COSHH

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) have a specific requirement for health surveillance for substances used in processes listed in Columns 1 and 2 of Schedule 6.  This should be under the supervision of a relevant doctor, at intervals of 12 months or less.

There is a general requirement for health surveillance under Regulation 11 when the following criteria are met:

  •   an identifiable disease or health effect may be related to exposure.
  •   there is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or health effect may occur under the particular conditions of work.
  •   there are valid techniques for detecting the disease or health effect.
  •   the technique of investigation is of low risk to the employee.

The employer should conduct an appropriate risk assessment, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended), to determine what type of health surveillance should be applied.  We can help you with this risk assessment, and help you decide what is appropriate.