COSHH assessments, sorted

A plain-English guide to COSHH assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 — what they are, when you need one, and what a good one covers — plus editable templates, substance inventories and registers.

What is a COSHH assessment?

A COSHH assessment identifies the hazardous substances used or created at work — dusts, fumes, solvents, adhesives, gases and biological agents — evaluates the risk to anyone exposed, and sets out the control measures that keep exposure within safe limits.

When do you legally need one?

You need a COSHH assessment whenever workers may be exposed to a hazardous substance. If a product carries a safety data sheet, or a hazard pictogram on its label, it needs assessing — including silica dust, wood dust, cement, solvents, adhesives, fuels, oils and welding fume.

What a good COSHH assessment covers

The substance and its use; hazard classification (the nine GHS pictograms); who is at risk and how they could be exposed; EH40 workplace exposure limits; control measures following the hierarchy of control; and storage, spillage and emergency arrangements plus health surveillance where required.

Get the COSHH assessment template or view all COSHH templates.