Which of the following is a COSHH guiding principle?

• A. Increase exposure by ignoring controls
• B. Work only with PPE
• C. Carry out activities to minimise the creation of risk
• D. Do nothing

Answer: (C)

COSHH is about reducing the risk from hazardous substances by preventing exposure at the source. The best answer fits this approach: carry out activities to minimise the creation of risk. This means choosing safer materials, substituting hazardous substances when possible, and using engineering controls or safe work methods to contain or limit release of substances before exposure can occur. PPE is important, but it should not be relied on alone; the aim is to stop risk from arising in the first place. Increasing exposure by ignoring controls or doing nothing both miss the preventive focus of COSHH and would fail to protect health.