Use of Hazardous Substances

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002) is the law requiring control of substances that could cause harm to health, whether that be to the person using it, their co-workers, contractors or any visitors to site, as well as harm to the environment.

There should always be a risk assessment and relevant COSHH sheet in place. If there is not, then the person using the item must ensure that this is put in place before any works are carried out. If unsure, then this should be reported to a manager before any works are carried out.

Once verified and in place, the appropriate controls including the wearing of correct PPE, is the responsibility of the person carrying the works out. If the correct controls cannot be put in place and/or correct PPE is not available, works should not be carried out until rectified.