COSHH

COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) 1988

COSHH guidelines for massage products state that all chemicals used throughout the treatment must be in packaging which is clearly marked, and any major ingredients stated. It also states that these should be stored in a suitable fashion, with lids securely in place.

About COSHH:

The majority of organisations today use substances that could cause harm to employees, contractors and other people. These hazardous substances can come in many different forms such as:

  • Fumes
  • Dusts
  • Vapours
  • Mists
  • Nanotechnology
  • Gases
  • Asphyxiating gases
  • Biological agents

The HSE has a free downloadable guide called ‘Working with substances hazardous to health’ – which is a brief overview of COSHH. This guide explains that hazardous substances make thousands of workers ill by contracting lung diseases such as asthma; cancer and skin diseases such as dermatitis. As a result these diseases cost many millions of pounds to industry, society and individuals. The guide illustrates how you should assess the risk of your own COSHH substances and what control measures you should have in place to reduce employee exposure.

COSHH training is required as it will allow employees to identify, measure and control the exposure to harmful substances, and as a result will safeguard your employees. A COSHH training course should provide you with:

  • An understanding of how and which substances can harm health
  • Knowledge and definitions of exposure limits
  • Skills to understand exposure and to conduct COSHH risk assessments
  • A greater understanding of practical control measures and safe systems of work

 

COSHH symbols and meanings