Health, Public Health & Safety
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Identifying, assessing and controlling hazardous substances in workplaces and facilities.
View prospectus
Programme rationale
Identifying, assessing and controlling hazardous substances in workplaces and facilities. The programme is structured for learners who need practical, assessable capability they can connect to real responsibilities while continuing work or other commitments.
Programme at a glance
Around 12 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–2 | Hazardous substances and health effects |
| 2 | Weeks 3–4 | Labels, safety data sheets and classification |
| 3 | Weeks 5–6 | COSHH assessment process |
| 4 | Weeks 7–8 | Control measures, PPE and ventilation |
| 5 | Weeks 9–12 | Storage, spills, disposal and emergency response |
Target audience & entry requirements
Target audience
- • Health workers, facility teams, safety focal persons and community health volunteers.
- • Programme staff whose work includes prevention, preparedness, surveillance, safety or community engagement.
- • Learners seeking structured professional development in public-health and safety practice.
Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Complete a COSHH assessment
- Select proportionate control measures
- Handle spills and disposal safely
Detailed modules
Each module below follows this programme’s published syllabus and contributes to the final practical work.
- 1
Hazardous substances and health effects
Weeks 1–2Apply hazardous substances and health effects through systematic risk identification, proportionate controls, safe documentation and escalation.
What you cover
- Hazards, exposure and professional responsibilities within hazardous substances and health effects
- Prevention, control and response measures
- Inspection, recording, referral and improvement actions
Assessed work: Complete a scenario-based risk, control or referral exercise for hazardous substances and health effects.
- 2
Labels, safety data sheets and classification
Weeks 3–4Examine labels, safety data sheets and classification as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for labels, safety data sheets and classification
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for labels, safety data sheets and classification.
- 3
COSHH assessment process
Weeks 5–6Examine COSHH assessment process as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for COSHH assessment process
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for COSHH assessment process.
- 4
Control measures, PPE and ventilation
Weeks 7–8Study control measures, PPE and ventilation in the context of health, Public Health & Safety, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within control measures, PPE and ventilation
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying control measures, PPE and ventilation to a realistic setting.
- 5
Storage, spills, disposal and emergency response
Weeks 9–12Study storage, spills, disposal and emergency response in the context of health, Public Health & Safety, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within storage, spills, disposal and emergency response
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying storage, spills, disposal and emergency response to a realistic setting.
Practical project / portfolio
Prepare a COSHH assessment and control plan for one workplace.
Teaching & learning approach
- Tutor-led explanation and demonstration focused on the published module topics.
- Guided practice using cases, scenarios, templates or production tasks relevant to the programme.
- Individual and group feedback that helps learners improve work before final submission.
- Flexible online, face-to-face or blended participation, with evening and weekend scheduling where available.
Assessment & completion
- • Short applied tasks linked to the published modules.
- • Practical component: Prepare a COSHH assessment and control plan for one workplace.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Learner support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Case material and worked examples based on community and field practice.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Career & professional pathways
This programme supports professional development; it does not guarantee employment, promotion or entry to a regulated occupation.
- Strengthen performance in community health, facility support, safety, preparedness or programme-assistant roles.
- Use the practical project as evidence of applied professional development in your current workplace.
- Progress to related SLIHSD public-health, safety or emergency-management study where available.
Fees & enrolment
- • Indicative programme fee: SLE 2,500.
- • One-off indicative registration fee: SLE 100.
- • Final fees, start date, delivery arrangement and any instalment option are confirmed in writing before commitment.
- • Submitting an application does not require payment and does not guarantee admission.
Regulatory & recognition notice
SLIHSD is a developing professional learning institution. Accreditation and formal recognition are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Completion records an SLIHSD professional short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Ready to start Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.