The 8 Principles of COSHH: A Simple Breakdown

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations are essential for protecting employees from the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace. To effectively manage these risks, it’s crucial to understand the 8 core principles outlined in the regulations. This article provides a simple breakdown of these principles, making them easy to grasp and implement.

What is COSHH?

Before diving into the principles, let’s briefly recap what COSHH is. It’s the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. This includes chemicals, fumes, dusts, biological agents, and other substances that can cause harm.

The 8 Principles of COSHH: Explained Simply

1. Design and Operate Processes and Activities to Minimise Emission, Release, and Spread of Hazardous Substances
   • In Simple Terms: Prevent hazardous substances from escaping into the workplace as much as possible.
   • Example: Using enclosed systems instead of open containers, or local exhaust ventilation.
2. Take into Account All Relevant Routes of Exposure (Inhalation, Skin Absorption, Ingestion)
   • In Simple Terms: Consider all the ways people can be exposed to hazardous substances.
   • Example: Not just breathing in fumes, but also if they can get on the skin or be swallowed.
3. Control Exposure by Measures Proportionate to the Health Risk
   • In Simple Terms: The higher the risk, the stronger the control measures should be.
   • Example: For very dangerous substances, use full containment; for less dangerous ones, use good ventilation.
4. Choose the Most Effective and Reliable Control Options Which Minimise the Escape and Spread of Hazardous Substances
   • In Simple Terms: Pick the best control methods that actually work and keep hazardous substances contained.
   • Example: Using a high-efficiency filter in a ventilation system instead of a basic one.
5. Where Adequate Control of Exposure Cannot Be Achieved by Other Means, Provide Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Combination with Other Control Measures
   • In Simple Terms: If you can’t control the risk any other way, provide PPE like masks, gloves, and overalls.
   • Example: Using respirators when dust control is not fully effective.
6. Check and Review Regularly All Elements of Control Measures for Their Continuing Effectiveness
   • In Simple Terms: Make sure your control measures keep working properly over time.
   • Example: Regularly checking ventilation systems and replacing filters.
7. Inform and Train All Employees on the Hazards and Risks from the Substances They Work With and the Use of Control Measures Developed to Minimise the Risks
   • In Simple Terms: Tell employees about the dangers and how to protect themselves.
   • Example: Conducting COSHH awareness training and providing safety data sheets.
8. Ensure That Introduction of Control Measures Does Not Increase the Overall Risk to Health and Safety
   • In Simple Terms: Make sure the solutions you put in place don’t create new problems.
   • Example: Checking that a new ventilation system doesn’t create a fire hazard.

Why These Principles Matter

Following these 8 principles helps create a safer workplace, reduces the risk of illness, and ensures legal compliance. By understanding and implementing these principles, you can effectively manage hazardous substances and protect your workforce.

Practical Implementation

• Conduct thorough risk assessments.
• Document all control measures.
• Provide regular training.
• Maintain and inspect control equipment.
• Review and update your COSHH assessments regularly.

The 8 principles of COSHH provide a clear framework for managing hazardous substances. By breaking them down into simple terms, we can make workplace safety more accessible and effective. Remember, protecting your employees is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral obligation. If you’re looking to improve safety in your workplace, please check out our COSHH Awareness Training Course.