental for protecting employees from hazardous substances by mandating risk assessments, control measures, and training.
Employers are responsible for implementing these regulations, while employees must follow safety procedures effectively and use PPE.
To learn how our incident reporting software can help you stay compliant with COSHH regulations, contact our sales team here.
