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COSHH

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COSHH

SECTION GUIDE

What is COSHH?

COSHH refers to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the cornerstone of UK law that protects employees from exposure to harmful substances at work. These regulations apply to almost every workplace, from offices using cleaning products to factories handling chemicals or laboratories working with biological agents.

In plain terms, COSHH is about making sure that substances which could cause harm, chemicals, dusts, fumes, gases, or biological hazards, are properly managed so they don’t risk people’s health.

What does COSHH mean in Health & Safety?

COSHH is legally binding under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and it applies to both employers and self-employed people who may expose others to hazardous substances.

Substances covered by COSHH include:

  • Chemicals and cleaning agents – e.g. bleach, disinfectants, solvents
  • Dusts and fumes – e.g. wood dust, welding fumes, silica
  • Gases and vapours – e.g. ammonia, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde
  • Biological agents – e.g. bacteria, viruses, moulds, blood-borne pathogens
  • Nanomaterials – ultra-fine particles used in specialist industries

Notably, COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos, or radioactive substances, as these are controlled under separate regulations.

Employers should carry out risk assessments to identify where harmful substances are used, how they could cause harm, and what steps are required to prevent or reduce exposure.

  • Why does COSHH matter for your business?

    For UK employers, COSHH isn’t optional. Failure to comply could result in:

    • Health risks – Employees may develop conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, chemical burns, lung disease, or long-term illnesses like cancer.
    • Legal risks – The HSE or local authority can issue improvement notices, prohibition notices, or fines. In serious cases, prosecutions can result in unlimited fines and even imprisonment for directors.
    • Business risks – Increased sickness absence, reduced productivity, staff turnover, and reputational harm.

    Businesses that manage COSHH well enjoy:

    • Safer, healthier, more productive teams
    • Reduced sickness absence and insurance claims
    • Stronger compliance record with regulators
    • Improved employer brand and employee and stakeholder confidence

  • COSHH – Best Practices and Guidelines for Employers

    • Conduct COSHH Risk Assessments
    • Eliminate or Substitute Hazardous Substances
    • Control Exposure Using the Hierarchy of Controls
    • Provide Information, Instruction and Training
    • Monitor Health and Exposure
    • Prepare for Emergencies
    • Keep Records and Review Regularly

    impact HR can support businesses by drafting COSHH policies, creating risk assessment templates, and delivering staff training sessions.

Your Questions Answered

FAQs on COSHH

  • Can I be personally liable as a director?Reveal

    Yes. Directors and senior managers can be held personally accountable for serious COSHH breaches under UK health and safety law.

  • Are contractors covered under COSHH?Reveal

    Yes. If contractors are working with hazardous substances on your site, you must ensure they follow COSHH guidance.

  • Do remote or home-based workers need COSHH assessments?Reveal

    Yes, if they use hazardous substances as part of their role (e.g. cleaners, engineers). Employers remain responsible for ensuring safety.

  • What training should staff receive?Reveal

    Staff should be trained on safe handling, PPE use, spill response, and the health risks associated with substances they work with.

  • How often should COSHH assessments be reviewed?Reveal

    Following changes of substance, in work processes, or staffing changes. It is a good idea to review as part of a routine management process. For this reason, annual reviews would be considered good practice.

  • What happens if I don’t comply with COSHH?Reveal

    Non-compliance can result in enforcement notices, fines, reputational damage, and in severe cases, criminal prosecution.

  • Who is responsible for COSHH compliance?Reveal

    Legally, employers and company directors hold responsibility, but managers and supervisors play a vital role in enforcing safe practices.

  • How do I reduce COSHH risks in my business?Reveal

    Start by identifying all hazardous substances, substitute with safer alternatives, provide PPE, train staff, and regularly review your COSHH assessments.

  • Does COSHH apply to everyday cleaning products?Reveal

    Yes. Even “common” products like bleach or sprays fall under COSHH if they could cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or other harm when misused.

  • What’s the legal minimum standard for COSHH in the UK?Reveal

    Employers must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. At minimum, this means carrying out risk assessments, controlling exposure, training staff, and keeping adequate records.

Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources in relation to COSHH from impact HR and beyond

Need support managing COSHH?

Whether you’re updating HR policies, training managers, or handling complex employee issues, impact HR can help you stay compliant, confident, and in control. Request a callback to see how we can support your business.

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