CDM/General/TBT-CDM-017

COSHH 2002 Awareness

CDM & Legal Framework › General › COSHH 2002 Awareness

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The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) protect workers from harmful substances.
COSHH covers chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, gases, and biological agents encountered at work.
Employers must assess the risks from every hazardous substance used or generated on the construction site.
The hierarchy of control requires elimination first, then substitution, engineering controls, and PPE as a last resort.
Safety data sheets (SDS) must be obtained for every chemical product brought onto site.
Workplace exposure limits (WELs) set the maximum airborne concentration workers may be exposed to.
Health surveillance is required for workers regularly exposed to substances known to cause occupational disease.
COSHH assessments must be reviewed whenever substances, processes, or work methods change.
Common construction hazards covered by COSHH include cement dust, silica, solvents, welding fume, and adhesives.
Failure to comply with COSHH can result in enforcement action, fines, and personal criminal liability.

Prevent occupational disease	COSHH substances cause dermatitis, asthma, cancer, and organ damage — controls prevent long-term illness.
Legal requirement	COSHH 2002 is a legal duty on all employers — non-compliance leads to prosecution and enforcement notices.
Worker awareness	Understanding COSHH helps every worker recognise hazardous substances and follow the correct precautions.

Don't

Check the COSHH assessment before using any hazardous substance on site for the first time
Read the safety data sheet to understand the hazards and required precautions
Follow the hierarchy of control — eliminate the substance before relying on PPE
Use the RPE, gloves, and eye protection specified in the COSHH assessment for the task
Store hazardous substances in labelled containers in designated, ventilated areas
Attend health surveillance appointments if you are regularly exposed to COSHH substances
Report any symptoms such as skin irritation, breathing difficulty, or dizziness immediately
Wash hands and exposed skin before eating, drinking, or smoking after handling substances
Ensure adequate ventilation or extraction when using volatile substances indoors
Ask your supervisor for the COSHH assessment if you are unsure about a product's hazards

DON'T use any chemical product without checking the COSHH assessment and data sheet
DON'T rely on PPE as the first defence — try to eliminate or substitute the hazard
DON'T decant chemicals into unlabelled containers where contents cannot be identified
DON'T mix chemicals unless the COSHH assessment confirms the mixture is safe
DON'T ignore skin rashes, breathing problems, or eye irritation from substance exposure
DON'T store incompatible chemicals together where they could react dangerously
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where hazardous substances are used or stored
DON'T skip health surveillance — early detection of disease prevents permanent damage
DON'T bring new chemical products onto site without providing a safety data sheet first
DON'T assume a product is safe because it has no strong smell or obvious warnings

See also: COSHH Awareness | Reading Safety Data Sheets

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