What COSHH covers

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, COSHH, require employers to control exposure to materials at work that cause ill health. HSE lists dusts, gases and fumes you breathe in, liquids, gels and powders that touch the skin or eyes, and harmful micro-organisms. Everyday examples include paints, cleaning products, flour dust, solder fume, blood and waste.

Lead, asbestos and radioactive substances have their own regulations. For asbestos, see our asbestos awareness course.

What employers must do

HSE sets out the steps:

• identify the health hazards
• assess the risk to health and decide how to prevent harm
• provide control measures and make sure they are used
• keep control measures in good working order
• give workers and others information, instruction and training
• monitor exposure and provide health surveillance where appropriate
• plan for emergencies

Regulation 12 makes the training duty specific: anyone liable to be exposed must get suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training, including the significant findings of the risk assessment and the precautions to take. This course covers the general knowledge. The findings for your own workplace still come from your employer.

Training a team

Buy places for several people at once and each gets their own certificate for your training records. See all health and safety courses, or read what health and safety training the law requires for employees.