CIEH Level 2 Award in the Principles of COSHH

Successful completion of this course will prepare students to look carefully at their own work activities and contribute to the safer use of hazardous substances in co-operation with their managers and supervisors.

Outline Programme
• Definition and types of substances hazardous to health in the workplace
• Health effects of hazardous substances and their causes
• COSHH assessments and control options
• Responsibilities imposed by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004
• Protecting the environment

A Introduction to COSHH
Candidates should understand that some substances commonly found in the workplace are hazardous to health and be able to:
i Define and explain what is meant by the term ‘substance hazardous to health’.
ii State the consequences of poor health and safety caused by hazardous substances and the benefits of putting controls in place.
iii List some common hazardous substances that are found in the workplace.
iv Describe the extent of accidents and ill-health caused by hazardous substances in the workplace.
v State the importance of risk assessment in controlling and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

B COSHH Regulations
Candidates should understand the scope of legislative requirements and be able to:
i Outline the general legal responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), and the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2005 of employers, employees and the self-employed.
ii Explain the use of approved codes of practice and HSE Guidance Notes in completing COSHH assessments.
iii Briefly describe how the law is enforced, the enforcement agencies and the powers and actions available to enforcement officers.
iv Describe the duty placed on employers to provide information, instruction and training to those exposed to substances hazardous to health.

C Health problems
Candidates should understand how hazardous substances cause injury and ill-health and be able to:
i State the types of health hazard with reference to hazardous substances and the occupations with which they are commonly associated.
ii Describe the various ways in which hazardous substances can enter the body.
iii State the effects that may arise from exposure to hazardous substances.
iv Describe the difference between acute and chronic symptoms arising from short- and long-term exposure to hazardous substances.

D Identifying hazardous substances
Candidates should understand the different ways that hazardous substances can be identified and be able to:
i Detail the importance of identifying hazardous substances that are brought into the workplace, as well as those produced by work activities and
processes.
ii Describe the essential information shown on the supply label of commercially produced chemicals including risk and safety terminology.
iii Describe the various warning symbols that may appear on supply labels.
iv State the content of safety data sheets and detail how such information can prevent injury and illhealth.
v Explain the use of safety data sheets in helping employers conduct a COSHH assessment.
vi State the emergency procedures for hazardous substances whenever there is a loss of control.

E Controlling hazardous substances
Candidates should understand the risks associated with hazardous substances and be able to:
i Define what is meant by the terms ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’ and give examples.
ii Identify who in the workplace is at risk from hazardous substances.
iii Describe the factors that are likely to increase the level of risk from hazardous substances.
iv Define the term ‘control measure’ with reference to hazardous substances and give examples of how effective different control measures might be.
v Detail the use and care of personal protective equipment and clothing in controlling risks from hazardous substances and state personal protective
equipment limitations.
vi Detail the importance of following instructions and safe systems of work in the presence of hazardous substances, and the employee’s responsibility to report any failures in systems.
vii Define the term ‘authorised user’.
viii Describe the general first aid provision that is required, and state that there may be additional requirements where there are high-risk substances
in the workplace.

F COSHH assessments
Candidates should understand the value and purpose of conducting COSHH assessments and be able to:
i State employers’ and employees’ responsibilities with respect to COSHH assessments.
ii Explain the importance of recording and monitoring COSHH assessments.
iii Describe the role for, and the limitations of, health surveillance.
iv Explain how employers monitor employees’ exposure to hazardous substances including the use of workplace exposure limits, maximum exposure limits and occupational exposure standards and where such guidance can be found.
v State how long employees’ health surveillance records should be kept on file.