This law matters beyond heavy industry. Cleaning chemicals, dust, fumes, food production, beauty products, workshop materials and construction substances can all trigger practical control duties. Small businesses need simple but real substance registers, assessments and training.
Main laws
United Kingdom Regulation
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
COSHH requires UK employers to control risks from hazardous substances in the workplace.
In forceUnited KingdomPlain-English guide4 practical checks
Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.
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Quick read
- This law matters beyond heavy industry.
- Cleaning chemicals, dust, fumes, food production, beauty products, workshop materials and construction substances can all trigger practical control duties.
Likely relevant if
- Manufacturing and workshop businesses
- Cleaning, beauty and hospitality operators
- Construction and trades businesses
Check first
- Identify hazardous substances used or created by work
- Assess exposure and control measures
- Train workers and provide instructions
What this means in practice
Key points
- A safety data sheet is not the same as a COSHH assessment.
- Substitution, ventilation, PPE and training need to match the actual task.
- Contractor and cleaner arrangements should not leave substance risk unmanaged.
When this law usually matters
Most businesses do not need to memorise the whole law. The useful starting point is to know when it is likely to affect a contract, customer journey, employee process, data flow or company decision.
Key points
- Manufacturing and workshop businesses
- Cleaning, beauty and hospitality operators
- Construction and trades businesses
- Employers using chemicals, dusts or fumes
What to check first
Sense check
- Identify hazardous substances used or created by work
- Assess exposure and control measures
- Train workers and provide instructions
- Keep safety data sheets, monitoring and health records where needed
Documents and workflows to review
Key points
- COSHH assessments
- Substance register
- Safety data sheets
- Training records
- PPE and ventilation checks