What Is a COSHH Assessment and When Do You Need One?

Introduction

If your business uses chemicals, cleaning products, paints, adhesives, fuels, or even dusts and fumes, you may need a COSHH assessment. Many small businesses don’t realise how broad the requirements are — and how easy compliance can be with the right approach.

What Is COSHH?

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It requires employers to assess and control exposure to harmful substances.

What Counts as a Hazardous Substance?

More than you might think:

• Cleaning chemicals

• Solvents

• Paints and resins

• Dusts and powders

• Fumes and vapours

• Biological agents

• Oils and fuels

If it can harm health, COSHH applies.

What a COSHH Assessment Must Include

A compliant assessment covers:

• The substance

• How it’s used

• Who may be exposed

• Health risks

• Control measures

• Storage and disposal

• PPE requirements

• Emergency actions

When You Need a COSHH Assessment

You must complete one when:

• Introducing a new substance

• Changing a process

• Exposure levels change

• An incident occurs

• Annually as part of review

Common COSHH Mistakes

• Relying only on Safety Data Sheets

• No local exhaust ventilation

• Poor storage

• No training

• No monitoring of exposure

Conclusion

COSHH doesn’t need to be complicated — but it does need to be done properly. I provide practical, proportionate COSHH assessments for small businesses.