COSHH Assessment Guide
Learn how to assess hazardous substances in your workplace. Create COSHH assessments quickly with our free generator.
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. These regulations require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health. They cover all workplaces in the UK.
Hazardous substances include chemicals, dusts, fumes, gases, biological agents, and any substance with the potential to cause harm if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
5 Steps to a COSHH Assessment
Follow these steps to create compliant COSHH assessments
Walk around your workplace and identify all substances that could cause harm. This includes chemicals, dusts, fumes, biological agents, and any product with hazard symbols.
For each substance, consider how it enters the body (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), the likelihood of exposure, and who might be exposed.
Determine what control measures are needed. Follow the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.
Document your COSHH assessment including the substances, risks, and control measures. This is a legal requirement if you employ 5 or more people.
Review your COSHH assessments regularly, when substances change, when work processes change, or after any incidents.
Common Hazard Symbols
Look for these CLP hazard pictograms on product labels
Flammable
Substances that catch fire easily
Oxidising
May cause or intensify fire
Explosive
May explode if heated or ignited
Toxic
Can cause death if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed
Health Hazard
May cause damage to health
Corrosive
May be corrosive to metals or skin
Irritant
May cause irritation to skin or eyes
Environmental Hazard
Toxic to aquatic life
Frequently Asked Questions
Create Your COSHH Assessment
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Create COSHH AssessmentAbout COSHH Assessments
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 require employers to assess and control the risks from hazardous substances in the workplace. COSHH assessments are a legal requirement and must be documented if you employ 5 or more people.
A COSHH assessment identifies hazardous substances, evaluates the risks of exposure, and documents the control measures needed to protect workers. It should be based on information from safety data sheets and consider how substances are actually used in your workplace.
Our risk assessment generator can help you create COSHH assessments quickly by identifying common hazards and suggesting appropriate control measures based on your specific substances and tasks.