Under COSHH, what qualifies as a hazardous material?

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, a hazardous material is defined broadly as any substance that has the potential to cause harm to health. This encompasses a wide range of substances, including chemical agents, biological agents, and other hazardous materials that could pose risks to employees' health in the workplace.

The reason this option is considered correct is that COSHH is designed to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances that could lead to various health problems, whether those substances are chemical, biological, or otherwise. This broad definition ensures that a variety of materials—beyond just chemicals—are accounted for when assessing risk and implementing health and safety measures.

In contrast, the other choices narrow the scope unnecessarily. The first option limits hazardous materials to only chemical substances, which excludes other harmful agents. The third option incorrectly focuses on the disposal challenges of substances instead of their health impacts. The fourth option specifically mentions construction materials without considering the full range of potential hazards associated with many different types of substances used across various industries.

Thus, option B reflects the comprehensive approach COSHH takes in identifying and managing risks associated with any substance that might endanger health.