Under COSHH Regulation 10, when is workplace air monitoring required?

COSHH Regulation 10 requires exposure monitoring where the risk assessment identifies it as necessary to ensure adequate control of exposure or to protect the health of employees. Schedule 5 of COSHH lists substances and processes where monitoring is specifically required at defined intervals.

On every site, daily, whatever substances are in use and however small the quantity

When the COSHH assessment identifies it as necessary to maintain adequate control or protect health

After an employee has reported feeling unwell following work with a substance

When an HSE inspector requests it, or when the supplier's data sheet recommends it

What is the purpose of biological monitoring in the context of COSHH?

Biological monitoring measures the concentration of a hazardous substance or its metabolite in biological samples (blood, urine, exhaled air) from exposed workers. It provides an indication of total uptake from all routes of exposure (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion) and is used alongside air monitoring.

To measure the concentration of a substance in the workplace air over a shift

To test how well a respirator facepiece seals against an individual's face

To measure the level of a substance or its metabolite in a worker's body (e.g., blood, urine)

To monitor the temperature and relative humidity of the working environment

How long must employers keep records of COSHH exposure monitoring?

Under COSHH Regulation 10, monitoring records must be kept for at least 5 years. However, where records are representative of the personal exposure of identifiable employees, they must be kept for at least 40 years. This extended period reflects the long latency of some occupational diseases.

6 months from the date on which the monitoring was carried out

1 year, after which they may be securely destroyed by the employer

3 years for all monitoring records, whoever they relate to

5 years (or 40 years for personal exposure records of identifiable employees)

Free mock exam

Monitoring, Surveillance & Emergencies — COSHH Practice

Free topic-focused mock exam: 30 random questions from a pool of 40 on Monitoring, Surveillance & Emergencies, drawn from the wider COSHH bank. 35-minute timer, 70% to pass, worked explanation on every question. Use this when you've taken the full mock once and want to drill the topics you got wrong.

Questions: 30
Time limit: 35 min
Pass mark: 70% · 21/30
Question bank: 40

Free, no sign-up. Retake as many times as you like — different questions each time.

Sample questions

01Under COSHH Regulation 10, when is workplace air monitoring required?
- AAfter an employee has reported feeling unwell following work with a substance
- BWhen an HSE inspector requests it, or when the supplier's data sheet recommends it
- COn every site, daily, whatever substances are in use and however small the quantity
- DWhen the COSHH assessment identifies it as necessary to maintain adequate control or protect health
Why: COSHH Regulation 10 requires exposure monitoring where the risk assessment identifies it as necessary to ensure adequate control of exposure or to protect the health of employees. Schedule 5 of COSHH lists substances and processes where monitoring is specifically required at defined intervals.
02What is the purpose of biological monitoring in the context of COSHH?
- ATo test how well a respirator facepiece seals against an individual's face
- BTo measure the concentration of a substance in the workplace air over a shift
- CTo measure the level of a substance or its metabolite in a worker's body (e.g., blood, urine)
- DTo monitor the temperature and relative humidity of the working environment
Why: Biological monitoring measures the concentration of a hazardous substance or its metabolite in biological samples (blood, urine, exhaled air) from exposed workers. It provides an indication of total uptake from all routes of exposure (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion) and is used alongside air monitoring.
03How long must employers keep records of COSHH exposure monitoring?
- A5 years (or 40 years for personal exposure records of identifiable employees)
- B6 months from the date on which the monitoring was carried out
- C3 years for all monitoring records, whoever they relate to
- D1 year, after which they may be securely destroyed by the employer
Why: Under COSHH Regulation 10, monitoring records must be kept for at least 5 years. However, where records are representative of the personal exposure of identifiable employees, they must be kept for at least 40 years. This extended period reflects the long latency of some occupational diseases.

Common questions

Is the Monitoring, Surveillance & Emergencies mock exam free?

Yes — 100% free, no sign-up needed. Questions are pulled at random from a substantial bank, with a worked explanation on every question after you submit.

Can I retake the mock exam?

Yes. Every attempt picks a different random selection and reshuffles the options, so each retake gives you genuinely new questions. No limit on retakes.

Does this count towards the real qualification?

No — this is independent practice material. To gain the actual qualification you need to sit the official assessment through an approved provider.