COSHH 2002 · Reg 11
Clear lungs. Healthy skin. Every year.
Dust, fumes, vapours, flour and spices can cause lasting damage to the lungs and skin. Our COSHH health surveillance spots the early signs, so you can act before a symptom becomes a condition.
COSHH health surveillance, explained
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, employees exposed to substances such as dust, fumes, vapours, flour or spices need annual assessments. These include skin (dermatological) and lung-function checks, to protect them from harm caused by exposure.
Who needs it?
Factories and shops, farms and bakeries: any workplace where employees come into contact with hazardous substances falls within scope.
The role of employers
Employers must carry out risk assessments to identify hazards and take steps to prevent harm. Health surveillance complements those controls rather than replacing them. It monitors employees’ health to detect early signs of skin and respiratory problems.
What happens
The process, step by step.
- 01
Questionnaire
Respiratory and skin-symptom questionnaire completed ahead of the clinic.
- 02
Skin check
A practitioner examines the hands and forearms for early signs of dermatitis.
- 03
Spirometry
Lung-function testing to track FEV1 and FVC against the employee’s baseline.
- 04
Report
Fitness outcomes and any recommended changes to controls, delivered through the portal.
FAQs
COSHH surveillance: questions.
Is health surveillance a substitute for controls?
No. COSHH requires you to prevent or control exposure first. Surveillance checks that those controls are working and picks up early effects.
How long must records be kept?
COSHH health records must be kept for at least 40 years from the date of the last entry.
Surveillance checker
Anything else you need?
Most workplaces have more than one hazard. Add the rest and see your full surveillance programme.
Step 1 · Tick everything your people are exposed to
Step 2 · What you’re likely to need
0 programmes
Select the hazards in your workplace and we’ll show which health surveillance applies, the regulation behind it and how often it’s due.
General guidance based on HSE regulations. Your risk assessment decides what’s required, and we’ll confirm it with you.
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