Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy Writers

What are Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policies?

COSHH policies set out how an organisation identifies, manages and controls exposure to hazardous substances that could cause harm to employees, contractors or others affected by its operations.

These policies ensure compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and support safe, legally compliant workplaces by setting out procedures for handling, storing and disposing of hazardous materials.

What Do COSHH Policies Cover?

A COSHH policy typically includes:

• Identification and assessment of hazardous substances used or created

• Risk assessments outlining potential exposure and control measures

• Safe handling, storage and labelling requirements

• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Procedures for spills, leaks or accidental exposure

• Training and supervision for those working with hazardous substances

• Links to health surveillance, incident reporting and waste disposal policies

A clear policy ensures that hazardous substances are properly managed at every stage, from procurement to disposal, minimising health risks and environmental impact.

It also demonstrates compliance with legal requirements and helps protect organisations from enforcement action, compensation claims or reputational damage arising from preventable incidents.

COSHH policies are particularly relevant in sectors such as cleaning, manufacturing, engineering, healthcare and education, but any business using chemicals or producing fumes, dust or vapours may be affected.

By taking a structured, proactive approach to hazardous substances, businesses can safeguard health, maintain safe working environments and promote long-term wellbeing for employees.

Legal Basis

The framework is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), supported by HSE's L5 Approved Code of Practice.

Employers must assess substances hazardous to health (chemicals, biological agents, dust), eliminate or substitute where reasonably practicable, and apply a hierarchy of controls.

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are published by HSE in EH40 and updated periodically. Specific carcinogenic and respiratory sensitisers have additional duties.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

• COSHH assessment based on the safety data sheet only, without considering actual workplace conditions.
• Biological agents (including post-2020 endemic respiratory infections) omitted from assessment.
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) installed but not subject to thorough examination and test every 14 months.
• Health surveillance triggered by exposure but not documented or followed up.
• RPE issued without face-fit testing for tight-fitting masks.

What Policy Pros Delivers

Our COSHH Policy package includes the main policy, a substance inventory template, an assessment template aligned to L5 and EH40, an LEV maintenance log, a health surveillance schedule, an RPE fit-testing register, and biological-agent assessment for healthcare and food settings.