Under COSHH, what is the primary hazard concern?

• A. Hazardous chemical substances
• B. Biological hazards
• C. Noise hazards
• D. Ergonomic hazards

Answer: (A)

COSHH is about substances that can cause ill health in the workplace. The primary hazard concern is hazardous chemical substances, including solvents, fumes, dusts, vapours, gases, and other chemical agents that workers might be exposed to. The aim is to identify these hazards, assess the risk of exposure, and put in place controls to reduce or eliminate that exposure—through things like substitution with safer materials, engineering controls (ventilation or containment), proper work practices, and personal protective equipment, plus monitoring and health surveillance when needed.

Biological hazards can be relevant if they’re hazardous biological agents, but the central focus remains chemical substances. Noise hazards are addressed by separate regulations (noise at work), and ergonomic hazards by other safety considerations.