Companies are required by law to protect all staff from potentially harmful substances by adhering to health and safety regulations, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health COSHH regulations 2002. Companies should identify the need for hazardous substances, avoid their use wherever possible and otherwise monitor and control all substances with the potential to cause harm to ensure the safe usage storage and disposal of these items. Companies should also ensure that all their staff are aware of these hazardous substances and that they are trained in their use.

Hazardous substances are materials or mixtures that may cause potential harm to health if they enter the body via inhalation, absorption through the skin, ingestion or through contact with the eyes.

Substances can take different forms, including:

• Chemicals
• Fumes
• Dust
• Vapour
• Mist
• Nanoparticles
• Gases
• Fibres
• Germs (bacteria and viruses)