Health and Safety Policies: COSHH Explained for Electricians
In this part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re looking at COSHH — the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. If you’re an electrician, employer, or sole trader, COSHH is a key part of your Health and Safety Policy. It sets out how to identify, assess, and control substances that could be h armful to you or anyone else on site.
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It’s the law that requires employers to prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. While asbestos falls under its own specific regulations, COSHH covers a wide range of other materials — from cleaning products and adhesives to dusts and fumes created during electrical work.
The main aim is simple:
- Identify any substances you use or create in your work.
- Determine whether they’re harmful.
- Put controls in place to prevent or limit exposure.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance and tools to help assess these risks and implement the right measures.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Every product or chemical used in your work should have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
This document outlines important i nformation about the product’s potential hazards — including health effects, flammability, environmental impact, and reactivity.
For off-the-shelf materials, MSDS sheets can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website in PDF format. These should be printed and kept in a dedicated COSHH file as part of your Health and Safety documentation.
If you’re unsure about how to interpret an MSDS, the HSE’s COSHH e-tool can help you carry out an assessment using the data provided.
Substances You Might Create at Work
Not all hazards come pre-labelled. Some are created during the job itself — such as dust from drilling, chasing masonry, or sanding. These still fall under COSHH, even if there’s no packaged product involved. Guidance on these types of exposures can be found on the HSE website or in trade publications that deal with occupational health for electricians and construction workers.
Carrying Out a COSHH Risk Assessment
Once you’ve identified all substances you use or encounter, the next step is to assess the level of risk they pose. Ask yourself:
- Can this task be done using a safer alternative?
- If not, how can exposure be controlled or limited?
- What PPE or ventilation is required?
High-risk substances should be replaced wherever possible. If not, follow the control measures listed in the MSDS, including exposure limits, safe-handling time, and the correct PPE.
Common Examples in Electrical Work
Even routine products can fall under COSHH. A few examples include:
- Intumescent sealant – generally low risk, but check MSDS for eye or skin warnings.
- Resin jointing compound – may cause irritation; always wear gloves and eye protection.
- Decorators caulk – prolonged exposure may dry or i rritate skin; gloves recommended.
- Cable-pulling lubricant – minor risk; goggles advised to prevent splashes.
- WD-40 comprehensive MSDS includes guidance on gloves, goggles, and approved PPE standards.
COSHH compliance is about awareness and consistency.
By documenting all substances used or created in your work, reviewing their safety data, and applying sensible precautions, you’ll not only meet legal requirements but also protect your health and that of your team.
If in doubt, don’t use it until you’ve checked it. A few minutes of preparation can prevent long-term harm.
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FAQs
What does COSHH stand for and when was it introduced?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It was first introduced in 1988 and came into force on 1 October 1989, with the current regulations being the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended).
Who is responsible for complying with COSHH on electrical sites?
Employers are primarily responsible for complying with COSHH on electrical sites, as they must assess risks, provide control measures, and ensure safe handling of hazardous substances. Employees also have a duty to follow procedures and use provided equipment correctly.
What types of substances are covered under COSHH for electricians?
For electricians, COSHH covers substances like dusts (e.g., from drilling or cutting), fumes (from soldering or welding), chemicals (e.g., solvents, adhesives, or insulation materials), and gases (e.g., from batteries or refrigerants), as well as biological agents if applicable.
How is COSHH different from asbestos regulations?
COSHH is a general framework for controlling a wide range of hazardous substances to protect health, while asbestos regulations (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) are specific to asbestos, focusing on its unique risks, licensing for removal, and strict controls due to its carcinogenic nature. Asbestos is covered under COSHH but has dedicated, more stringent rules.
What information is included in a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), now often called Safety Data Sheet (SDS), includes sections on product identification, hazards, composition/ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting procedures, accidental release measures, handling/storage, exposure controls/PPE, physical/chemical properties, stability/reactivity, toxicological information, ecological data, disposal considerations, transport info, regulatory details, and other relevant information.
Where can electricians find MSDS sheets for common work materials?
Electricians can find MSDS/SDS sheets from manufacturers’ websites (e.g., search “[product name] SDS”), suppliers’ portals, or databases like HSE’s resources, EU REACH/CLP sites, or apps like MSDSonline. Always request them from the supplier when purchasing materials.
What kinds of hazardous substances can be created during electrical work?
Hazardous substances created during electrical work include dust from cutting/drilling (e.g., silica or metal particles), fumes from soldering (lead, flux vapors), gases from overheating PVC insulation (hydrogen chloride), and particulates from grinding or arc welding.
What are the main steps in carrying out a COSHH risk assessment?
The main steps are: 1. Identify hazards (substances and risks), 2. Decide who might be harmed and how, 3. Evaluate risks and decide on precautions, 4. Record findings and implement controls, 5. Review and update the assessment regularly or when changes occur.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly required under COSHH?
Common PPE under COSHH includes gloves (for chemical handling), respirators/masks (for fumes/dust), safety goggles (for eye protection), protective clothing/overalls (for skin exposure), and hearing protection if noise is involved, selected based on the risk assessment.
How should electricians document and store COSHH information for compliance?
Electricians should document COSHH information in risk assessments, SDS files, and training records, storing them securely (e.g., in digital folders or locked cabinets) for easy access during inspections, with regular reviews to ensure up-to-date compliance.
