What are hazardous substances covered by COSHH?
COSHH covers substances which can cause ill-health. For example: • chemicals or mixtures of substances classified as hazardous to health under CHIP • substances with occupational exposure limits • biological agents eg bacteria and other micro-organisms • dusts, in certain concentrations • any other substances which have similar hazards to health but for technical reasons may not be specifically covered by CHIP 2. What doesn’t COSHH cover? COSHH does not cover: • asbestos and lead (which have separate legislation) • substances only hazardous because they are radioactive • explosive or flammable substances • chemicals at high temperature / pressure. Other laws apply in these cases. 3. Where do safety data sheets fit into COSHH? Safety data sheets (also known as SDSs or in the USA, MSDSs) are written by suppliers and give information about their products. The law covering these sheets is CHIP, but they can be used to help you comply with COSHH. They provide information on the hazards eg h
