Various regulations and legislation apply to the safe running of the dental workplace. Which one of the following options is the concern of the COSHH regulations?

The COSHH regulations, which stand for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, specifically focus on the safe management and use of hazardous substances, primarily chemicals, in the workplace. These regulations are designed to ensure that employees are protected from health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances.

In a dental setting, this is particularly relevant as dental practices often use various chemicals, such as disinfectants, anesthetics, and materials that may contain harmful agents. COSHH requires employers to assess the risks associated with these substances, implement control measures, train staff, and ensure that safety data sheets are available, enabling safe handling and storage.

While accidents at work, fire extinguishers, and pressure vessels represent important safety concerns in the dental environment, they fall under different regulations. Accidents at work may be addressed by the Health and Safety at Work Act, while fire safety will be covered by fire safety legislation, and pressure vessels would be regulated under specific safety standards relating to such equipment. However, for chemically hazardous substances, COSHH is the relevant body of law that provides the framework for safety and compliance in handling these materials.