ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in COSHH
The ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) is a basic qualification designed for individuals who work in environments where hazardous substances are used, handled, or stored. It provides essential awareness of the risks linked to chemical exposure and teaches how to control these risks in line with UK health and safety legislation.
This course introduces learners to the key principles of COSHH, including legal responsibilities, types of hazardous substances, and basic risk assessment. It is suitable for industries such as healthcare, cleaning, construction, manufacturing, and beauty, where safe chemical handling is an important part of daily work.
Learners will also gain an understanding of important safety control measures such as proper storage, ventilation, and the use of personal protective equipment. By the end of the course, they will be able to identify risks, follow safe working practices, and help maintain a safer workplace for themselves and others.
Level 1 Award in COSHH
To enroll in the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in COSHH, learners must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: There are no formal academic qualifications required. However, a basic understanding of the English language is necessary to comprehend course materials, safety instructions, and assessment tasks.
- Experience: No prior experience in health and safety or chemical handling is required. This course is designed as an introductory qualification and is suitable for those new to COSHH responsibilities or workplace safety training.
These requirements are intended to make the course widely accessible while maintaining the standards necessary for successful learning and application.
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in COSHH, consists of 3 mandatory units.
- Introduction to COSHH and Legal Responsibilities
- Recognising Hazardous Substances and Their Health Effects
- Basic Control Measures and Safe Handling Practices
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit:
Introduction to COSHH and Legal Responsibilities
- Understand the purpose and scope of COSHH regulations
- Identify the legal responsibilities of employers and employees under COSHH
- Recognise the importance of complying with chemical safety legislation
- Explain how COSHH fits within overall workplace health and safety practices
Recognising Hazardous Substances and Their Health Effects
- Identify different types of hazardous substances found in various work environments
- Understand routes of exposure and how substances can enter the body
- Recognise short-term and long-term health effects of common hazardous substances
- Interpret hazard symbols and warning labels according to international standards
Basic Control Measures and Safe Handling Practices
- Apply basic control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances
- Demonstrate safe storage, handling, and disposal procedures
- Understand the purpose and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Follow organisational procedures for working safely with chemicals
Completing the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in COSHH provides learners with a strong foundation in hazardous substance awareness and safe handling practices. This qualification not only supports compliance with UK health and safety regulations but also enhances the professional development of individuals working across multiple industries. It opens the door to further learning and career advancement in health and safety management, chemical handling, and workplace compliance.
By gaining essential knowledge at Level 1, learners are well-positioned to continue their development through higher-level training and specialist courses that strengthen their ability to manage risk and promote safe working environments.
Progression Pathways:
- Advancing to the ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in COSHH, which provides deeper understanding of risk assessments, control strategies, and incident response
- Progressing to the ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in COSHH, ideal for supervisory roles and individuals responsible for overseeing hazardous substance compliance
- Pursuing other safety-focused qualifications such as the ICTQual AB Level 2 or 3 Awards in Health & Safety at Workplace
- Exploring industry-specific safety courses such as chemical storage safety, spill response, or environmental risk management
- Developing career paths in roles such as health and safety assistant, compliance support officer, or workplace safety coordinator
By continuing their professional training, learners can increase their value to employers, enhance workplace safety, and contribute meaningfully to a culture of compliance and risk prevention.
