COSHH
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, which is a key safety regulation in the UK workplace. It's a system for managing dangerous materials that might be found at work, like cleaning products, chemicals, or other potentially harmful substances. Think of it as a structured way to keep workers safe when they need to handle these materials. When you see COSHH mentioned in a resume or job description, it usually means the person understands workplace safety rules and knows how to handle, store, and manage hazardous materials properly.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented COSHH assessment procedures across multiple facility locations
Conducted monthly COSHH compliance checks and staff training
Managed COSHH documentation and chemical storage systems for a 200-person facility
Typical job title: "COSHH Assessors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find COSHH Assessors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a COSHH management system in a large facility with multiple departments?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show experience in creating comprehensive safety systems, including risk assessments, training programs, documentation procedures, and emergency response plans across different areas of operation.
Q: Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a serious COSHH-related incident.
Expected Answer: The candidate should demonstrate leadership in crisis management, knowledge of emergency procedures, and ability to implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key elements of a COSHH assessment?
Expected Answer: Should mention identifying hazardous substances, evaluating risks, determining control measures, documenting findings, and regular review processes.
Q: How do you ensure staff comply with COSHH regulations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss training methods, monitoring procedures, clear documentation, proper signage, and regular safety meetings.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is COSHH and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that COSHH is about controlling dangerous substances at work and its importance in preventing illness and injury.
Q: What personal protective equipment is commonly used for COSHH compliance?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic safety equipment like gloves, goggles, masks, and explain when each should be used.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of COSHH regulations
- Ability to read safety data sheets
- Knowledge of basic safety equipment
- Simple risk assessment completion
Mid (2-5 years)
- Conducting detailed COSHH assessments
- Staff training and supervision
- Emergency procedure implementation
- Safety audit participation
Senior (5+ years)
- Development of safety policies
- Managing facility-wide COSHH systems
- Incident investigation and reporting
- Safety program budgeting
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of current UK safety regulations
- Unable to explain basic risk assessment processes
- Lack of practical experience with safety documentation
- No understanding of emergency procedures
Related Terms
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