Coshh Regulations
Mark S. Elliott has spent 25 years working in various management roles within the tenanted and leased divisions of the UK's largest breweries and pub companies. His extensive knowledge and day-to-day involvement with pubs and publicans make him well qualified to know what is required to run a successful pub. He shares his knowledge and many 'insider tips' with you in this book. Mark is based in Cockermouth, Cumbria.
COSHH REGULATIONS
Background
Using chemicals or other hazardous substances at work can put people’s health at risk, so the law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health or injury. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations 2002 place duties on employers to protect employees and others from such hazards.
Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances include:
- Substances used directly in work activities, such as cleaning agents, adhesives and paints.
- Substances generated during work activities, such as fumes.
- Naturally occurring substances, such as dust.
- Biological agents, such as bacteria and other micro-organisms.
Effects of hazardous substances
The effects of hazardous substances include:
- Being overcome by toxic fumes.
- Skin irritation or dermatitis, as a result of skin contact.
- Asthma, as a result of developing an allergy.
- Cancer, after long-term exposure to certain chemicals.
- Infection, from bacteria and other micro-organisms.
The implications for your business can be considerable, with lost productivity, possible prosecution and civil claims.
Complying with COSHH
To comply with COSHH you must follow an 8-step process:
Step 1 |
Assess the risks: |
Assess the risks to health from hazardous substances used in, or created by your workplace activities. |
Step 2 |
Decide what precautions are needed: |
You must not carry out work which could expose your employees to hazardous substances without first considering the risks and the necessary precautions, and what else you must do to comply with COSHH. |
Step 3 |
Prevent or adequately control exposure: |
You must prevent your employees being exposed to hazardous substances. Where this is not reasonably practicable, then you must adequately control the exposure. |
Step 4 |
Ensure that control measures are used maintained: |
Ensure that control measures are used and maintained properly and that safety procedures are followed. |
Step 5 |
Monitor the exposure: |
Monitor the exposure of employees to hazardous substances, if necessary. |
Step 6 |
Carry out appropriate health surveillance: |
Carry out appropriate health surveillance where your assessment has shown this is necessary, or where COSHH sets specific requirements. |
Step 7 |
Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies: |
Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents involving and emergencies hazardous substances, where necessary. |
Step 8 |
Ensure employees are properly trained, informed and supervised: |
You should provide your employees with suitable and sufficient training, information and instruction. |
