Using the App

COSHH Safety Training

Premium tool. Open from /training-dashboard → COSHH & Lab Safety card (the dashboard label combines COSHH with general lab safety), or directly at /coshh-safety-training.

Pathology labs handle dozens of regulated substances daily. COSHH compliance is a legal duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. This module drills the risk-assessment and control-measure decisions a Band 5+ BMS makes routinely.

What it does

• Presents a real chemical-use scenario (e.g. setting up formalin for histology fixation, glutaraldehyde for IHC)
• Asks you to read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) and identify hazards
• Walks you through hierarchy of control decisions (elimination → substitution → engineering → administrative → PPE)
• Drills WEL / STEL (Workplace Exposure Limit / Short Term Exposure Limit) interpretation
• Tests spill response for each substance
• Captures the COSHH assessment document for portfolio evidence

Common pathology chemicals

The module includes assessments for:

• Formalin / formaldehyde — Cat 1B carcinogen, sensitiser; histology fixation
• Xylene — neurotoxic, hepatotoxic; tissue clearing
• Glutaraldehyde — sensitiser; IHC, endoscope decontamination
• Methanol — toxic by skin and inhalation; cytology and microscopy
• Ethanol — flammable; dehydration steps
• Hydrochloric acid — corrosive; staining
• Phenol — corrosive, toxic; molecular work
• Eosin / haematoxylin solutions — generally low risk but contain alcohols and acids
• Cytotoxic decontamination chemicals — for specific specialties

Hierarchy of control

The module teaches the regulatory hierarchy:

1. Eliminate the chemical (use an alternative method)
2. Substitute with a less hazardous chemical (xylene → xylene substitutes)
3. Engineering controls — fume hood, downdraft bench, local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
4. Administrative controls — SOPs, restricted access, training
5. PPE — gloves, lab coat, eye protection, respirator if needed

PPE is the last line — relying on PPE alone is a COSHH non-compliance.

Standards alignment

• COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended) — statutory framework
• HSE EH40 — Workplace Exposure Limits (current edition)
• CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling, Packaging of substances)
• REACH (UK REACH post-Brexit) — registration of chemicals
• ISO 15189:2022 clause 6.5 (Environmental conditions) and 6.7 (Equipment maintenance)
• HSG274 — controlling Legionella (relevant to water-based systems)

Bands and competency mapping

• Band 2-4 — execute SOPs; recognise chemical hazards; report exposures
• Band 5 — perform COSHH assessments for routine new substances; supervise junior staff
• Band 6 / 7 — lead departmental COSHH register; chair safety committee; LEV testing oversight

COSHH evidence is required in every IBMS Specialist Portfolio.

Common interview question themes

• "Walk me through how you would assess a new chemical introduced into the lab"
• "What's the difference between a WEL and a STEL?"
• "How do you respond to a formalin spill?"
• "Tell me about a near-miss involving a chemical exposure"
• "How is COSHH compliance audited at your trust?"

Pair with Sharps and Waste Simulator (article 53), ACDP Biosafety Simulator (article 45), and Lab Safety Essentials (article 61) for full safety coverage.