Understanding COSHH: What Every Workplace Needs to Know

Working safely with chemicals, cleaning agents, solvents or any potentially hazardous substances isn’t just good practice — it’s a legal requirement. In the UK, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations set out the framework for managing risks associated with harmful substances in the workplace. HSE+2HSE+2

At 247 Direct, our COSHH product range supports organisations in meeting their obligations. See our full COSHH collection here → 247Direct COSHH Collection.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• What COSHH covers

• The legal duties under COSHH

• How to carry out a COSHH risk assessment

• Practical control measures (including PPE, storage, signage)

• How our products can help you comply

What Is COSHH & Why It Matters

“COSHH” stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It requires employers to assess, prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances so that workers and others are not put at risk. HSE+2HSE+2

Hazardous substances under COSHH include:

• Chemicals and products containing chemicals

• Fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, gases

• Biological agents (e.g. bacteria or germs)

• Anything labelled with hazard symbols (e.g. corrosive, toxic, irritant) HSE+2HSE+2

Notably, COSHH does not cover asbestos, lead, or radioactive substances (these have separate regulations). Simply Business UK+1

Why take it seriously? Poor management can lead to ill health, from skin or eye damage, respiratory issues, to more serious long‑term conditions. But with proper controls, these risks can be minimised.

Key Legal Duties Under COSHH

Under the regulations, employers must:

1. Carry out a risk assessment — identify hazardous substances, how people might be exposed, and how serious the risks are. HSE+1

2. Decide on control measures — prevent exposure where possible; if not, control it. HSE+2HSE+2

3. Provide information, instruction & training to staff about risks and how to use the control measures safely. HSE+2HSE+2

4. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) where other controls are insufficient. (But PPE should not be the first or only line of defence.) HSE+2HSE+2

5. Maintain and monitor the control measures, review them regularly, and record findings (if you have 5 or more employees). HSE+2HSE+2

6. Plan for emergencies, spills, leaks, first aid, etc. HSE+1

Failing to comply can lead to enforcement actions by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), fines or worse, depending on severity.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Do a COSHH Risk Assessment

Here’s a simplified process you can use (or adjust for your premises or clients):

1. List all substances used or stored (cleaners, solvents, paints, adhesives, gases, etc.).

2. For each substance, obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and check hazard classifications, exposure routes, and control recommendations.

3. Identify who could be harmed (employees, contractors, visitors) and how (inhalation, skin, ingestion, eye contact).

4. Estimate the level of risk (how much, how often, how well currently controlled).

5. Decide on control measures to reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

6. Implement controls (e.g. ventilation, local extraction, enclosed systems, PPE, safe storage, signage).

7. Train staff on correct handling, procedures, spill response, PPE, etc.

8. Monitor and review regularly (especially if processes or substances change).

9. Document the findings (especially if 5+ employees) and ensure records are accessible.

You may also use COSHH “Essentials” guidance sheets (by HSE) for specific tasks such as skin or eye contact risks. HSE+1

Practical Control Measures & How Our Products Help

Below are key control measures you can put in place — and how items from our COSHH range at 247 Direct can support you.

1. Signage & Labelling

Clear signage helps ensure hazards are noticed, staff are reminded of precautions, and visitors are warned. Use durable safety signs in areas where chemicals are stored or used.

• Alliance Online COSHH Regulation Notice Printed Rigid Sign — a rigid sign to remind staff of regulatory compliance.

• Caution Chemical Store COSHH Safety Sign — to mark chemical storage rooms.

Deploy signs at entry to storage zones, near dispensing points, and on cupboards.

2. Document Holders & Safety Boards

Keep SDS or key safety summaries clearly accessible near the point of use.

• FIRSTAID4LESS COSHH Safety Document Holder — protects documents and ensures they’re kept clean.

3. PPE & Protective Equipment

When other controls are insufficient, PPE becomes necessary. Under COSHH, employers must provide and maintain PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators, protective clothing). HSE+1

While our store focuses on signage and safety accessories, we often cross‑link to partner PPE products. Make sure whatever PPE is used matches the hazards (e.g. chemical‑resistant gloves, splash goggles, respirators).

4. Storage & Containment

Chemicals and hazardous substances must be stored safely:

• Use secure cabinets (e.g. flammable storage cabinets, acid cabinets).

• Ensure bunding (secondary containment) to capture leaks or spills.

• Store by compatibility (don’t mix oxidisers with flammables etc.).

You can browse our COSHH cabinets and storage options via our COSHH collection page.

Note: always check that the cabinet is rated appropriately for your chemicals and meets local standards.

5. Spill Kits & Emergency Response

Ensure spill kits (absorbents, neutralisers, PPE) are available near chemical zones. Train staff on spill cleanup protocols.

Signs indicating spill kit locations, hazard zones, and first aid instructions are also helpful.

6. Ventilation & Enclosed Systems

Where vapours or dusts can arise, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or fume hoods should be used. Enclose the process where possible.

Why 247 Direct’s COSHH Collection Is Worth Exploring

• One‑stop resource: Our COSHH collection includes signage, document holders, cabinet options, and more — everything you need to support your compliance effort.

• Built for durability: Many products in our line are made with weather‑resistant, industrial materials suited for tough environments.

• Compliance focus: Items are designed and labelled in alignment with COSHH and general UK health & safety standards.

• Support & guidance: We’re happy to help you choose the right set of products to match your specific hazards.

Explore the full range here: 247Direct COSHH Products.

Tips for Sustained COSHH Compliance

• Train frequently — annual refreshers, toolbox talks, updates when changes occur.

• Review risk assessments whenever there’s a process change, new chemical, or incident.

• Encourage staff feedback — those on the shop floor often spot risks before management does.

• Audit your control measures — e.g. sign condition, cabinet integrity, PPE condition, ventilation working.

• Keep all paperwork in order — SDS, risk assessments, training records, incident logs.

Summary & Call to Action

COSHH might sound technical and daunting, but with a systematic approach and the right support products, it becomes manageable — and essential for protecting people and complying with the law.

At 247 Direct, our COSHH collection is designed to support you at every step — from signage and documentation to cabinetry and safety displays.
👉 Browse our collection and equip your workplace today: 247Direct COSHH Collection

If you’d like help choosing the right products or designing a COSHH signage strategy tailored to your facility, just drop me a message — We'd be happy to assist.