The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations are a cornerstone of occupational health and safety in the UK. To ensure a comprehensive approach to managing chemical risks, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines eight fundamental principles. These principles operate as a cohesive set—not a ranked checklist—to guide organisations toward effective, reliable risk control. Here’s your streamlined, actionable guide to applying them effectively.

Minimise emissions at source

Design and operate processes to prevent hazardous substances from escaping into the workplace. This could involve using sealed systems, containment methods, or enclosures to keep risks controlled at the point of origin—usually more effective and cost-efficient than trying to manage contamination afterward.

Consider all routes of exposure

Hazardous substances don’t just pose threats through inhalation; skin contact and ingestion are equally serious. A thorough COSHH assessment should evaluate every possible exposure route to prioritise control efforts effectively.

Choose control measures proportionate to the risk

The strength of your control methods should match the seriousness and likelihood of harmful effects. For example, substances with severe or irreversible health consequences may require robust containment, whereas less risky agents might be safely managed through simple ventilation and housekeeping.

Select the most effective, reliable controls

Follow the hierarchy of control: prioritise process changes, engineering controls, or safer substitutes over systems reliant solely on human behaviour. The more automatic and maintenance-free a control is, the better.

Use PPE as a last resort—and only when needed

While personal protective equipment (PPE) has its place, it’s inherently less reliable than controls like enclosure or ventilation. When PPE is essential, ensure it’s properly selected, fitted, used, stored, and maintained through a structured PPE programme.

Review and verify control effectiveness regularly

Control measures—and the working methods that support them—must be monitored over time. That may include inspections, testing (like air sampling or LEV checks), staff feedback, or more technical assessments. Structure checks based on how fragile or critical each control is.

Inform and train your people properly

For controls to be effective, everyone must understand what the hazards are and why controls exist. Training builds competence and confidence—so staff can recognise breakdowns and respond quickly and proactively.

Beware of new risks introduced by controls

Some safety solutions—like enclosing a process—can inadvertently create other hazards (e.g., fire risk, poor ventilation, or aerosol build-up). Always evaluate and manage any new risks your control measures might introduce.

Why these principles matter to MHSC clients

• Simplicity and clarity – The eight principles offer a logical, accessible structure for managing COSHH risks effectively.
• Proactive protection – Applying reliable controls reduces dependence on worker behaviour alone and helps prevent incidents before they occur.
• Legal assurance – Adhering to each principle helps businesses meet their COSHH obligations—and protects them from enforcement action.
• Employee engagement – Well-informed and trained staff form a stronger safety culture, making compliance effortless and sustainable.

What MHSC offers in relation to COSHH

At MHSC, we provide bespoke COSHH assessment services, tailored to your specific industry and workplace environment. Whether you operate within manufacturing, construction, offices, laboratories, or beyond, our consultants will:

• Conduct on-site COSHH assessments, thoroughly identifying hazardous substances, exposure routes, and necessary control measures.
• Deliver clear, documented risk assessments, with practical, proportionate recommendations that align with the eight COSHH principles.
• Offer implementation support, guiding you through setting up engineering controls, safe systems of work, and reliable PPE protocols.
• Provide ongoing reviews and updates, keeping your assessments compliant with changing regulations or workplace changes.

This comprehensive and hands-on approach means MHSC takes the complexity out of COSHH compliance—allowing you to focus on your business with confidence.

For further information on Mastering COSHH, please contact us here.