Step 3 – Prevent or Adequately Control Exposure

The current COSHH regulations require that all employers must protect all employees’ health and reduce exposure to hazardous substances where it is reasonably practicable to do so. To do this employers:

• Can change the process or activity so that the hazardous substance isn’t needed or generated.
• Can replace it with a safer alternative.
• Can use it in a safer form:g. pellets instead of powder.
• Can provide general ventilation.
• Can use systems of work and handling procedures which minimize the chances of hazardous materials spilling: leaking or escaping
• Can reduce the number of employees exposed, or the duration of their exposure; but only after considering: and where possible using the above measures.
• Provide personal protective equipment as a last resort e.g. coveralls, gloves, goggles, visors etc.