COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, and the training course is designed to educate employees and employers about managing and controlling hazardous substances in the workplace. COSHH training is essential for ensuring a safe working environment, preventing health issues, and meeting legal health and safety regulations.

Who is it for?

COSHH training is typically aimed at:

• Employees who handle, store, or work with hazardous substances.

• Employers and managers who are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace.

• Health and safety officers or those involved in risk assessments.

Benefits of COSHH Training:

1. Ensures Legal Compliance: It helps organizations comply with UK regulations regarding health and safety at work (COSHH Regulations 2002), reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.

2. Improves Health and Safety: By educating workers on handling hazardous substances properly, it helps minimize accidents, injuries, and health issues like respiratory problems, skin diseases, or poisoning.

3. Promotes a Safer Work Environment: Workers are trained to recognize and manage risks, leading to fewer workplace incidents and a healthier workforce.

4. Reduces Absenteeism: Proper training reduces the likelihood of health problems caused by exposure to hazardous substances, leading to fewer sick days.

5. Cost Reduction: Effective COSHH management reduces the likelihood of workplace accidents and the associated costs, such as medical expenses, insurance claims, and fines.

Topics Covered in COSHH Training:

1. Introduction to COSHH: Basic principles of COSHH and why it is important.

2. Identification of Hazardous Substances: How to recognize hazardous chemicals, biological agents, and materials.

3. Risk Assessments: How to carry out a risk assessment for substances in the workplace, identifying the level of risk.

4. Control Measures: How to implement control measures to prevent exposure, such as ventilation, containment, or using protective equipment.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Information on types of PPE to use when working with hazardous substances.

6. Health Effects: Understanding the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.

7. Safe Handling and Storage: Proper techniques for storing and handling hazardous substances safely.

8. Spill Management: How to manage and clean up hazardous substance spills safely.

9. First Aid Procedures: Basic first aid responses in case of exposure or accidents.

10. Legal Responsibilities: Understanding the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under COSHH regulations.

Relevant Industries:

COSHH training is relevant to any industry where hazardous substances are used, including:

• Manufacturing and Production: Chemicals, machinery lubricants, and other substances used in production processes.

• Construction: Exposure to materials such as asbestos, dust, solvents, and paints.

• Laboratories and Research: Handling chemicals, biological agents, and potentially dangerous substances.

• Healthcare: Handling medical chemicals, medications, disinfectants, and biological agents.

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Exposure to cleaning products, solvents, and pesticides.

• Agriculture and Farming: Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.

• Hair and Beauty: Products such as hair dyes, chemicals, and disinfectants.

In short, COSHH training is vital for anyone working with hazardous substances to ensure safe practices, legal compliance, and the protection of health and safety in the workplace.