Yes, where golf clubs use substances that are hazardous to health and workers may be exposed to them, a suitable and sufficient COSHH Assessment may be required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). This can include substances used in greenkeeping, maintenance, workshops and clubhouse facilities.
On golf courses, COSHH may apply to substances such as pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, fuels, oils, cleaning chemicals and other hazardous products, depending on their properties and how they are used.
A COSHH Assessment should consider:
- What hazardous substances are being used
- Who could be exposed and how
- The risks to health from exposure
- How exposure can be prevented or adequately controlled
- What PPE, training or other precautions may be required
- Emergency arrangements for spills or accidental exposure
Risks can include skin contact, inhalation and accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals. Golf clubs should also follow the instructions and precautions provided on product labels and Safety Data Sheets, and ensure hazardous substances are stored and handled safely.
COSHH Assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe they are no longer valid or there is a significant change in the work, substances or exposure risks.
You can view the full range of our ‘COSHH Assessments’ here