The safety and health of employees in any workplace should always be a top priority. One of the key components of workplace safety is the effective control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). In the UK, COSHH regulations are a vital part of maintaining a safe working environment, particularly in industries that handle chemicals, hazardous substances, or biological agents. The OSHAA 30-Hours Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) course provides comprehensive training to ensure employees and employers understand the risks and appropriate control measures. This blog post delves into the importance of COSHH training and the key benefits it offers to organizations and workers.
The COSHH regulations aim to prevent employees from exposure to substances that could cause harm, such as toxic chemicals, biological agents, and dusts. Substances covered under COSHH can range from cleaning agents and pesticides to more dangerous chemicals used in industrial processes. Prolonged exposure to these substances can result in serious health conditions, including respiratory issues, skin diseases, cancer, and reproductive disorders. Therefore, it’s crucial for employers to ensure that control measures are in place to minimize these risks.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) course is an essential training programme for anyone working with hazardous substances in the workplace. By offering employees the knowledge and tools to identify and control the risks associated with these substances, the course helps create a safer, healthier environment for all.
Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, or any industry involving hazardous materials, the COSHH course is crucial for maintaining safety standards and complying with legal requirements. Don’t wait until an incident occurs—invest in COSHH training today to protect your employees and organization from the risks posed by hazardous substances.
OSHAA 30-Hours Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to COSHH and Legal Framework (2 Hours)
- Understand the COSHH regulations and their significance in workplace health and safety.
- Identify the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under COSHH.
- Learn about the key principles of COSHH risk management and its application in different industries.
- Recognise the types of hazardous substances covered by COSHH, including chemicals, biological agents, and dust.
Identifying Hazardous Substances (4 Hours)
- Develop the ability to identify hazardous substances in the workplace.
- Understand the various categories of hazardous substances, such as toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic, and irritants.
- Learn to classify hazardous substances based on their physical, chemical, and health properties.
- Understand how to read and interpret safety data sheets (SDS) and labels for proper identification.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures (5 Hours)
- Learn how to conduct a COSHH risk assessment to evaluate potential hazards in the workplace.
- Assess the severity and likelihood of risks associated with hazardous substances.
- Identify and implement control measures to reduce exposure, such as substitution, engineering controls, and work practices.
- Develop strategies to ensure control measures are effective and regularly reviewed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Hazardous Substances (4 Hours)
- Understand the importance of PPE in protecting workers from exposure to hazardous substances.
- Identify the different types of PPE (e.g., gloves, respirators, goggles) and their uses in different work environments.
- Learn how to select, maintain, and properly use PPE to minimise exposure risks.
- Understand the legal and organisational requirements for providing and maintaining PPE.
Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Hazardous Substances (4 Hours)
- Learn the safe procedures for handling, storing, and transporting hazardous substances.
- Understand the importance of proper labelling, storage conditions, and safety signage for hazardous substances.
- Gain knowledge of how to safely dispose of hazardous substances in compliance with legal requirements.
- Learn how to prevent accidental spills, leaks, or exposures through safe storage and disposal practices.
Health Surveillance and Monitoring (4 Hours)
- Understand the role of health surveillance in detecting potential health issues related to hazardous substance exposure.
- Learn the types of health surveillance required for different substances and workplace conditions.
- Identify monitoring techniques to ensure control measures are effective in protecting worker health.
- Understand the importance of record-keeping and confidentiality in health surveillance.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid (3 Hours)
- Learn the immediate actions to take following an exposure to hazardous substances.
- Understand the importance of having clear emergency procedures in place for spills, leaks, or accidents.
- Gain knowledge of first aid measures and treatment for injuries caused by hazardous substances, such as chemical burns or inhalation.
- Develop the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to minimise harm and manage incidents effectively.
Managing and Preventing Exposure in the Workplace (4 Hours)
- Learn how to implement work practices that prevent or minimise exposure to hazardous substances.
- Understand the importance of engineering controls such as ventilation and extraction systems in reducing exposure.
- Identify administrative controls and work processes that help prevent harmful exposures.
- Develop strategies for continuous improvement in workplace safety and reducing exposure to hazardous substances.
- Compliance with Legal Requirements
Completing the COSHH course ensures that both employers and employees are fully compliant with UK health and safety regulations, avoiding legal consequences, fines, and penalties associated with non-compliance. - Improved Workplace Safety
The course provides participants with a clear understanding of how to identify, assess, and control the risks associated with hazardous substances, ensuring a safer working environment for all. - Enhanced Risk Management Skills
By learning how to carry out risk assessments and implement effective control measures, employees and employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, exposure, and health-related incidents in the workplace. - Minimisation of Health Hazards
Participants will learn how to prevent exposure to harmful substances, reducing the risk of chronic health conditions such as respiratory issues, skin diseases, and other serious health problems caused by hazardous substances. - Improved Emergency Response
Employees will gain essential knowledge on emergency procedures and first aid in case of accidents or exposure, ensuring quick and effective responses to minimise harm and protect workers’ health. - Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal Practices
The course covers the best practices for safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous substances, reducing the risk of contamination, spills, and accidents in the workplace. - Boosted Employee Confidence
The training increases employees’ confidence in dealing with hazardous substances, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle substances safely and respond appropriately to any situations that arise. - Reduced Absenteeism and Health-Related Costs
By preventing exposure to hazardous substances, the course helps reduce the number of workplace injuries and illnesses, lowering healthcare costs and absenteeism due to work-related health issues. - Increased Productivity
With a safer work environment and fewer incidents of illness or injury, businesses experience higher productivity and smoother operations, as employees can focus on their tasks without the fear of exposure. - Effective Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Participants will gain the knowledge needed to select, use, and maintain PPE effectively, further safeguarding workers from hazardous substances and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. - Enhanced Company Reputation
Organisations that invest in the health and safety of their workers demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, improving their reputation and attractiveness as an employer. - Ongoing Improvement in Health and Safety Standards
The course encourages a culture of continuous improvement, helping businesses maintain and enhance their health and safety management systems to keep up with new regulations, best practices, and emerging risks. - Tailored for High-Risk Environments
The course is specifically designed for individuals working in high-risk industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and laboratories, ensuring that the content is relevant and actionable for various sectors. - Cost Savings in the Long Run
Investing in COSHH training can lead to significant cost savings over time, as the reduced risk of accidents, fines, and compensation claims lowers overall operational costs.
Overall, the OSHAA 30-Hours COSHH course provides essential training that improves safety, enhances compliance, and equips employees with the skills needed to manage hazardous substances effectively in the workplace. By implementing the knowledge gained in the course, organizations can protect their workforce, reduce risks, and maintain a safer, healthier work environment.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) course is ideal for a wide range of professionals across various industries who work with, or are exposed to, hazardous substances. This course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to identify, assess, and manage the risks associated with hazardous substances, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with UK regulations.
This course is suitable for:
- Health and Safety Officers
Those responsible for managing and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations within organisations, particularly those working with hazardous substances. - Laboratory Technicians
Professionals working in laboratory settings who regularly handle chemicals, biological agents, or other potentially harmful substances. - Construction Workers
Employees in the construction industry who are exposed to dust, fumes, and other hazardous materials during building and demolition activities. - Manufacturing Staff
Workers in factories or production environments who deal with chemicals, cleaning agents, or industrial materials as part of their daily tasks. - Chemical Industry Workers
Individuals involved in the chemical manufacturing, processing, or handling industry, where exposure to toxic, corrosive, or reactive substances is common. - Cleaning and Facilities Management Staff
Employees who work with cleaning products, disinfectants, and other hazardous substances in both industrial and commercial settings. - First Aiders and Emergency Response Personnel
Individuals who are responsible for providing first aid or emergency response in environments where hazardous substances may be present. - Supervisors and Managers
Supervisors and managers overseeing teams or departments that use hazardous substances regularly, ensuring that safety protocols are being followed. - Environmental Health Professionals
Those working in environmental health roles who need to understand the hazards and control measures related to chemicals and other dangerous substances. - Any Employees Exposed to Hazardous Substances
If you work in an environment where there is exposure to hazardous substances—whether in healthcare, agriculture, hospitality, or other industries—this course is relevant to you.
The COSHH course is particularly beneficial for those in high-risk environments but is valuable to any professional who needs to understand how to work safely with hazardous materials, reduce health risks, and comply with the latest health and safety regulations.
