Finance Editor, Kael Tripton Ltd - LBS MBA - Verified against FCA Handbook: 14 June 2026
Quick answer
COSHH 2002 requires employers to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances at work. It covers chemicals, dusts, fumes and biological agents. A COSHH risk assessment is required for all workplaces using hazardous substances. Controls must follow the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, enclose, LEV, general ventilation, administrative controls, then PPE as last resort.
What Are COSHH Regulations and Who Do They Apply To?
Direct answer
What do COSHH Regulations 2002 require employers to do?
COSHH 2002 (legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2677) requires employers to: identify hazardous substances, carry out a COSHH risk assessment, apply the control hierarchy (eliminate, substitute, enclose, LEV, ventilation, admin controls, PPE), maintain and test controls, and provide training. LEV systems must be tested every 14 months. Note: COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos or radioactive substances.
FCA Handbook - COSHH Regulation 7(1) - Verbatim Rule Text Source: handbook.fca.org.uk
Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.
Identify all hazardous substances in the workplace
Review all chemicals, cleaning products, dusts, fumes and biological agents. Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from suppliers for all chemicals.
Carry out a COSHH risk assessment
For each substance: identify the hazard, assess exposure routes, assess who is at risk, evaluate current controls, and identify additional controls needed.
Apply the hierarchy of controls
Start with elimination or substitution. Then engineering controls (LEV, enclosure). Then administrative controls. PPE is the last resort, not the first.
Maintain and test controls
LEV systems must be examined and tested at least every 14 months. Records must be kept for at least 5 years.
Provide information and training
Workers must be told what substances they work with, the risks involved, and how to use the controls. Training must be appropriate and recorded.
| Substance type | Covered by COSHH? | Alternative regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Chemicals and cleaning products | Yes | COSHH 2002 |
| Wood dust, flour dust, silica | Yes | COSHH 2002 + specific OELs in EH40 |
| Welding and paint fumes | Yes | COSHH 2002 |
| Lead | No | Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 |
| Asbestos | No | Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 |
| Radioactive substances | No | Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 |
| Biological agents (bacteria, viruses) | Yes | COSHH 2002 + Biological Agents Directive |
Related KT guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are COSHH Regulations?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH, SI 2002/2677) require employers to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances that may cause harm at work. COSHH applies to substances that are hazardous to health including chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, gases, biological agents and any substance with an Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). COSHH requires employers to carry out a risk assessment, eliminate or control exposure, use control measures, maintain and test controls, and monitor exposure and carry out health surveillance where needed.
What substances are covered by COSHH?
COSHH covers substances hazardous to health including: chemicals and mixtures classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation (toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant), substances with Occupational Exposure Limits (listed in EH40), dusts (including wood dust, flour dust, silica dust), fumes (welding fumes, paint fumes), biological agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi), and any other substance that can harm health. COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos or radioactive substances, which are controlled by their own separate regulations.
What does a COSHH risk assessment require?
A COSHH risk assessment must: identify hazardous substances present or likely to be present in the workplace, assess the routes of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection), assess who might be harmed and how, evaluate the existing controls and whether they are adequate, and determine what additional controls are needed. The assessment must be suitable and sufficient -- proportionate to the risk. It must be reviewed when there is reason to believe it is no longer valid.
What is the hierarchy of control under COSHH?
Regulation 7 of COSHH requires employers to apply a hierarchy of control measures: first, eliminate the use of the hazardous substance entirely; second, substitute with a less hazardous substance; third, enclose the process to prevent exposure; fourth, use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to capture hazardous substances at source; fifth, use general ventilation; sixth, use systemic controls (reduced exposure times, reduced numbers exposed); and as a last resort, provide personal protective equipment (PPE). Controls must be used in this order of preference.
Does COSHH apply to cleaning products?
Yes. Cleaning products, including bleach, disinfectants, detergents and solvents used in workplaces, are covered by COSHH. Employers must assess the risks from cleaning products, provide appropriate controls (ventilation, gloves, eye protection) and train workers in safe use. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from the supplier provide the information needed for a COSHH assessment. COSHH applies to commercial cleaning operations, healthcare cleaning, industrial cleaning and office cleaning where chemical products are used.
Primary sources
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