Working in the MVR industry exposes people to potential dangers and it is the task of the employer (or self-employed person) to identify and minimize those risks.

Using chemicals or other hazardous substances, whether they are in solid, liquid or gas form, can put people’s health at risk. Significant human and financial costs result from failures to control hazardous substances adequately. Such failures may also result in action by enforcing authorities, in the form of prosecutions, or of mandatory orders governing work practices or equipment.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002 describe a management approach to dealing with hazardous substances and make employers responsible for properly assessing the use of chemicals and substances and protecting all persons who may come into contact with them.