Many workplaces use substances that can be harmful if they are inhaled, swallowed, absorbed through the skin or come into contact with the eyes. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations help employers manage these risks by assessing hazardous substances and implementing suitable control measures.
First aid forms an important part of COSHH planning. While preventing exposure should always be the priority, businesses should also be prepared to respond quickly if an incident occurs.
This guide explains how COSHH relates to workplace first aid, common chemical hazards, emergency procedures and employer responsibilities.
This information is general guidance and should not be considered legal advice.
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
The regulations require employers to assess risks from hazardous substances and introduce suitable measures to prevent or adequately control exposure.
Hazardous substances may include:
COSHH applies across many industries including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, laboratories, schools, hospitality, cleaning services and warehouses.
Even where suitable control measures are in place, accidental exposure can still occur.
Appropriate first aid arrangements help ensure employees receive prompt assistance while waiting for professional medical treatment where necessary.
Effective planning can help reduce the severity of injuries following accidental exposure.
| Exposure Route | Example |
|---|---|
| Skin contact | Chemical splash onto hands or arms |
| Eye contact | Cleaning product splashes into the eyes |
| Inhalation | Breathing in vapours, fumes or dust |
| Ingestion | Accidental swallowing of hazardous substances |
| Injection | Chemicals entering through puncture wounds |
COSHH is relevant to many workplaces, including:
Employers should assess hazardous substances used within the workplace and identify suitable control measures.
A COSHH assessment may consider:
See Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment.
Where hazardous substances are used, employers should consider whether additional first aid equipment or procedures are appropriate.
Depending on the workplace, this may include:
The exact arrangements will depend on the substances being used and the results of the COSHH assessment.
The appropriate response depends entirely on the substance involved.
Businesses should follow their emergency procedures and consult the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific first aid advice.
General steps may include:
Different substances require different responses, so employers should never assume the same first aid treatment applies to every chemical.
Some chemicals can cause serious eye injuries.
Where appropriate, workplaces may provide emergency eyewash facilities as part of their COSHH arrangements.
Employees should know where eyewash equipment is located and how to obtain assistance quickly.
Related guide:
Some hazardous substances may irritate or damage the skin.
Appropriate PPE, safe handling procedures and suitable washing facilities can help reduce risks.
First aid arrangements should reflect the hazards identified within the COSHH assessment.
Dusts, fumes, vapours and gases may present inhalation risks depending on the substances being used.
Ventilation, extraction systems and suitable respiratory protective equipment may form part of workplace control measures.
Safety Data Sheets contain important information about hazardous substances.
They may include:
Employees responsible for handling hazardous substances should know where Safety Data Sheets can be accessed.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) may help reduce exposure where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
Examples include:
PPE should be considered alongside other control measures rather than used as the only protection.
Incidents involving hazardous substances should be recorded and investigated where appropriate.
Investigations may identify opportunities to improve procedures, training or workplace controls.
Related guides:
COSHH is an important part of workplace health and safety wherever hazardous substances are present.
Suitable risk assessments, emergency planning, first aid arrangements and employee awareness can help reduce risks and improve the response if accidental exposure occurs.
Explore our most popular first aid kits for home, car, travel, family trips, camping, workplace and everyday emergencies.
£17.95 £14.95
£17.95 £10.95
£25.95 £15.95
£7.59
£25.99 £14.99
£12.99 £9.99
£25.95 £15.95
