What Is COSHH Training?
COSHH training covers the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances in the workplace. It is required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, which require employers to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances.
What Are Hazardous Substances Under COSHH?
COSHH applies to a wide range of substances, including:
- Chemicals — cleaning products, solvents, paints, acids, alkalis
- Dusts — wood dust, silica dust, flour, cement dust
- Fumes and vapours — welding fumes, exhaust fumes, chemical vapours
- Gases — carbon monoxide, chlorine, ammonia
- Biological agents — bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
- Nanomaterials — engineered nanoparticles
Substances with a CLP hazard symbol (warning, danger, toxic, corrosive, etc.) are covered by COSHH.
What Are Employer Duties Under COSHH 2002?
Employers must:
- Conduct a COSHH risk assessment for all hazardous substances in the workplace
- Prevent exposure where reasonably practicable
- Implement control measures (PPE, ventilation, substitution)
- Provide information, instruction and training to employees
- Monitor exposure levels and conduct health surveillance where required
- Maintain and test control equipment
Who Needs COSHH Training?
Any employee who works with or may be exposed to hazardous substances should receive COSHH training. This includes:
- Cleaners and caretakers
- Hairdressers and beauticians
- Manufacturing and factory workers
- Construction workers
- Healthcare workers and laboratory staff
- Welders and metalworkers
- Printers and painters
- Agricultural workers
What Does COSHH Training Cover?
- Identification of hazardous substances and CLP symbols
- COSHH risk assessment methodology
- Hierarchy of control measures (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, PPE)
- Safe handling, storage and disposal procedures
- Health effects of exposure (acute and chronic)
- Emergency procedures for spills and exposure
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and use
How Often Should COSHH Training Be Refreshed?
COSHH training should be refreshed annually as best practice, or sooner if new hazardous substances are introduced, control measures change, or risk assessments are updated.
Book COSHH Training in Yorkshire
Livius Training provides accredited COSHH training at our Boroughbridge centre or on-site at your premises across Yorkshire. Training can be tailored to your specific substances and workplace. View health and safety courses or call 01423 396780.
