Understanding COSHH
June 1st 2009

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) is a subject often approached with caution with many businesses failing to appreciate why the Regulations were founded in the first place. But COSHH isn't just a bunch of rules that must be followed for their own sake, but a legislative effort to stop chemical exposures having a prolonged and serious affect on people doing their job, says Eric Ball

Of these chemical exposures, skin contact is a classic example of a lack of understanding and appreciation causing long lasting ill health. With the number of skin related diseases reaching 20,000 in 2007/8 it is clear that there is a lot further to go.

21 years on from their implementation and the effects of the COSHH Regulations are becoming evident. Occupational asthma and contact dermatitis cases have been dropping for the last ten years and numbers of occupational ill health cases are on the decline; evidence which indicates that 'Substances Hazardous to Health' are under 'Control'. This being so, the UK is still looking at falling short of the 20% decrease set out in the HSE's Revitalising Health and Safety strategy statement.

Identifying hazardous substances The first step of COSHH is to identify the substances in the workplace that can harm us. It sounds simple, providing the appropriate information is available.

Safety Data Sheets are the usual first port of call. In terms of hazard labelling and classification, there are many changes such as REACH and GHS being implemented both Europe and Worldwide. However, rest assured that COSHH remains the immediate concern of workers on the shop floor.

Having identified hazardous substances and how the workforce might be exposed to them, start to look at control of these.

Most effective is replacement of the substance with a safer one, or failing that engineering out worker exposure from the process by using measures like extraction systems, long handled tools or automated application methods. This is only the start of a continual process; assessments and processes should be reviewed and improved as information becomes available, including monitoring data, new products or alternative work practices.

Selecting PPE Proper maintenance and correct use of controls is a key failing, particularly regarding skin exposure. If there is going to be direct contact with the material then gloves will generally be relied upon. This control is potentially more effective than barrier cream, but the type of glove material does need careful consideration.

Manufacturers have this information at their finger tips (excuse the pun!) so use their knowledge and websites. Clean gloves are a must. Wearing PPE that has been soaked in chemicals can keep the substance in direct contact with the skin, or reduce the efficiency of the glove increasing the chances of sensitisation or dermatitis.

Monitoring The requirement for monitoring under the COSHH Regulations falls into two categories; air monitoring and health surveillance. Where air monitoring measures an individual's potential exposure via inhalation, health surveillance can reveal early signs of ill health that may be due to exposure to hazardous substances. Alternatively, it can be used as an indicator to help check that control measures are effective.

Biological monitoring (i.e. urine or blood tests) is a type of health surveillance and can check for substances which have been absorbed by the skin into the body.

This can be undertaken in conjunction with other forms of health surveillance to generate an indication of levels absorbed solely through the skin.

Other considerations under COSHH are the procedures needed for accidents and emergencies, and the training of staff and supervisors. First aid, fire and spillage procedures should be in place already, so it is a question of tailoring these responses using information provided by the supplier. Training is key to forming the basis of understanding and appreciation of chemical hazards. Training also acts as a control measure, helping staff to identify any skin problems early on. This is a quick and cost effective means by which control measures can be continuously reassessed. Self checking should always be backed up with regular checks by a qualified occupational health professional.

COSHH is often viewed as 'the big unknown spectre of workplace health', and to some extent this is the case. The consequences of falling from height are plain for all to see, but the hazards associated with a beaker of seemingly innocuous clear liquid are not. With better understanding and appreciation of the chemical hazards at all levels, hitting the target of 20% decrease in work related ill health is not that far away.

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