COSHH Safety Guide For Construction Sites

Why COSHH Safety Matters

Hazardous substances are commonly used or created during construction work. These substances can damage health if they are not controlled correctly.

Workers may be exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, chemicals, vapours, gases, and liquids every day. Exposure can lead to breathing problems, skin conditions, burns, poisoning, eye injuries, and long-term diseases.

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. COSHH regulations require employers to identify hazardous substances, assess risks, and put suitable control measures in place.

What Is a Hazardous Substance?

A hazardous substance is any material that can harm health if it is inhaled, swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or otherwise mishandled.

Any substance with a hazard warning label has the potential to cause harm and should be handled carefully.

COSHH Risk Assessments

Why Risk Assessments Are Important

A competent person must carry out a COSHH risk assessment before hazardous substances are used. The assessment helps identify risks and determine suitable control measures.

Questions a COSHH Assessment Should Consider

• Can exposure to the substance be avoided completely?
• Can alternative work methods reduce exposure?
• Can a less hazardous substance be used instead?
• Who may be affected by the substance?
• What control measures are required?
• What PPE is necessary?
• How should the substance be stored and disposed of?

Understanding Hazard Labels

Hazard warning labels provide important information about risks such as flammability, toxicity, corrosive properties, environmental damage, and health hazards.

How Hazardous Substances Enter the Body

Ingestion

Hazardous substances can enter the body through ingestion, such as eating contaminated food or touching the mouth with contaminated hands.

Inhalation

Inhalation occurs when harmful dust, fumes, vapours, gases, or smoke are breathed in. This is one of the most common forms of exposure on construction sites.

Absorption

Chemicals can enter the body through cuts, damaged skin, or direct skin contact. Some substances can pass through the skin without immediate warning signs.

Examples of Hazardous Substances on Construction Sites

• Contaminated ground
• Concrete admixtures
• Epoxy-based paints
• Cement
• Solvent fumes
• Welding fumes
• Hardwood dust
• Resins
• Paints and coatings
• Cleaning chemicals
• Silica dust
• Adhesives and sealants

Common Health Risks

Respiratory Illness

Dusts and fumes can damage the lungs and airways, potentially causing asthma, breathing difficulties, lung disease, or cancer.

Skin Conditions

Cement, solvents, resins, and chemicals can cause dermatitis, burns, irritation, or allergic reactions.

Eye Injuries

Splashes, fumes, and airborne particles can damage the eyes and may lead to permanent injury.

Long-Term Health Problems

Repeated exposure to hazardous substances may lead to chronic illness or occupational disease over time.

Control Measures

Follow the Safe System of Work

Workers must follow the employer’s safe system of work and the requirements outlined in the COSHH assessment.

Use Correct PPE

When using hazardous substances, wear the correct PPE. This may include gloves, eye protection, respirators, coveralls, or protective footwear.

Understand PPE Properly

Workers should know how to wear, maintain, clean, and store PPE correctly. Damaged or unsuitable PPE may not provide protection.

Store Substances Safely

Hazardous substances should be returned to a secure storage location after use. They should never be left unattended on site.

Ventilation and Extraction

Ventilation systems, dust extraction, and local exhaust ventilation can help reduce exposure to harmful substances.

Do Not Mix Chemicals

Chemicals or substances should never be mixed unless it is an authorised and safe process. Mixing incompatible substances can cause toxic fumes, explosions, or chemical reactions.

Safe Use of Hazardous Substances

Training and Competence

Workers must be trained to use hazardous substances safely. They should understand the risks, control measures, and emergency procedures.

Follow COSHH Assessments and Product Labels

Workers should comply with the COSHH assessment and always follow the instructions provided on the product label and safety data sheet.

Do Not Eat, Drink, or Smoke

Eating, drinking, or smoking while handling hazardous substances increases the risk of contamination and ingestion.

Protect Other Workers

Do not expose others to fumes, dust, gas, or other dangers created by your work. Use barriers, extraction systems, and suitable controls where required.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Always wash at the end of each shift and before eating, drinking, or smoking. Good personal hygiene reduces the risk of contamination.

Employer Responsibilities

• Carry out COSHH risk assessments
• Identify hazardous substances on site
• Provide safer alternatives where possible
• Implement suitable control measures
• Provide appropriate PPE
• Provide training and information
• Maintain ventilation and extraction systems
• Ensure safe storage and disposal arrangements
• Monitor worker exposure where necessary

Worker Responsibilities

• Follow COSHH assessments and safe systems of work
• Use PPE correctly
• Report damaged PPE or unsafe conditions
• Store hazardous substances safely after use
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Do not mix substances unless authorised
• Report symptoms of ill health immediately

COSHH Questions for Toolbox Talks

• Before using a substance, what should you consider?
• Name the three ways a substance can enter your body.
• Where should substances be put at the end of a shift?
• Where can you obtain information about the hazardous substance you are using?
• What can you wear to protect yourself against substances?
• Name five hazardous substances you may find on site.

Conclusion

Hazardous substances are common on construction sites and can seriously affect health if risks are not properly controlled. Exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption.

COSHH risk assessments help identify hazards and determine suitable control measures. Employers must provide safe systems of work, suitable PPE, training, and secure storage arrangements.

Workers must follow instructions, use protective equipment correctly, maintain good hygiene, and handle substances responsibly. By following COSHH procedures, construction sites can reduce exposure risks and protect worker health.