🧪 Service — COSHH Assessment

Hazardous Substances.
Under Control.

A COSHH assessment isn't just a legal requirement — it's the document that tells you, your team, and any inspector exactly how you handle hazardous substances safely. We build yours from scratch, tailored to your workplace and your products.

£95 From (up to 5 substances)
48hr Typical turnaround
100% Tailored to your workplace
PDF Print-ready, file-ready

What is COSHH — and Why Does it Matter?

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999
COSHH requires employers — and the self-employed — to assess the risks from any hazardous substance used or encountered in the workplace, and put in place suitable control measures before work begins.
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Duty Under MHSWR
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places an additional duty to carry out a "suitable and sufficient" assessment of risks to employees and others. COSHH assessments directly fulfil this obligation for hazardous substances.
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What Counts as a Hazardous Substance?
Far more than most people think. Inks, adhesives, solvents, bleach, cleaning products, cement dust, fumes, biological agents — if it can harm health through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or injection, it needs assessing.

"An employer shall not carry out work which is liable to expose any employee to any substance hazardous to health unless he has made a suitable and sufficient assessment."

COSHH Regulations 1999, Regulation 6(1)
Consequence of Non-Compliance
The Risk of Doing Nothing

HSE inspectors routinely check for COSHH documentation during site visits. Missing or inadequate assessments can result in:


• Improvement notices requiring immediate action
• Prohibition notices stopping your work
• Prosecution and fines — unlimited in Crown Court
• Personal liability for directors and sole traders
• Invalidated insurance if a claim arises


In 2023/24, HSE issued over 10,000 enforcement notices. Many involved inadequate COSHH assessments or no documentation at all.

What AB SiteSafe Does Differently
Built Around Your Business

Generic COSHH templates downloaded online fail inspections because they don't reflect your actual products, your actual tasks, or your actual workplace. We read the Safety Data Sheet for every substance you use, cross-reference current WELs and HSE guidance, and build an assessment that's specific to how you work — not how someone else does.

Who Needs a COSHH Assessment?

If your work involves handling, storing, using, or disposing of any substance that could harm health — you need one. COSHH applies to employees and the self-employed alike.

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Tattoo Studios
  • Tattoo inks (pigment allergens)
  • Stencil solution & transfer gel
  • Skin prep & disinfectant sprays
  • Aftercare products & creams
  • Sterilising fluids (Autoclave solutions)
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Nail Technicians
  • Acrylic monomer & polymer systems
  • UV/LED gel products
  • Adhesives & primer (MMA risk)
  • Acetone & solvents
  • Cuticle remover & prep solutions
✂️
Hairdressers
  • Hydrogen peroxide (developer)
  • Bleach & lightener powders
  • Hair dye & colour (PPD allergen)
  • Relaxers & straightening solutions
  • Shampoos, conditioners, styling products
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Construction Trades
  • Adhesives, sealants & epoxies
  • Cement & concrete dust (silica)
  • Solvents, degreasers & thinners
  • Wood dust & MDF particulate
  • Paints, primers & coatings
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Cleaning Companies
  • Bleach-based disinfectants
  • Acid cleaners (descalers, toilet cleaners)
  • Degreasers & solvent cleaners
  • Floor strippers & polish
  • Biocidal products & mould treatments
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Beauty & Aesthetics
  • Chemical peel solutions (AHA/BHA/TCA)
  • Sterilising & disinfecting agents
  • Waxing products & adhesives
  • Spray tan solutions (DHA)
  • Lash adhesives (cyanoacrylate)
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Not sure whether your products require a COSHH assessment? The answer is almost certainly yes. If a product has an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or carries a hazard pictogram, it needs assessing. Get in touch for a free five-minute consultation and we'll tell you exactly what you need.

What's Included

Full SDS Review for Every Substance We read the Safety Data Sheet for every product you use and extract the relevant hazard, exposure, and emergency data — so you don't have to.
Substance Hazard Identification H-statements, GHS hazard categories, routes of exposure, WEL comparisons where applicable.
Exposure Controls & Engineering Measures Specific controls for your environment — ventilation requirements, substitution options, containment guidance.
PPE Specification Exactly what PPE is needed for each substance — glove type, standard rating, eye protection, respiratory protection if required.
Emergency Procedures Step-by-step first aid and emergency response for skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion — specific to each substance.
Residual Risk Rating & Sign-Off Risk rated before and after controls. Assessor name, date, and review date included — HSE-ready and inspection-standard.
Printable PDF — Ready to File or Display Formatted for printing. Clear, professional, and readable — not a wall of regulatory text.
Tailored to Your Workplace

No two COSHH assessments we produce are the same. Your assessment reflects the specific products you use, the specific tasks you carry out, and the specific environment you work in.

That's what makes it legally defensible. A generic template can't account for the fact that you work in a basement with limited ventilation, or that your staff use a particular brand whose formulation differs from the generic product category.

We ask the right questions upfront — so the document you receive is one that actually reflects your operation.

Product-specific Task-specific Workplace-specific HSE-aligned SDS-referenced
⚡ Standard turnaround: 48 hours from information received

Straightforward Pricing

No hidden costs. You know exactly what you're paying before we start.

Standard

COSHH Assessment

Up to 5 substances — single site, one assessment document

£95up to 5 substances
Up to 5 substances included
Full SDS review for each substance
Hazard identification & risk rating
Exposure controls specified
PPE requirements per substance
Emergency procedures included
Print-ready PDF delivered
48hr standard turnaround
Additional substances
+£15 each
Have more than 5 products? No problem — we add each additional substance at a flat rate. Most clients with 6–10 products pay £170–£245 total.
Site Ready Bundle
£150 one-off

COSHH Assessment + Risk Assessment. Covers the two most commonly requested documents in one go — ideal for sole traders just getting compliant.

Monthly Retainer
from £150 /month

3 documents per month — COSHH, RA, RAMS, or policy. Ideal for businesses with ongoing compliance needs. Unused credits roll over.

What a Completed Assessment Looks Like

Below is a redacted extract from a real COSHH assessment produced for a client. Client name, business details, and site-specific information have been removed. The format, depth, and content are representative of every assessment we produce.

Prepared for
TQ COLLECTIVE CO
Document Type
COSHH Assessment
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
Assessment Ref.
COSHH-001
Date of Assessment
Review Date
Assessor
Alexander Banister
Version
1.0
1
Substance Identification
From Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — Section 1 & 3
Product / Substance NameHYCOLIN Professional Antiviral Multi-Purpose Cleaner Disinfectant
Manufacturer / SupplierMIRIUS™ (Coventry Group), Coventry
SDS Reference / VersionVersion 9
SDS Issue Date28/01/2023
Physical Form / StateLiquid
Flash Point (if flammable)N/A — not flammable
Workplace Exposure Limits (EH40)
Key Ingredient / Active ChemicalAlkyl (C12-16) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC/BKC C12-16)
CAS Number68424-85-1
WEL — 8hr TWANo WEL established in EH40 at use concentrations
WEL — 15min STELN/A
Classified as Carcinogen / CMR?No
Classified as Sensitiser?Possible skin sensitiser — EUH208
2
Hazard Classification & Health Effects
GHS / GB-CLP — from SDS Sections 2 & 11
GHS Signal Word⚠ Warning
Classification (Mixture)Not classified as hazardous under GB-CLP at diluted working concentration
Hazard & Precautionary Statements (SDS Section 2 — Mixture only)
CodeStatementType
P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothingP — Precaution
P264Wash hands thoroughly after handlingP — Precaution
P305+P351+P338If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsingP — Precaution
P337+P313If eye irritation persists: get medical advice/attentionP — Precaution
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulationsP — Precaution
EUH208Contains Alkyl (C12-16) dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC/BKC C12-16). May produce an allergic reaction.EUH — Add.
Acute Health Effects (short-term exposure)Mild skin and eye irritation on direct contact. No significant inhalation hazard at diluted working concentrations in a well-ventilated area.
Chronic Health Effects (long-term / repeated exposure)Possible allergic skin sensitisation with repeated unprotected contact (EUH208). No long-term systemic effects anticipated at normal use concentrations.
Routes of Entry☑ Skin contact (irritation)    ☑ Eye contact
Target Organs / Systems☑ Skin    ☑ Eyes
3
Use & Exposure Assessment
Who, how, where, and how often
Task / Activity Where Substance Is UsedDiluting and applying HYCOLIN to hard surfaces for antiviral disinfection throughout the tattoo studio. Product is diluted to working concentration per manufacturer label instructions before application by wiping and mopping.
Work Environment☑ Indoors — well ventilated
Who Is Exposed?☑ Employees
Number of Workers Directly Exposed4
Frequency of UseDaily
Duration Per Use (per session)Under 15 minutes
Quantity Used Per Session100–250 ml concentrate
Application Method☑ Wiping / mopping    ☑ Mixing / diluting
Estimated Exposure Level vs WELNo WEL listed — precautionary approach applied
4
Control Measures — Hierarchy of Control
COSHH Reg. 7 — apply in priority order, top to bottom
Control Level Measures in Place / Actions Required Applicable?
1Elimination Not applicable — surface disinfection is a statutory requirement in a licensed tattoo studio. Elimination of the substance is not practicable. N/A
2Substitution Product reviewed at time of assessment — HYCOLIN confirmed as the least hazardous effective option available for antiviral disinfection in this setting. No suitable lower-hazard alternative identified. Yes
3Engineering Controls Natural ventilation maintained during and after use. Doors and windows kept open where practicable during application. No LEV required at diluted working concentrations in this setting. Yes
4Administrative Controls Product diluted strictly per manufacturer label instructions. Do not mix with other cleaning products. Hands washed immediately after use with soap and water. Workers informed of hazards via this assessment. Product stored in original sealed container between uses. Yes
5PPE Nitrile gloves (disposable, single-use) worn during all handling and application of product. PPE is maintained, stored correctly, and replaced when damaged. Full PPE specification — see Section 5. Yes
5
PPE Specification
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002
PPE TypeSpecification / StandardRequired?
Respiratory Protection Not required — product used as diluted solution in a well-ventilated area. No significant inhalation hazard at working concentrations. Not required
Eye / Face Protection Not required for routine application. Safety glasses available if splash risk present (e.g. during concentrate dilution). Not required
Hand Protection (Gloves) Nitrile gloves — disposable, single-use. Replace immediately if torn or contaminated. Do not reuse. Required
Body / Skin Protection Standard work clothing adequate for diluted product. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with concentrate. Not required
Foot Protection N/A Not required
6
Emergency Procedures
From SDS Section 4 (First Aid), 6 (Spillage), 5 (Fire)
🩺 First Aid — Inhalation
Move person to fresh air immediately. Keep at rest in a comfortable position. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
🩺 First Aid — Skin Contact
Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash affected area with soap and water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
🩺 First Aid — Eye Contact
Rinse cautiously with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes, holding eyelid open. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
🩺 First Aid — Ingestion
Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give water to drink if person is conscious. Seek immediate medical attention.
Nearest A&E / HospitalTorbay Hospital, Lawes Bridge, Torquay, TQ2 7AA
Appointed Person & First Aid Kit Location
9
Risk Rating
Likelihood × Severity — before and after controls
⚠ Inherent Risk (before controls)
Likelihood of Exposure3 — Possible
Severity of Harm2 — Minor (first aid)
Risk Score: 6 / 25 — MEDIUM
✅ Residual Risk (after controls applied)
Likelihood of Exposure2 — Unlikely
Severity of Harm1 — Negligible
Risk Score: 2 / 25 — LOW ✓
Risk Acceptability StatementWith the controls outlined in Sections 4 and 5 fully implemented, the residual risk is assessed as LOW and is considered acceptable. Work may proceed. This assessment must be reviewed annually or following any change in substance, task, or incident.
11
Assessor Declaration & Sign-Off
Role Full Name Qualifications / Position Date
Assessor (Prepared by) Alexander Banister BSc (Hons) Biology | IOSH Managing Safely | HSQE COSHH Awareness | HSQE Risk Assessment Awareness | NEBOSH NGC (In Progress) | Health & Safety Consultant — AB SiteSafe
Responsible Person (Client)
Assessor Signature Authorised via electronic delivery — AB SiteSafe
Client Signature
Next Review Date
Review TriggerAnnual review only
Document Version1.0
This COSHH assessment was prepared by AB SiteSafe on behalf of the named client, based on information provided at the time of assessment. Sections 7–10 (Storage & Handling, Health Surveillance, Risk Rating detail, and Training) are included in every delivered assessment but are not shown in this extract.
🔒 Client address, dates, appointed person, and signatures have been redacted for this preview.
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This is a representative extract. A full assessment for 5 substances runs to 6–8 pages and includes a cover sheet, substance index, and signed declaration. Every assessment includes all substances your business uses — not just the most obviously hazardous ones. If you'd like to see a full example assessment relevant to your industry, just ask.

Ready to Get Compliant?

How it Works

Getting your COSHH assessment is straightforward. We handle the complexity — you just answer a few questions about your business and the products you use.

1

Complete the intake form — takes about 5 minutes. Tell us about your business and list the products you use.

2

We review your SDS sheets and may follow up with a quick call or message if we need anything clarified.

3

Your assessment is delivered within 48 hours as a professional PDF — ready to file, display, and present to any inspector.

4

One revision round included — if anything needs adjusting, just say so and we'll update it at no extra cost.

Request a COSHH Assessment

✓ Request received — thank you!
We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm details and get started on your assessment.

First conversation always free — no obligation.