COSHH: Protecting workers from hazardous substances

From cleaning products to construction dust, hazardous substances appear in routine tasks. Problems grow quietly when controls slip, so COSHH asks a simple question, where does exposure come from and how will you prevent or control it ?

Why COSHH matters now

Ill health from substances is still common. Respiratory disease, dermatitis and long term lung damage follow when dusts, fumes, mists or vapours are not controlled. Beyond the human cost there are business effects, stoppages, claims and lost quality. Get the basics right and work is cleaner, steadier and more reliable.

What the law expects

Employers must assess the risk, prevent exposure where practicable and control what remains to an acceptable level. Keep controls in good order, monitor exposure where needed, provide health surveillance where there is a reasonable likelihood of disease, inform and train workers, and plan for spills and emergencies. Local exhaust ventilation needs thorough examination and test at suitable intervals, commonly every 14 months.

Controls that work on real jobs

Start with the task. Spot where dust or fume is created and remove the cause if you can. If not, capture at source with well positioned hoods or on tool extraction. Limit time on task, separate dusty work and keep housekeeping tight so settled dust is not lifted again. Use RPE only as the last line of defence, face fit testing and the correct filters matter.

• Inventory: keep a live list of products and processes that can create exposure, with current safety data sheets.
• Maintenance: check LEV, filters, gauges and alarms work as intended, record what you do.
• Monitoring: use air sampling or other checks where needed to show controls are effective and limits are not exceeded.
• Health surveillance: set up skin checks for irritants and lung function checks for sensitisers where appropriate.
• Briefings: short, job specific guidance keeps the method in use and stops drift.

Where plans usually slip

The pattern is familiar, inventories lapse, assessments are not updated when products or processes change, LEV hoods are poorly positioned or never tested, disposable masks are used without fit testing, health surveillance tails off. A short reset brings the system back to life.

How Compass HSC helps

We map substances and tasks, write clear COSHH assessments and design practical controls. We plan LEV examinations and tests, set up monitoring and health surveillance and provide concise training and site briefings.

For steady assurance we offer retained support that keeps reviews, checks and records on track through the year.

Conclusion

Strong COSHH control protects people and improves reliability. If assessments are old or LEV performance is uncertain, take a week to refresh the inventory, confirm controls and restart health checks. Small steps prevent bigger problems.