What does 'COSHH' mean?

The initials 'COSHH' stand for the 'Control of Substances Hazardous to Health'.

Each year thousands of people are exposed to hazardous substances at work. If the exposure is not controlled it can result in occupational diseases such as asthma, skin irritation or dermatitis (see below), loss of consciousness due to toxic fumes, or even cancer.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 provides a legal framework requiring employers to look at the chemicals used and to then carry out an assessment of these chemicals.

Legal Requirements and Employers Duties

If employees are liable to be exposed to substances hazardous to health, make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to health to employees. This assessment must be regularly reviewed and revised as necessary.

• Measures must be taken to either prevent exposure or adequately control the risks from such exposure.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure control measures are used.
• Where measures are provided these must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
• Provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training.

Employee Duties

• Make full and proper use of any control measure or facility provided.
• Report any loss or defect to any control measure provided, to their employer.
• For further information view the

COSHH - a brief guide to the regulations  
COSHH Risk Assessment Form

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a range of materials including detergents, toiletries, chemicals and even natural products like foods and water (if contact is prolonged or frequent). Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, blistering, flaking and cracking of the skin.

Certain workers are at greater risk of developing dermatitis, including healthcare workers, hairdressers, beauticians, printers, those in cleaning, catering and construction and workers using metalworking fluids.

The law requires employers to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health like dermatitis. Employers and employees need to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) (COSHH). They require employers to assess risks, provide adequate control measures, ensure the use and maintenance of these; provide information, instruction and training; and in appropriate cases, health surveillance.

Click here for more information about Dermatitis in the workplace

A national Campaign tackling dermatitis in the hairdressing and beauty industry is currently underway, aimed at raising awareness of work-related dermatitis amongst hairdressers and beauticians.

Click here for more information about dermatitis in the hair and beauty industry

Further information promotional material can be downloaded from the Health and Safety Executive website, at hse.gov.uk/hairdressing/index

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