Key terms
COSHH: key terms
Plain-English definitions of the words used in the course. In the lessons, tap any underlined term to read its definition without leaving the page.
13 terms, United Kingdom version
- COSHH
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
- Dermatitis
- Red, itchy, cracked skin, often caused by wet work and chemicals.
- Face fit test
- A test to check that a tight-fitting mask or respirator seals properly on the wearer's face.
- Hazardous substance
- Any chemical, dust, fume, gas or biological agent that can harm health.
- Health surveillance
- Regular health checks for people exposed to substances that can cause detectable ill health.
- Hierarchy of control
- The order of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, then PPE.
- Local exhaust ventilation
- Extraction that captures dust, fumes or vapours at the source.
- Occupational asthma
- Asthma caused by something breathed in at work, such as flour dust.
- Pictogram
- A red-bordered diamond symbol on a label that shows a type of hazard.
- PPE
- Equipment worn to protect you, such as gloves, goggles and masks. The last line of defence.
- Safety data sheet
- A 16-section document from the supplier that explains a chemical's hazards, first aid, storage, spills and PPE.
- Signal word
- "Danger" (more severe) or "Warning" (less severe) on a chemical label.
- WEL
- The maximum concentration of a substance in workplace air, listed in the HSE's EH40.
These terms come from the United Kingdom version of the course. See what the course covers.