The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 

Regulations 2002 COSHH  is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. The regulations require employers to: 

• Assess the risks to health and safety 

• Decide what precautions are needed to prevent ill health 

• Prevent or control exposure 

• Make sure the control measures are used and maintained 

• Ensure that all employees are properly informed, trained and supervised Chemicals used in the setting for cleaning, washing, or as part of your practice may be hazardous or cause illness if not used correctly. 

To comply with these regulations keep a list of all hazardous or potentially hazardous substances that are used in the provision. This could include glue, shaving foam, soap, cleaning materials etc 

In addition to chemicals, all body fluids are to be treated as substances hazardous to health and should be carefully dealt with using protective gloves and materials that can be safely disposed of. All practitioners using chemicals or products should be given advice on their correct use where necessary. Consider observing the following.....

 • All substances that are hazardous to health should be stored safely and out of children's reach.

 • Avoid inhalation, ingestion and skin contact of all chemical substances as they may cause irritation and use according to manufacturer's instructions. 

• Always wear the protective clothing that are provided, eg, gloves, aprons etc 

• Products must never be mixed as this could give rise to hazardous by-products 

• Those using the substance must be familiar with the First Aid procedures to be used in the event of an accident.

‍