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The ACoP says, "Every employer shall ensure that the exposure of his employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled."

COSHH introduced what is known as a 'hierarchy of controls' to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances. This means that an employer, where it is 'reasonably practicable', should change the process, so the substance is no longer used or produced, replace a hazardous substance with something safer, or enclose the process. If exposure cannot be prevented, employers must control exposure by using engineering controls, like local exhaust ventilation or, as a last resort, personal protective equipment.

Special provisions apply to carcinogens. If exposure cannot be prevented by using an alternative process or substance then the process should be totally enclosed if reasonably practicable. COSHH lists seven controls which must be used for carcinogens, including limiting the quantities used, and keeping the number of exposed workers to a minimum.

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