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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

Storage and Use of Solvent‑Based Substances Containing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

What Are COSHH Regulations?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are UK laws designed to protect people from health risks caused by hazardous substances used in the workplace.

COSHH applies to substances such as: - Chemicals - Solvents - Adhesives - Paints and finishes - Dusts and fumes - Vapours and gases

In A Level Product Design, COSHH is especially relevant when using solvent‑based substances that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during designing and making.

What Are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing vapours into the air.

Common VOC‑containing substances in workshops include: - Solvent‑based paints and varnishes - Spray paints - Adhesives and contact glues - Paint thinners and cleaners - Degreasers

Why VOCs Are Hazardous

Exposure to VOCs can cause: - Headaches and dizziness - Eye, nose, and throat irritation - Nausea - Breathing difficulties - Long‑term health issues (e.g. liver, kidney, nervous system damage)

✅ VOCs can also be: - Flammable - Explosive in enclosed spaces - Environmentally damaging

Key Requirements of COSHH Regulations

Under COSHH, employers (and schools/workshops) must:

  1. Identify hazardous substances
  2. Assess the risks
  3. Prevent or control exposure
  4. Ensure safe storage and handling
  5. Provide information, training, and PPE
  6. Monitor exposure where necessary
  7. Prepare for accidents and emergencies

✅ COSHH focuses on preventing harm before it occurs.

Safe Use of Solvent‑Based Substances (VOCs)

1. Risk Assessment

Before using VOC‑containing substances, a COSHH risk assessment must: - Identify the substance - Identify who may be harmed - Assess how exposure could occur (inhalation, skin contact) - Decide control measures

✅ Required before work begins.

2. Controlling Exposure

COSHH requires exposure to be eliminated or reduced as far as possible.

Preferred Control Measures (in order):

  • Substitution – use water‑based or low‑VOC alternatives
  • Engineering controls – spray booths, local exhaust ventilation
  • Safe systems of work – limited exposure time
  • PPE – masks, gloves, goggles (last resort)

✅ PPE alone is not sufficient without other controls.

3. Ventilation

When using solvent‑based products: - Work in well‑ventilated areas - Use extraction systems - Avoid enclosed spaces

✅ Reduces inhalation of harmful vapours.

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

COSHH requires PPE when risks cannot be fully removed.

Common PPE for VOCs includes: - Respirators or masks with suitable filters - Chemical‑resistant gloves - Safety goggles - Protective clothing

✅ PPE must be appropriate and used correctly.

Safe Storage of Solvent‑Based Substances

COSHH Storage Requirements

Solvent‑based substances must be: - Stored in clearly labelled containers - Kept in original containers where possible - Stored in cool, well‑ventilated areas - Kept away from heat sources and ignition - Locked away when not in use

✅ Prevents leaks, vapour build‑up, fire, and misuse.

Flammability Considerations

Many VOC‑based solvents are highly flammable.

COSHH therefore requires: - Fire‑resistant storage cabinets - No naked flames nearby - Appropriate fire extinguishers available - Clear hazard signage

Information, Training, and Labelling

COSHH requires that users are: - Trained in safe handling - Aware of risks - Able to read safety data sheets (SDS) - Informed of emergency procedures

Labelling Must Include:

  • Hazard symbols
  • Risk warnings
  • Handling instructions

✅ Ensures users understand dangers before use.

Emergency Procedures

COSHH requires clear procedures for: - Spills - Accidental exposure - Fire - Inhalation incidents

Examples include: - Spill kits - Eye‑wash stations - First‑aid procedures - Emergency ventilation

Impact of COSHH on Designing and Making

During Designing

Designers should: - Avoid processes requiring hazardous solvents - Specify low‑VOC or water‑based finishes - Design products that do not require toxic coatings

✅ Cleaner design reduces COSHH risks.

During Making and Manufacture

Manufacturers must: - Follow COSHH assessments - Use extraction and PPE - Store substances correctly - Train staff

✅ COSHH shapes workshop practice and process choice.

Consequences of Non‑Adherence to COSHH

Failure to comply with COSHH regulations can result in: - Serious illness or long‑term health damage - Fires or explosions - HSE prosecution - Heavy fines - Imprisonment (in severe cases) - Workshop closure - Loss of reputation

✅ Non‑compliance has serious legal, ethical, and human consequences.

Advantages of COSHH Regulations

  • Protects workers’ health
  • Reduces long‑term illness
  • Encourages safer materials and processes
  • Improves workplace safety culture
  • Supports cleaner and sustainable technologies

Disadvantages / Challenges

  • Increased cost for safer materials
  • Time required for assessments and training
  • Restrictions on certain finishes or processes

✅ These are outweighed by the benefits of safe and responsible manufacture.

Relevance to A Level Product Design

Understanding COSHH helps students: - Demonstrate safe working practices - Justify material and process choices in NEA work - Link health and safety to cleaner design - Evaluate solvent‑based vs water‑based finishes - Answer exam questions on health and safety law

Exam Tips (A Level)

  • Name COSHH clearly
  • Explain what VOCs are
  • Link COSHH to risk assessment
  • Mention storage, ventilation, PPE
  • Explain impact on designing and making
  • Discuss consequences of non‑adherence
  • Avoid vague phrases like “dangerous chemicals”

Key Keywords

  • COSHH
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Hazardous substances
  • Risk assessment
  • Ventilation
  • PPE
  • Solvent‑based finishes
  • Safe storage

Overall Summary

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are essential for protecting people from the risks posed by hazardous substances, including solvent‑based materials containing VOCs. COSHH requires careful risk assessment, controlled use, safe storage, adequate ventilation, training, and PPE to minimise health risks such as inhalation, skin contact, and fire hazards. These regulations have a direct impact on the designing and making process, encouraging designers to choose safer, low‑VOC alternatives and cleaner technologies. Failure to comply can lead to serious health consequences, legal action, and prosecution. In A Level Product Design, understanding COSHH is vital for demonstrating safe, ethical, and legally compliant design and manufacture.