The limits refer to substances that can cause immediate short-term and long-term illnesses. As you carry out the 5 stages of a risk assessment you assess the limits and how they affect employees, but best practice is not to expose people to the maximum limits. Companies should do all they can to remove all risks and exposure.
Employers must prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances under the COSHH regulations to avoid exceeding workplace exposure limits. Companies should introduce control measures anywhere their employees are at risk. All planning in relation to workplace exposure limits must be recorded on the data sheets and risk assessments.
Finally, workplace exposes limits in most cases will also apply to the self-employed or contractors working in a business as the company is responsible for them under the health and safety act.
