What is COSHH and why you need to know about it
COSHH is a law that pertains to the Control Of Substances that are Hazardous to Health. It obliges employers to take certain measures to protect the lives and health of their workers.
Which industries does COSHH regulation relate to?
Many businesses use substances or products that could be harmful to human health. Even common substances such as paint or bleach need to be handled with care and workers should not be exposed to them without the necessary precautions. Other businesses may produce harmful substances as a result of certain processes, and again, these risks must be managed if exposure is to be limited.
Which substances are hazardous to human health?
• Any chemicals or products that contain chemicals
• Fumes, vapours, mist and dust can all be harmful, even if they are produced by natural processes or products
• Nanotechnology
• Gases
• Biological agents or germs that can cause disease are also considered to be hazardous substances
The health and safety training CIEH Level 2 Award in the Principles of COSHH provides an introduction to workers who use hazardous substances to the principles of COSHH. It provides information about the substances concerned, as well as the risks and controls that are available. It prepares employees for the COSHH assessment as well as equipping them for dealing with these substances in the workplace.
Employers must meet the requirements under COSHH regulation, ensuring that they have procedures and control measures in place to prevent any risk of exposure within the working environment.
I never realised that nanotech was included in COSHH!
I wonder if there are any practical day-to-day uses of nano materials or if it is still a developing area only used in the realm of high end tech and science.
The occupational use of nanomaterials is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).
So yes nonotech is covered by COSHH.