Which of the following is NOT considered a type of COSHH substance?

The correct response indicates that metals are not classified as a type of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) substance in the way that the other options are. COSHH primarily focuses on substances that can pose a risk to health due to their hazardous properties, including their physical state or the way they interact with the environment.

Gases, dusts, and fumes are all forms of hazardous substances that can have immediate effects on health through inhalation or skin contact. They are often involved in occupational hazards and are assessed for risks according to COSHH regulations. For example, gases can cause respiratory issues, dust can irritate lungs or skin, and fumes—often from heated materials—can be toxic or explosive.

Metals, while they can be hazardous due to their chemical properties or when they are part of dust and fumes, are not in themselves categorized as a type of COSHH substance since they do not fit within the specific hazardous forms that COSHH addresses directly. Instead, metals may be considered under COSHH if they present a risk in their hazardous forms (like dust created from metal machining operations). This distinction is important in the context of workplace health and safety regulations.