COSHH in the Workplace
A Simple Guide to Safe Cleaning, Compliance & Training
One of the most important frameworks supporting this is COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) — and ensuring staff are properly trained is key to staying compliant and safe.
What is COSHH?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is UK health and safety legislation designed to protect employees and others from harmful substances used in the workplace.
In cleaning and hygiene environments, this commonly includes:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Disinfectants
- Degreasers
- Aerosols
- Industrial cleaning products
COSHH ensures these substances are used correctly to reduce the risk of harm.
Why COSHH Matters in Cleaning and Hygiene
Cleaning products are essential for maintaining safe environments, but if used incorrectly, they can lead to:
- Skin irritation or burns
- Respiratory issues from fumes
- Eye injuries from splashes
- Chemical reactions from improper mixing
- Long-term exposure risks
Following COSHH guidance helps ensure cleaning is both effective and safe.
Key COSHH Responsibilities
1. Understand the Products You Use
Every chemical should be accompanied by:
- Product labels
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Clear usage and dilution instructions
This information is essential for safe handling.
2. Store Chemicals Safely
Proper storage reduces risk and prevents misuse:
- Keep products clearly labelled
- Store securely away from unauthorised access
- Separate incompatible chemicals
- Ensure containers are tightly sealed
3. Provide Proper Staff Training
One of the most important aspects of COSHH compliance is training.
Staff should understand:
- Safe handling and dilution procedures
- Required PPE for different products
- What to do in case of spills or exposure
- General safe cleaning practices
👉 We also provide COSHH training to help businesses ensure their teams are fully compliant and confident when using cleaning chemicals.
4. Use the Correct PPE
Depending on the product, this may include:
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Aprons
- Face masks or respirators
PPE reduces direct exposure to hazardous substances.
5. Reduce Risk Where Possible
Best practice includes:
- Using safer or less hazardous alternatives where suitable
- Improving ventilation during cleaning
- Using controlled or pre-diluted systems
- Minimising unnecessary chemical use
COSHH and Everyday Workplace Hygiene
COSHH doesn’t replace cleaning — it ensures cleaning is done safely and responsibly.
When combined with strong hygiene practices, it helps create environments that are:
- Safer for staff and visitors
- More compliant with regulations
- Better protected from risk
- Consistently clean and hygienic
Supporting Safer Workplaces
On World Day for Safety & Health at Work, it’s a good opportunity to review your current cleaning processes and ensure COSHH compliance is being followed correctly.
Proper training, safe storage, and the right product knowledge all play a key role in reducing workplace risk.
Need Help with COSHH Compliance?
We don’t just supply professional cleaning products — we also provide COSHH training to support businesses in using them safely and correctly.
Get in touch to learn more about our hygiene solutions and training support!
