Workplace exposure to hazardous substances can have serious consequences for your health, often taking years to manifest. In the UK, around 12,000 people die each year from occupational exposure to substances like Asbestos, with many more affected by skin conditions and other long-term diseases. That's why it's essential to understand the risks and take steps to work safely with the harmful substances found in your industry.
Our COSHH Awareness training course covers the biological and chemical agents commonly found in each industry, legal requirements, Workplace Exposure Limits, and practical solutions including dynamic risk assessments, protective equipment, and steps to take when there is a spillage or exposure. By the end of the course, you'll have the knowledge to prevent long-term health issues, protecting yourself and others from harm.
This introductory level course is perfect for employees without specific duties for COSHH management, who want to understand their general responsibilities and work safely around harmful chemicals and biological agents.
Managers and Safety Team Members should instead consider our Writing Risk Assessments one-day course, which covers the COSHH assessment process and will better suit their needs.
By actively participating in this course, you will learn how to:
Identify the risks associated with biological and chemical substances in the workplace.
Understand the different types of substances commonly found in each industry and explain how they can enter the body.
Describe the legal requirements related to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL).
Develop the skills to conduct dynamic risk assessments and identify practical ways to work safely with hazardous substances.
Understand the appropriate steps to take in the event of a spillage or exposure to hazardous substances, including the use of protective equipment and emergency procedures.
If you are attending through our Virtual Classroom, you will need a laptop or PC with Microsoft Teams installed. All course materials and activity sheets will be sent electronically before the course.
If you are attending this course in our Training Centre or Onsite at your workplace, you do not need to bring anything with you except for a notepad and pen. All course materials will be provided by the trainer.
Course Introduction
Course objectives and agenda
Delegate and trainer introductions
Icebreaker activity
Module 1: Introduction to COSHH
What is COSHH?
Key statistics by industry
Types of substances found in the workplace
Activity: Harmful substances and Health Conditions
Routes of Entry
Case Study
Module 2: Responsibilities for COSHH
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002) Regulations
Employer Responsibilities, including Safety Data Sheets and COSHH Assessments
Your Responsibilities
Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) and Monitoring
Other Relevant Legislation
What does Brexit mean for the future?
Module 3: Practical Skills to help you work safely
Hazard checklist
Dynamic Risk Assessment
Scenarios: Hierarchy of Control and how to apply it
Examples of effective control measures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), and Control Equipment
Safe storage, transport, and handling of harmful substances
Module 4: Emergency Actions
Examples of COSHH emergencies
Raising the alarm
Dealing with spills
Helping casualties
Reporting
Conclusion
Review objectives
Signpost additional resources and post-course support