Qualification Structure

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH (RQF) is a regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 5 hours and 4 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH (RQF) is assignment-based, enabling learners to demonstrate their understanding of the principles of controlling substances hazardous to health and the associated workplace safety requirements.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete one mandatory unit.

Core Study Units

Principles of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the law relating to hazardous substances in the workplace
   • Outline employers’ and employees’ duties relating to hazardous substances at work.
   • Outline the consequences of non-compliance with statutory duties.
   • List ways an employer can communicate hazardous substances safety information.
2. Understand how risk assessments contribute to the safe use of hazardous substances in the workplace
   • Define the terms hazard and risk in relation to hazardous substances.
   • List the different forms that hazardous substances can take.
   • Outline the health and safety effects that may arise following exposure to or release of hazardous substances.
   • Outline the routes through which hazardous substances can enter the body.
   • Describe how risk assessments reduce accidents and ill health at work.
   • Outline the five-step process of risk assessment.
3. Understand the precautions and procedures necessary to ensure the risks associated with hazardous substances are properly controlled
   • Outline the control hierarchy for the safe use, handling, transportation, storage and disposal of substances hazardous to health.
   • Outline the types of information that should be referred to for the safe identification and use of hazardous substances.
   • Describe the general procedures that should be in place for dealing with an incident involving hazardous substances.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH (RQF) is suitable for individuals who need a practical understanding of how substances hazardous to health should be identified, assessed and controlled in the workplace.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous substances.
• Individuals responsible for workplace health and safety procedures.
• Supervisors and team leaders who oversee work involving hazardous substances.
• Workers in sectors such as healthcare, cleaning, manufacturing, construction, laboratories and other environments where COSHH controls apply.
• Individuals seeking an introductory Level 2 qualification in workplace health and safety.
• UK and international learners who want recognised knowledge of fundamental COSHH principles.

The qualification is also suitable for learners who want to develop their understanding before progressing to further health and safety or occupational safety qualifications.

Career Opportunities

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH (RQF) provides learners with essential knowledge of the principles of controlling substances hazardous to health in workplace environments. The qualification develops understanding of COSHH legislation, hazardous substances, routes of exposure, risk assessment, control measures, and safe working procedures, enabling learners to recognise and help control risks associated with hazardous substances. It is relevant across sectors such as healthcare, cleaning, manufacturing, construction, laboratories, engineering, hospitality, and other workplaces where hazardous substances are used or encountered.

Future Progression

The Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Principles of COSHH (RQF) provides learners with a foundation in the principles of controlling substances hazardous to health and supports development within workplace health and safety environments. The qualification is relevant across industries such as healthcare, cleaning, manufacturing, construction, engineering, laboratories, facilities management, and other workplaces where hazardous substances are used or encountered.

Academically, learners may progress to further Level 2 or higher-level qualifications in health and safety, occupational health and safety, risk assessment, COSHH, or related workplace safety disciplines, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving qualification or institution. The qualification can also contribute to ongoing professional development and workplace safety training.

Professionally, this award can support progression towards roles involving workplace safety and hazardous-substance controls, such as Health and Safety Assistant, COSHH Coordinator Assistant, Health and Safety Administrator, Workplace Safety Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, and other entry-level or support positions. The knowledge gained helps learners understand hazardous-substance risks, COSHH principles, risk assessment, control measures, and safe working procedures, providing a practical foundation for further training and career development.