COSHH on Construction Sites Explained

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. On a construction site that covers far more than obvious chemicals — dust, fumes, and vapours are some of the biggest killers.

What counts as hazardous

• Silica dust from cutting concrete, stone, and brick
• Wood dust from sawing and sanding
• Cement and lime — skin burns and dermatitis
• Solvents, adhesives, and paints — fumes and vapours
• Diesel exhaust and welding fumes
• Isocyanates in some sprays and foams

The COSHH process

1. Identify the hazardous substances on site
2. Assess who is exposed and how
3. Control exposure — eliminate, substitute, or use extraction and RPE
4. Record the assessment and controls
5. Review when materials or methods change

Dust is the silent risk

Long-term exposure to silica and wood dust causes serious lung disease that shows up years later. Water suppression, on-tool extraction, and proper RPE are the controls — and they only work if they're used every time.

Check controls are in place

A COSHH assessment is only protective if the controls reach the site. Verifying that extraction is running, RPE is worn, and dust is suppressed during inspections closes the gap. SiteAudit lets you check COSHH controls on site and attach photo evidence.