Conducting a COSHH assessment is essential for UK businesses to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 and protect workers from over 650,000 hazardous substance-related illnesses annually (Health and Safety Executive). This step-by-step guide for 2025 outlines how to identify risks, implement controls, and ensure workplace safety. Master these skills with Skilltopia’s CPD-accredited COSHH training course for just £15.00, complete with instant certification.
What Is a COSHH Assessment?
A COSHH assessment is a systematic process to identify hazardous substances in the workplace, evaluate their risks, and implement control measures to ensure safety. Required under the COSHH Regulations 2002, it’s critical for industries like manufacturing, cleaning, and construction, where workers handle chemicals, fumes, or dust. A proper assessment prevents health issues like dermatitis or respiratory problems and avoids HSE fines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a COSHH Assessment
Follow these five steps, as outlined by the HSE, to perform a COSHH assessment in 2025:
- Identify Hazardous Substances
- Inventory all substances (e.g., chemicals, fumes, dusts, biological agents).
- Check Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and CLP pictograms (e.g., corrosive, toxic).
- Consider substances produced by work, like welding fumes.
- Evaluate Risks
- Assess who might be exposed (e.g., employees, contractors) and how (inhalation, skin contact).
- Determine potential health effects, like burns or asthma, using HSE data.
- Implement Control Measures
- Follow the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls (e.g., ventilation), administrative controls, and PPE.
- Example: Replace a toxic cleaner with a safer alternative.
- Record Findings
- Document substances, risks, and controls in a COSHH assessment template.
- Ensure records are accessible to employees and HSE inspectors.
- Review and Update
- Review assessments annually or after changes in substances, processes, or regulations.
- Update controls based on new CLP Regulation 2015 requirements.
| Step | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify Hazards | Check SDS, labels, and workplace activities. |
| 2. Evaluate Risks | Assess exposure routes and health impacts. |
| 3. Control Measures | Apply elimination, substitution, or PPE. |
| 4. Record Findings | Use a template for documentation. |
| 5. Review | Update annually or after changes. |
Who Should Conduct a COSHH Assessment?
A competent person, trained in COSHH regulations, should conduct assessments. This includes supervisors or employees with knowledge of workplace hazards. Skilltopia’s COSHH training course equips you with the skills to perform assessments effectively, covering risk identification and control measures. Learn COSHH Assessment Skills Now
Benefits of a Proper COSHH Assessment
Conducting a COSHH assessment offers:
- Compliance: Meets COSHH Regulations 2002 and CLP Regulation 2015, avoiding fines.
- Safety: Reduces 13,000 new work-related illnesses annually (HSE).
- Efficiency: Streamlines safety protocols, saving time and costs.
- Credibility: Demonstrates commitment to employee and customer safety.
Skilltopia’s course ensures your team is trained to conduct assessments, enhancing workplace safety.
Example: COSHH Assessment in a Cleaning Business
Consider a cleaning company using bleach-based products:
- Step 1: Identify bleach as a corrosive substance via SDS.
- Step 2: Note risks of skin burns or inhalation for cleaners.
- Step 3: Provide gloves (PPE) and ensure ventilation.
- Step 4: Record findings in a COSHH template.
- Step 5: Review if new products are introduced.
Learn these skills with Skilltopia’s 1-2 hour course, complete with practical case studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should COSHH assessments be reviewed? What is a COSHH risk assessment template? Who can conduct a COSHH assessment?
Master COSHH Assessments with Skilltopia
Skilltopia’s CPD-accredited COSHH training course teaches you to conduct effective assessments in just 1-2 hours. For £15.00, gain practical skills, earn an instant PDF certificate, and ensure compliance with COSHH Regulations 2002. Join thousands of UK professionals and enrol today!
