HSE publishes CoSHH advice for small businesses

A new leaflet produced by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) entitled ‘Working with Substances Hazardous to Health’ has been written for employers in small businesses to help them meet their specific duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) Regulations. 

It is an easy-to-use guide which centers on dealing with hazardous chemicals at work, so that they do not cause ill health to employees, as well as information on CoSHH assessment. The guide was produced with input from small businesses, and is intended to provide updated chemicals advice in a language that makes it easier to comprehend and follow. 

The leaflet gives guidance on working safely with a variety of substances, from metalworking fluids which can grow bacteria and fungi and cause dermatitis and asthma, to hairdressing products. Many other products used in the workplace can be harmful such as paint, glue and beauty products. 

This useful guidance tool will help small businesses comply with health and safety law and are compliant with CoSHH regulations. CoSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. The CoSHH Regulations require employers to undertake risk assessments on their employees to determine how workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals and by how much. CoSHH helps provide measures to reduce harm to health and gives guidance on how to keep all dangerous chemicals in good working order. 

The guide can be found on HSE’s website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.pdf.