COSHH - Do you know what the symbols mean?
Jul 4 2022
What is COSHH Regulations (2002)?
COSHH is Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and the COSHH Regulations (2002), covers a wide range of substances in a manner of different forms, such as solids, liquids, dusts, fumes and many more.
If a substance is classed as hazardous it is controlled under COSHH regulations. The classification is based on whether;
- It may pose a risk to health
- Be combustible
- Be explosive
- Or cause damage to the environment.
Substances which come under COSHH should have a COSHH assessment which details the vital information such as safety controls, clean up methods, first aid procedures and risk ratings, so users can see easily and quickly the key information about the substance they are working with.
COSHH does not only cover substances you believe to be dangerous such as lime, acid and petrol, it also covers everyday household items in the workplace such as antibacterial surface wipes and hand soap.
COSHH – Do you know what the symbols mean?
How many COSHH symbols are there, and what do they mean?
Since a legislation change in 2017, where an old range of orange symbols were replaced, there are now 9 new red symbols to identify COSHH substances.
The COSHH symbols used are;
- Explosive – Identifies that the substance may explode in certain conditions.
- Flammable – Identifies that the substances will catch fire if it comes into contact with air or an ignition source.
- Oxidising – Identifies that the substances could cause an exothermic reaction when in contact with another chemical.
- Corrosive – Identifies that if this substance comes into contact with objects or people it will react.
- Toxicity – Identifies the substance is toxic or fatal to the users if it comes into contact with their skin, is inhaled or swallowed.
- Hazardous to the Environment – Identifies this substance is it damaging to one or more components of the environment.
- Health Hazards – This symbol identifies that the substance will be hazardous to health, and can be very harming to user if swallowed, inhaled, or comes into contact with the skin.
- Serious Health Hazards – This symbol identified substance as hazardous to health with long term effects and is fatal if ingested or inhaled.
- Gas Under Pressure – Identifies the substance, gas, is under pressure which may mean explosions once heated.
Working in an industry which uses hazardous substances will mean you will come across these symbols frequently and knowing what they mean, and what they could do to you as the user, and anyone else nearby is important to know.
If you would like help with writing your company COSHH assessments, or ensuring you have identified every possible substance in your workplace, then our team could be the ones to help you. Call our team on 01529 413347, for more details on how we could help you out, or visit our website.
We can also provide company COSHH training, which can help employees understand the hazardous substances they may be working with in their workplace. Contact us to find out more.