Keeping employees safe when working with hazardous substances isn’t just about compliance — it’s about building a culture of awareness and responsibility. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, all employers have a legal duty to provide training and information to any staff who may be exposed to hazardous substances at work.

But how do you deliver COSHH training effectively — and without overloading your team with technical jargon or unnecessary detail?

In this article, we share practical tips for providing meaningful COSHH training that empowers your team and keeps your business compliant.

Why COSHH Training Is Essential

Many workplace health issues — such as asthma, dermatitis, and long-term respiratory damage — are caused by avoidable exposure to hazardous substances. COSHH training helps your team:

  • Understand the substances they’re working with

  • Recognise the risks involved

  • Follow safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures

  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly

  • Respond to spills, leaks, or emergencies safely

Training should be proportionate to the risks. For low-risk environments, it can be simple and brief. For high-risk tasks, more structured and detailed instruction may be required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some businesses fall into the trap of making COSHH training:

  • Too generic, with no link to real workplace tasks

  • Overly technical, using complex language or irrelevant case law

  • Treated as a tick-box exercise, with no practical follow-up

Effective COSHH training should be clear, role-specific, and practical.

How to Deliver COSHH Training That Works

1. Keep It Job-Specific

Focus on the actual substances your employees use. Use examples from your workplace — whether it’s a disinfectant in a care home, solvent in a workshop, or flour dust in a bakery.

2. Use Visuals and Real-Life Scenarios

Visual aids, such as labelled containers, warning symbols, and PPE demos, help employees remember key information. Walk through “what-if” situations to reinforce safe behaviour.

3. Refer to Your COSHH Assessments

Base your training directly on your COSHH risk assessments. This ensures the training is relevant and helps familiarise staff with the documentation they’re expected to follow.

4. Show How to Use and Maintain PPE

Don’t assume staff know how to wear gloves, masks, or goggles correctly. Demonstrate usage, explain when replacements are needed, and clarify how PPE should be stored and cleaned.

5. Include Emergency Procedures

Cover spill response, first aid for exposure, and how to raise the alarm. Quick reactions can prevent minor incidents from becoming major ones.

6. Make It Interactive

Encourage questions and hands-on activities. Short quizzes, group discussions, or simple role-plays can make training more engaging and memorable.

7. Refresh and Repeat

Training should be revisited:

  • When new substances are introduced

  • After an incident or near-miss

  • At regular intervals (e.g. annually or as needed)

Don’t Forget to Record It

Keep records of all COSHH training, including:

  • Who attended

  • What was covered

  • Date and trainer’s name

  • Any follow-up actions

Training records are essential for audits and inspections — and prove you’ve taken your duty of care seriously.

Final Thoughts

COSHH training doesn’t need to be overcomplicated — but it does need to be clear, relevant, and consistent. When delivered well, it empowers employees to take safety seriously and protects your business from preventable harm.

At SIS Ltd, we help businesses improve their COSHH compliance through professional assessments, practical advice, and inspection support. If you’d like help reviewing your procedures or risk assessments, we’re here to assist.

Need help making your COSHH training more effective? Contact SIS Ltd today to speak to one of our compliance specialists.