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AB SiteSafe
Science-trained · Practically minded · Built for trades

Alexander Banister — Health & Safety Consultant

ABSiteSafe@outlook.com · 07961 702 340

absitesafe.co.uk

Case Study — COSHH Assessment Programme
2026
Client
Independent Tattoo Studio, Paignton
Sector
Tattoo & Body Art
Service Delivered
Full COSHH Programme
Completed
May 2026
The Brief

A tattoo and body art studio approached AB SiteSafe requiring a complete COSHH assessment programme. The studio operated with four sole traders sharing premises, using a range of hazardous substances daily — disinfectants, solvents, biocidal wipes, bleach, and cleaning products — none of which had been formally assessed. The client needed inspection-ready documentation that met the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and reflected the actual products in use, not a generic template.

Challenges Encountered
1
Generic substance identification The client provided substance names generically — "bleach", "wipes", "hand sanitiser" — without brand names or product codes. A site visit was required to photograph product labels and identify the exact products in use before SDS research could begin.
2
SDS compliance failures across 9 products Of the 14 substances assessed, 9 had SDS documents that were non-compliant — either pre-Brexit EU-format documents, third-party database SDS not matching the actual supplier, or in one case a completely wrong product SDS held in the client's archive. Each required a formal supplier request.
3
Variant mismatch and product identification One aerosol air freshener had a different scent variant in use to the SDS held — confirmed by UFI code comparison. A separate surface wipe product had a categorically different formulation to the SDS on file (hand sanitiser wipes versus surface disinfection wipes). Both required investigation and supplier contact before assessment could proceed.
How It Was Resolved
✓
Site visit conducted to photograph all product labels and compile a verified substance inventory against actual stock held on premises.
✓
Working document SDS sourced for all 9 non-compliant products, allowing assessments to proceed without delay. GB-CLP compliant documents confirmed for 5 substances; pending requests raised with 6 suppliers.
✓
SDS Pending Updates Log produced — a formal tracking document recording each non-compliant SDS, the issue identified, the action taken, the supplier contact, and the 30-day target date for response.
✓
All 14 COSHH assessments completed as working documents, with a clear update protocol in place for when compliant SDS documents are received from suppliers.
Outcome

The client received a complete, inspection-ready COSHH programme covering all 14 substances in use — each assessed against the actual SDS for the specific product, not a generic entry. All assessments document hazard classifications, exposure routes, hierarchy of controls, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures in full. A formal SDS compliance audit was conducted alongside the assessment work, with all identified deficiencies logged and supplier requests managed by AB SiteSafe. Documents were delivered as a printed, bound folder for display and immediate access on premises. The client's documentation is fully compliant as a working programme and ready for HSE inspection, insurance audit, or local authority review. The engagement later expanded to general risk assessments for the studio and adjoining barber shop, plus a blood-borne virus risk assessment — anonymised copies are available in the AB SiteSafe portfolio.

At a Glance
14
Substances Assessed
9
SDS Issues Identified
6
Supplier Requests Raised
4
Sole Traders Covered
Substance Categories
Surface DisinfectantsQAC / IPA-based sprays & wipes
Isopropyl Alcohol 99%Skin prep / equipment cleaning
Sodium HypochloriteBleach-based general disinfection
Alcohol Hand SanitiserEthanol-based hand decontamination
Chloroxylenol AntisepticPhenolic antiseptic (e.g. Dettol)
Aerosol Air FreshenersDSEAR-applicable flammable aerosol
Antibacterial Sprays & WipesGeneral-purpose cleaning & surface wipes
Deliverables
📄
14 individual COSHH assessment documents
📋
SDS Pending Updates Log with 9 tracked items
✉️
6 supplier SDS request emails drafted & sent
🗂️
Verified substance inventory for site archive
📁
Printed, bound folder delivered to client for on-premises display

AB SiteSafe — Alexander Banister · ABSiteSafe@outlook.com · 07961 702 340 · absitesafe.co.uk

Client details withheld in accordance with confidentiality obligations · © 2026 AB SiteSafe