Control of substances hazardous to health
COSHH assessments focused on real exposure
Understand where hazardous substances arise, how people may be exposed and which controls will work in your workplace. We translate technical information into arrangements that people can actually follow.
The practical approach
A safety data sheet is not a workplace COSHH assessment
A manufacturer’s safety data sheet provides essential substance information, but it cannot know how your staff use the product, how frequently they handle it or whether the task creates mist, vapour, dust or another exposure. Those details determine the controls your workplace needs.
COSHH assessments should also consider substances generated by processes, not just purchased chemicals. Relevant examples can include welding fume, dust from cutting operations and mists from certain machining activities. The assessment scope depends on your actual work.
What a COSHH review can include
- Identification of hazardous substances and relevant process-generated contaminants.
- A workable inventory or COSHH register linked to the activities carried out.
- Review of use, quantities, duration, routes of exposure and potentially affected people.
- Practical consideration of substitution, enclosure, extraction and safe working arrangements.
- Appropriate information on storage, handling, spills, first aid and disposal.
- Review triggers, responsibilities and information for staff using the substances.
How it works
How we approach an assessment
- Collect the substance details, current safety data sheets and a description of the work.
- Check real task conditions, including ventilation, exposure potential and existing controls.
- Document meaningful controls and any priority actions with clear ownership.
- Support a sensible review process when the material, task or working conditions change.
Does providing PPE mean a COSHH risk is controlled?
Not by itself. COSHH requires exposure to be prevented or adequately controlled. More effective controls such as elimination, substitution or engineering measures should be considered before relying on personal protective equipment.
Areas we support: Warrington, Widnes, Liverpool, Manchester and the wider North West, with projects also considered in the South of England.
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