Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

COSHH requires employers to control the exposure to hazardous substances to limit ill health.

The regulations cover assessing risks, implementing measures needed to control exposure and establish good working practices. 

Hazardous substances include:

• substances used directly in work activities (eg adhesives, paints, cleaning agents);
• substances generated during work activities (eg fumes from soldering and welding);
• naturally occurring substances (eg grain dust);
• biological agents such as bacteria and other micro-organisms.

For further information please see the links on the right.