Which of the following is the first principle of good COSHH practice?

• A. Minimise emission, release and spread - prepare and administer drugs in chosen designated areas.
• B. Consider the route of exposure.
• C. Choose control measures proportionate to the risk - strict SOPs in place for RVN administering.
• D. PPE (final control option).

Answer: (A)

Minimising emission, release and spread by preparing and administering drugs in designated areas is the first principle because exposure is prevented at its source. When hazardous substances are confined to a chosen area with appropriate containment, ventilation, and handling procedures, the amount of substance that can reach staff is greatly reduced from the start. This makes any further controls more effective and easier to maintain, since the hazard is being limited before it can cause harm.

Routes of exposure matter for risk assessment, but identifying how exposure could occur does not, by itself, reduce exposure. It guides what you need to control, whereas the designated-area approach directly lowers the potential for inhalation, dermal contact, or ingestion by containing the hazard. PPE is important, but it’s a final line of defense if exposure cannot be prevented by containment or administrative controls, so it’s not the starting principle.