Why is it important for softwash contractors to understand COSHH & REACH?

In today's world we all need to stay informed about the latest laws, rules and regulations regarding industrial chemical usage.

Should the worst happen, an accident in which someone gets seriously hurt, the courts will not accept ignorance of the law as a defence. The judiciary tell us it is our responsibility to stay current with the seemingly endless new laws they churn out day after day. So to help you as best we can, we've put together some links to the relevant authorities where you can find the information that will keep you on the right side of the law.

What is COSHH?

COSHH is the law that requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. It stands for "Control of Substances Hazardous to Health".

The HSE have produced a clear guide to understanding the basics of COSHH. Click here to visit the HSE COSHH Basics web page

Click here to download our Benz Product Documentation Pack, which covers COSHH, RAMS, SDS and Contracts We recommend becoming familiar with COSHH and if you are not competent on chemical handling then we suggest attending a "Safe use of Pesticides" certificated course. Click here, then scroll down the page to find information on certification in the safe professional application of pesticides

• This HSE webpage gives a lot of useful information for soft washing contractors and is essential reading: www.hse.gov.uk/coshh

• This HSE webpage gives COSHH information on best practices when diluting concentrated softwash chemicals: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/sr02.pdf

• This page carries some advice on spraying softwash chemicals (it's not specifically about soft washing but is the best we could find): www.coshh-tool.hse.gov.uk/assets/live/sr03.pdf

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What is REACH?

REACH is a European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals.

• This HSE webpage gives all the information a soft washing contractor needs to know: www.hse.gov.uk/reach/whatisreach.htm

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What is the HSE?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the UK national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness.

• This HSE webpage gives a clear overview of the work the HSE does: www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/index.htm

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What is the Irish PRCD and PCS?

The PCS is the Pesticide Control Service of Ireland. And the PRCD is the Pesticide Registration and Controls Division of the PCS. They are the Irish equivalent of the UK HSE. The PRCD and the Pesticide Control Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are responsible for implementing the regulatory system for plant protection and biocidal products in Ireland.

• This webpage explains in more depth: www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie

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What is the law regarding the use of SH (sodium hypochlorite) for soft washing?

We asked the HSE (UK Health & Safety Executive) and PRCD what the actual law was. In the Trade Tips posts below we've printed the exact wording from the emails we received during our correspondence with these organisations. We've also included other valuable information regarding the regulations concerning biocides.

• How Softwashing Contractors Can Work Legally within Government Regulations - Part 1

• How Softwashing Contractors Can Work Legally within Government Regulations - Part 2

Quick tip: The law is not our opinion. It is FACT.

We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,

Team Benz