Most workplaces contain substances, or products that are mixtures of substances, that could be hazardous to your health.
You will almost certainly find harmful substances in your own home.
Having an awareness of hazardous substances and how to reduce risks can prevent serious harm to you, the people you care about and the people you work with.
Have you heard the term COSHH?
It stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is based on the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. But there is no need to worry, we will do the boring legal stuff later on.
Have a look at these images and flip the cards to see which substances COSHH describes as hazardous to health…
Flip the cards to see some of the common harmful substances you might come into contact with in your home and at work…
Were you surprised at some of the things that can be harmful to you?
There are lots more but we have covered the main ones. We think you have got the message that they are around us in everyday items, in your own home as well as in your workplace.
We found it really difficult to find something that is not harmful in some way.
There are a few substances that are not covered under COSHH legislation.
But they are still hazardous. This is because they have their own special regulations. The substances not covered are:
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Radioactive substances
- Where the substance is a risk to the health of a person to whom the substance is administered in the course of medical treatment by a registered medical practitioner or dentist.
Myth – ‘Of course it is safe – we have always done it this way.’
Reality – Some diseases take years to develop. If exposure is high because a task has always been done that way, maybe it is time for a change.
– Health and Safety Executive
Knowledge can be very powerful when you do something useful with it!
Do you need to think about doing something differently?
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