Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)
COSHH legislation covers safe use and storage of toxic and corrosive chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists and gases, and hazardous biological agents (germs that cause diseases). COSHH also covers asphyxiating gases. If the materials packaging is marked with any of the standard European hazard materials warning symbols then it has been classed as a hazardous substance. COSHH does not apply to lead, asbestos or radioactive substances because these have their own specific regulations.
Flammable substances are covered separately by SDEAR and the Highly Flammable and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972 (Section 5 Part D), The Health and Safety Executive Guide HS(G)51 1990 and the Factory Inspectorate Certificate of Approval No 1 Parts 3 and 4.
Visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics.htm for more information
