What Is COSHH? A Simple Guide for UK Businesses 2026
If you work with chemicals, dust, fumes, or hazardous substances, you’ve probably heard of COSHH.
Here’s the simple answer:
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It’s a UK legal requirement to identify, assess, and control substances that could harm people’s health.
Quick Answer
- What is COSHH? A UK health & safety regulation
- What does it cover? Chemicals, dust, fumes, vapours, and biological agents
- Who needs it? Employers and self-employed people using hazardous substances
What Does COSHH Mean?
COSHH is part of UK health and safety law, formally known as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
It requires businesses to:
- Identify hazardous substances
- Assess the risks
- Put control measures in place
- Protect workers and others
What Counts as a Hazardous Substance?
COSHH applies to a wide range of substances, including:
- Chemicals (paints, solvents, adhesives)
- Dust (wood dust, silica dust)
- Fumes (welding fumes)
- Vapours and gases
- Biological agents (bacteria, viruses)
In construction, common examples include:
- Cement
- Asbestos (managed separately but still relevant)
- Cleaning chemicals
- Sealants and resins
What Is a COSHH Assessment?
A COSHH assessment is a process where you:
- Identify the substance
- Understand the risks (via Safety Data Sheets)
- Decide how to control exposure
- Record findings
- Review regularly
In simple terms, it’s a risk assessment specifically for hazardous substances
Key COSHH Control Measures
To comply with COSHH, you may need to:
- Use safer alternatives
- Provide ventilation
- Issue PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection)
- Limit exposure time
- Provide training and information
Who Is Responsible for COSHH?
- Employers
- Self-employed contractors
- Anyone controlling work involving hazardous substances
Even small contractors must comply.
What Happens If You Ignore COSHH?
Failure to comply can lead to:
- Ill health (respiratory issues, skin conditions, long-term disease)
- Fines or enforcement action
- Project delays or site bans
- Failed accreditations like CHAS
Why COSHH Matters for Contractors
COSHH is essential for:
- Passing health & safety audits
- Winning contracts
- Meeting SSIP requirements
- Protecting your workforce
It’s not just paperwork, it’s proof you can work safely
Final Verdict
- COSHH is a legal requirement
- It applies to most construction and trade work
- It’s essential for compliance, safety, and accreditation
Simple Takeaway
COSHH = Identify the risk, control the substance, protect people
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COSHH Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a UK health and safety regulation that requires employers and self-employed people to control exposure to hazardous substances.
What does COSHH cover?
COSHH covers substances that can harm health, including chemicals, dust, fumes, vapours, gases, mists and biological agents. Common construction examples include cement, silica dust, wood dust, solvents, paints, adhesives and cleaning products.
Who is responsible for COSHH?
Employers and self-employed contractors are responsible for COSHH where hazardous substances are used or created during work. They must assess the risks and put suitable control measures in place.
What is a COSHH assessment?
A COSHH assessment is a risk assessment for hazardous substances. It identifies the substance, explains how people could be exposed, assesses the health risks and sets out control measures to prevent or reduce exposure.
Do small contractors need COSHH assessments?
Yes. Small contractors need COSHH assessments if their work involves hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, chemicals, cement, paints, adhesives or solvents. The requirement applies regardless of business size.
What should be included in a COSHH assessment?
A COSHH assessment should include the substance name, hazards, routes of exposure, who may be harmed, control measures, PPE requirements, emergency procedures, storage information and review arrangements.
Is a safety data sheet the same as a COSHH assessment?
No. A safety data sheet provides information about a substance, but it is not a COSHH assessment. A COSHH assessment explains how that substance is used in your workplace and what controls are needed for the specific task.
Why is COSHH important in construction?
COSHH is important in construction because workers can be exposed to harmful dusts, chemicals, fumes and materials. Proper COSHH controls help prevent illness, protect workers and support compliance with CHAS, SSIP and site safety requirements.
