COSHH Essentials
COSHH Essentials sets out basic advice on what to do to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. It takes the form of straightforward advice in 'factsheets' called 'control guidance sheets'. There are two types of sheets, industry-specific 'direct advice sheets' and 'generic control guidance sheets'.
Direct advice sheets
First check the direct advice sheets listed by industry to see if there are any direct advice sheets for tasks or processes in your industry. If your industry is not listed don't worry, you can use our e-tool to identify which generic control guidance sheets are appropriate.
COSHH e-tool
When using the tool you will be prompted by questions to enter some basic information about the substance you are using, before being directed to the most appropriate generic control guidance sheet for you.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does COSHH essentials not list all of the R phrases/H statements that are on my Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- I can't find my safety data sheet. What should I do?
- I have just completed COSHH essentials, is this sufficient to use as my COSHH assessment?
- Some of the information I need is missing from my safety data sheet. What should I do?
- There isn't a boiling point in the safety data sheet?
- Why can't I mix a liquid with a solid?