This CPD-accredited awareness course gives care workers and support workers a clear, practical understanding of COSHH and how to work safely with hazardous substances in health and social care settings.
Learners will explore what the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) are, why they matter in everyday care environments, and how staff can reduce risks when working with cleaning products, chemicals, medicines, waste and biological hazards.
The course explains the legal responsibilities of employers and employees, how COSHH risk assessments are used in practice, and the practical steps needed to handle hazardous substances safely in care homes, domiciliary care and supported living services across the UK.
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Explain what COSHH is and why it is important in health and social care settings.
- Identify common hazardous substances found in care environments, including cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, dusts, medicines and bodily fluids.
- Describe the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under COSHH.
- Recognise the purpose of COSHH risk assessments and how they help control risks.
- Apply safe working practices when handling hazardous substances, including correct storage, labelling, PPE and hygiene measures.
- Understand how to read hazard symbols and use Safety Data Sheets when working with chemicals.
- Recognise when to report hazards, unsafe practice or exposure incidents.
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Overview
This online training course has been designed specifically for Care and Support Workers working in a social care setting. It may also be useful to a wider audience of people who would like to know more about COSHH Awareness.
- Introduction to COSHH and why it matters in health and social care settings
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and how they apply across the UK. - Employer and employee responsibilities when working with hazardous substances.
- Types of hazardous substances found in care settings, including chemicals, biological hazards, dusts and waste.
- Hazard symbols and how to interpret chemical safety labels.
- How COSHH risk assessments identify hazards and reduce exposure risks.
- Practical control measures including ventilation, safe storage, PPE and safe working procedures.
- Using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to understand hazards and safe handling instructions.
- Examples of COSHH in action in everyday care environments such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas and maintenance work.
- Consequences of failing to follow COSHH procedures, including health risks and enforcement action.
- Short narrated videos, interactive activities, realistic scenarios and knowledge checks.
- Final knowledge check and CPD-accredited certificate (pass mark 80%).
Approx. 40 to 60 minutes, including interactive tasks, video scenarios and knowledge checks.
Hugh Asher, BSc (Hons), MSc (Merit), PhD (Applied Social Science)
As a course consultant, Hugh brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. His extensive background in working with individuals with diverse needs, combined with his passion for utilising nature as a therapeutic tool, allows him to provide valuable insights and guidance to learners.
Participants in the courses “Caring for People with Autism”, “Supporting People with Learning Disabilities”, “Mental Health Awareness” and “Mental Health, Dementia and Learning Disabilities” can expect to gain valuable skills and understanding in providing effective care and support.
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