What is COSHH Regulation 10?
COSHH Regulation 10, a critical component of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of workers in environments where hazardous substances are present. This regulation focuses on monitoring exposure at the workplace, a key aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Regulation 10 mandates that employers must monitor the exposure levels of hazardous substances in the workplace when a risk assessment indicates it is necessary to ensure adequate control of these substances. This monitoring is essential to verify that exposure limits, known as Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), are not exceeded and that control measures are effective.
The process of monitoring involves measuring the concentration of hazardous substances in the workplace air. This is not related to assessing the health of workers but rather focuses on ensuring that the control measures in place are sufficient [5]. It provides critical information for risk assessments and helps in determining the necessity for exposure control measures.
In cases where employers assert alternative methods for controlling exposure, inspectors and enforcement officers may require specialist assistance to evaluate these methods under Regulation 10. This highlights the importance of Regulation 10 in adapting to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of workplaces, ensuring that safety measures keep pace with these changes.
In summary, COSHH Regulation 10 is a crucial element in the robust management of hazardous substances in the workplace, ensuring the health and safety of workers by monitoring and controlling their exposure to harmful substances.