Health and Safety Executive

What is a ‘substance hazardous to health’?

COSHH covers chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists and gases, and biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance.

COSHH also covers asphyxiating gases.

COSHH covers germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires' disease: and germs used in laboratories.

COSHH doesn’t cover lead, asbestos or radioactive substances because these have their own specific regulations.


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10.08.09