The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 are a set of legal directives that require employers to control those substances which present any kind of health risk in and around their workplace.
The control of substances part of COSHH includes any form of hazardous material, including:
- Biological agents such as bacteria and viruses
- Dust
- Fibres
- Fumes
- Gases
- Liquids
- Mists
- Nano-particles
- Solids
- Vapours
The hazardous to health part of COSHH includes damage to:
- Central nervous system
- Eyes
- Genes
- Internal organs
- Lungs
- Mouth
- Nose
- Skin
- The risk of injury due to combustion or explosion
