Level 3 Award in Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

1. Introduction to COSHH Regulations

Overview of COSHH legislation, its objectives, and the importance of managing hazardous substances in the workplace.

2. Hazardous Substances in the Workplace

Types of hazardous substances, classification, and potential routes of exposure.

3. Risk Assessment for Hazardous Substances

Steps for identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and documenting control strategies to minimize exposure.

4. Implementing Control Measures

Techniques for reducing risks, including engineering controls, substitution, and administrative practices.

5. Safe Handling & Storage of Hazardous Substances

Best practices for labeling, storing, transporting, and safely using hazardous materials.

6. Exposure Monitoring and Health Surveillance

Monitoring methods, biological assessments, and establishing health surveillance programs to track worker exposure levels.

7. Personal Protective Equipment for Hazardous Substances

Selection, use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE relevant to hazardous substances.

8. COSHH in Practice: Case Studies

Real-world examples demonstrating effective COSHH implementation and lessons learned from past incidents.

9. Emergency Procedures for Hazardous Substances

Response planning, spill management, and first aid procedures for chemical exposure or accidental release.

10. Legal Responsibilities & Compliance with COSHH Regulations

Employer and employee responsibilities, enforcement policies, and maintaining legal compliance with COSHH standards.

• Develop a solid understanding of COSHH regulations and compliance requirements

• Learn how to assess and control risks related to hazardous substances

• Gain practical skills for safe handling, labeling, and storage of chemicals

• Enhance career opportunities in health, safety, and environmental management

• Support a safer, healthier, and legally compliant workplace

• HSE Officers and Supervisors

• Safety Managers and Coordinators

• Laboratory and Factory Workers

• Maintenance and Cleaning Staff

• Environmental Health Professionals

• Anyone responsible for handling or managing hazardous substances in the workplace

• Assessment Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Questions: 30

• Passing Marks: 70%

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Mode of Exam: Online or Paper-Based

• Result Criteria: Pass or Fail (No program ID mentioned on the exam paper)

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

• Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

• Level 3 Certificate in Process Safety Management.

• Level 3 Certificate in Risk Management.

• HSE Supervisor (Health, Safety & Environment).

• Level 4 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

• Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.

• Certified Industrial Hygienist.

• Certified Safety Professional.

• ISO 45001 Internal Auditor Certification.

• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification.

• ISO 14001 Internal Auditor Certification.

• Professional development in Industrial Hygiene, Chemical Risk Assessment, Occupational Exposure Monitoring, Process Safety Management (PSM), Environmental Compliance, Incident Investigation, Emergency Response Planning, Contractor Safety Management, and Chemical Storage & Transport.

• Career opportunities as COSHH Coordinator, Chemical Safety Officer, HSE Supervisor, Industrial Hygienist, Process Safety Coordinator, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer, Laboratory Safety Supervisor, Chemical Compliance Officer, Risk Assessment Specialist, Safety Advisor, and Occupational Health Practitioner.