COSHH

Under a revised definition of 'adequate control', employers must now consider skin absorption and ingestion as routes of exposure as well as inhalation. They must also apply the principles of good hygiene practice as set out in schedule 2A of the regulations, and reduce exposure as far as is reasonably practicable for substances or processes officially identified as causing cancer, genetic damage or sensitisation.

The old two tier system of Occupational Exposure Standards (OESs) and Maximum Exposure Limits (MELs) is withdrawn, and there is a new single tier system of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs). These are 'back stop' values, not to be exceeded but are still be expressed as time weighted averages. The old values have been reviewed. Around 100 substances have not been allocated a WEL, as it is felt that the old value did not offer sufficient protection. These will be researched further. All other previous OES or MEL values have been translated into a WEL.

The text of the new regulations is available to download from the HMSO website, and a list of WELs is available in publication EH40/2005 from HSE Books.