Why asbestos is not covered by COSHH

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Asbestos is not covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

Despite being one of the most hazardous substances known, asbestos is specifically excluded from COSHH due to its extreme danger and the need for more specialised management.

📌Related Post: Who does the control of asbestos regulations apply to?

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Why isn’t asbestos covered by COSHH?

This might seem odd—COSHH exists to protect workers from harmful substances. But asbestos is handled differently for key reasons:

1. It has its own regulations: Asbestos is very dangerous, so it needs its own set of guidelines. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations deal with the special risks of asbestos.
2. Stricter requirements: Asbestos regulation are far tougher than general COSHH guidelines.
3. Legal reasons: COSHH Regulation 5 says asbestos must follow its own laws.
4. Banned but still a risk: Asbestos was banned in the UK in 2000, but old buildings still contain it.

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How is asbestos managed?

Asbestos has its own strict rules, including:

• Finding and tracking it: Building owners must check for asbestos and manage it safely.
• Special risk checks: A detailed asbestos risk assessment (usually starting with a survey) replaces general COSHH checks.
• Licences and permits: Some asbestos work needs a licence and must be reported to authorities.
• Stopping exposure: Rules focus on preventing people from breathing in asbestos fibres (tiny, harmful particles).
• Emergency plans: Clear steps for accidents involving asbestos.

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How do asbestos regulations differ from COSHH?

COSHH	Asbestos Rules
Covers many hazardous substances	Focuses only on asbestos
Requires general risk checks	Needs detailed, specialised checks
Basic safety measures	Stricter controls (e.g., licences, specialist training)

Other substances not under COSHH

Asbestos isn’t alone. Other materials with their own rules include:

• Lead (under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations).
• Radioactive materials.
• Coal mine dust.

How does excluding asbestos from COSHH affect workplace safety?

The decision to exclude asbestos from COSHH rules helps improve workplace safety by giving asbestos stricter, special rules.

This does not reduce safety but makes it stronger:

• Special Rules: Asbestos is controlled by its own rules, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which are stricter than COSHH because asbestos is very dangerous to health.
• Special Assessments: Instead of general COSHH checks, employers must carry out specific asbestos surveys and risk assessments, focusing more on managing asbestos safely.
• More Awareness: The separate rules make the dangers of asbestos clearer, helping employers and workers be more careful.
• Full Management: The asbestos rules cover more duties, like identifying, managing, licensing, notifying, and dealing with emergencies.
• Stronger Safety Measures: Because asbestos is very risky, it needs better protective gear and special training for workers.
• Following the Law: Employers must follow these special rules, which can give better protection for workers and lower the chance of asbestos-related diseases.

By excluding asbestos from COSHH, it gets the proper focus and strong rules it needs, which can make workplaces safer.

What does this mean for workplaces?

Point to note:

• Stay alert: Separate rules highlight asbestos’s unique dangers.
• Train staff: Workers need asbestos-specific training, not just general COSHH training.
• Follow stricter rules: Asbestos safety measures go beyond standard COSHH requirements.
• Stay legal: Employers must follow both COSHH and asbestos regulation.

Asbestos today

Even though banned, asbestos is still found in older buildings. Key steps for safety:

• Check buildings: Regular surveys, especially for buildings built before 2000.
• Update plans: Keep asbestos management plans current.
• Protect workers: Tell staff if asbestos is present, even if it’s undisturbed.
• Use experts: Only licensed professionals should remove asbestos.

📌Related: What Is Asbestos Awareness? Helpful Guide

In short

Asbestos isn’t under COSHH because it’s uniquely dangerous and needs special rules.

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations ensure stricter safety steps. Employers must follow both sets of rules to protect workers.

Remember: Asbestos is still a hidden danger in older buildings—vigilance saves lives.