Control of Substances Hazardous to Health are regulations that have been developed by the Health and Safety Executive (1999b) and which require employers to control the exposure of staff, clients and others to hazardous substances. Within the health care setting this includes cleaning agents and disinfectants; heavy metals such as mercury; anaesthetic gases; medicines including cytotoxic drugs; ionizing radiation; the potential risks associated with blood and body fluids; and issues surrounding general bacterial contamination. COSHH regulations are enforceable under the Health and Safety at Work Act and employers can be prosecuted for failure to comply with the regulations.
COSHH requirements include:
• assessing the risk
• deciding what precautions are needed
• preventing or controlling the risk
• ensuring control measures are used and maintained
• monitoring exposure
• informing and instructing employees.
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