Module 1 – Introduction to COSHH
• What is COSHH?
• What are hazardous substances?
• Why hazardous substances can be harmful
• Common workplace examples
• COSHH and workplace health
• Who may be exposed?
• Employer responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities
• Importance of following workplace procedures
Module 2 – Types of Hazardous Substances
• Chemicals
• Cleaning products
• Solvents
• Fuels and oils
• Adhesives
• Paints and coatings
• Dusts
• Fumes
• Vapours
• Gases
• Biological agents
• Workplace-generated substances
• Examples from different industries
Module 3 – Health Risks & Routes of Exposure
• Inhalation
• Skin contact
• Eye contact
• Ingestion
• Injection
• Contamination
• Short-term health effects
• Long-term health effects
• Irritation
• Sensitisation
• Respiratory conditions
• Skin conditions
• Understanding exposure levels
• Recognising symptoms of exposure
Module 4 – Hazard Labels & Safety Information
• Understanding hazard labels
• Hazard pictograms
• Signal words
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements
• Chemical labels
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Understanding key SDS information
• Product identification
• Health and safety information
• Emergency measures
• Storage information
• Importance of checking information before use
Module 5 – COSHH Risk Assessment
• What is a COSHH assessment?
• Identifying hazardous substances
• Identifying people who may be exposed
• Assessing risks
• Understanding exposure routes
• Identifying workplace activities
• Selecting appropriate controls
• Reviewing COSHH assessments
• Employee responsibilities
• Following workplace-specific assessments
• Reporting changes or concerns
Module 6 – Controlling Exposure
• Why exposure should be prevented or controlled
• Hierarchy of control
• Elimination and substitution
• Engineering controls
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
• Safe systems of work
• Administrative controls
• Limiting exposure
• Safe working practices
• Workplace ventilation
• Preventing contamination
• Monitoring and reviewing controls
Module 7 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Role of PPE
• When PPE may be required
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Face protection
• Protective clothing
• Respiratory protective equipment – awareness
• Selecting suitable PPE
• Correct use of PPE
• Checking PPE before use
• Cleaning and storage
• Limitations of PPE
• Reporting damaged or unsuitable PPE
Important: PPE should not automatically be treated as the first control measure. Organisations should consider appropriate higher-level controls in accordance with the hierarchy of control and their COSHH assessment.
Module 8 – Safe Handling, Storage & Disposal
• Safe handling practices
• Following workplace procedures
• Safe transfer of substances
• Preventing spills and leaks
• Appropriate storage
• Keeping containers labelled
• Incompatible substances
• Storage security
• Safe transportation
• Waste containers
• Hazardous waste
• Safe disposal
• Preventing environmental contamination
Module 9 – Spills, Exposure & Emergency Procedures
• What to do following a spill
• Raising the alarm
• Reporting incidents
• Preventing further exposure
• Following emergency procedures
• First-aid awareness
• Eye and skin exposure
• Inhalation exposure
• Accidental ingestion
• Using emergency equipment
• Emergency showers and eyewash facilities
• Accessing Safety Data Sheets
• Seeking appropriate medical assistance
• Incident reporting
Final Assessment
Assessment Structure
• Multiple-choice questions
• Questions covering the key areas of the course
• Knowledge checks throughout the modules
• Practical workplace scenarios
• Hazardous substance scenarios
• Final assessment upon completion
Pass Mark
70%
Failure Handling
If a learner does not achieve the required pass mark, they can:
• Review the relevant course modules
• Revisit the learning material
• Retake the assessment
• Up to 3 assessment attempts
