Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 plays a role in protecting workers from health risks caused by hazardous substances used or produced in the workplace. This includes chemicals, fumes, dust, vapours, gases, biological agents, and nanomaterials. This law covers most industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, cleaning, laboratories, and automotive services.


What are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

  • Identify hazardous substances – Employers must identify and have knowledge of the substances that are in use or generated as by-products (e.g., welding fumes, solvent vapours, or lab reagents).
  • Carry out COSHH risk assessments – Every substance must be assessed for potential health effects and how workers could be exposed – through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
  • Control exposure – Employers must work to reduce the exposure of these harmful substances by using safer substances, improving ventilation, or by providing their employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators and protective clothing.
  • Provide information, training, and instructions – Workers must be trained to understand the risks and how to use substances safely, including reading safety guidelines.
  • Prepare for emergencies – There must be procedures in place for emergencies like spills, leaks, or accidental exposure.

How does this law apply to my workplace?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 apply to any workplace where employees are exposed to chemicals, dust, fumes, vapours, biological agents, or other hazardous substances — whether directly handled or produced as part of a task.

In construction environments, COSHH covers exposure to silica dust from cutting bricks and concrete, cement-based materials, and solvent-based adhesives and paints. Workers must be protected with the correct PPE, extraction systems, or safer alternatives.

In manufacturing and engineering, substances like metalworking fluids, degreasers, welding fumes, and coolants pose risks through inhalation or skin contact. Employers are responsible for providing safe handling procedures, proper storage, and appropriate respiratory protection when needed.

In healthcare settings, COSHH applies to cleaning agents, disinfectants, and cytotoxic drugs. Exposure to these can affect the skin or respiratory system if proper safety controls, like gloves and ventilation, are not used.

Even if exposure seems low, long-term contact with mild irritants or airborne substances can lead to skin issues, breathing problems, or allergic reactions. COSHH ensures steps are taken to prevent harm before it happens.


What are the Employees’ Responsibilities?

While employers must put controls in place, employees also have duties:

  • Use control measures provided properly and consistently - Employees must always use the safety equipment they are provided with by their employer to reduce exposure to hazardous substances. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, respirators, or protective clothing. These must be worn every time a task is carried out – not just occasionally.
  • Follow training and safety procedures when handling hazardous substances – Workers must apply the training they’ve received on safe handling practices whenever using chemicals, cleaning agents, biological materials, or any hazardous substances. This includes understanding warning labels, using correct application methods, and avoiding shortcuts that could increase exposure risks.
  • Store chemicals as instructed and never mix unless authorised - Substances must be stored in line with the safety data sheets (SDS) or workplace guidelines. This includes keeping containers sealed, stored at the right temperature, and clearly labelled.
  • Report any spills, leaks, or damaged PPE immediately. If a hazardous substance is spilled, leaks from a container, or comes into contact with the skin or air unexpectedly, workers should follow the emergency procedures and notify a supervisor or health and safety officer straight away. Damaged or malfunctioning PPE — like a cracked respirator or torn gloves — must also be reported and replaced before work continues.
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It is a UK law that protects workers from health risks caused by hazardous substances used or created in the workplace.
Hazardous substances include chemicals, cleaning products, dust, fumes, vapours, biological agents (like bacteria or viruses), and any material that can harm your health through breathing in, touching, swallowing, or skin contact.
If you work with or around any harmful substances — such as cleaning products, paint, cement dust, or laboratory chemicals — COSHH applies to you. This includes industries like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, labs, and cleaning services.
A COSHH assessment is a risk assessment that looks at hazardous substances in your workplace. It helps your employer decide how to prevent harm to health, including which control measures to use.
No. COSHH also covers substances like dust (e.g., from wood or stone), fumes from welding, biological materials, and mist or vapour released during work tasks.