🧪 Specialist COSHH for Tattoo Studios

COSHH Assessments
for Tattoo Studios

Tattoo studios handle a range of hazardous substances every day — disinfectants, inks, bleach, isopropyl alcohol. COSHH assessments are a legal requirement. We make them straightforward, science-backed, and inspection-ready.

Get Your COSHH Assessment See What We Cover
£95 Flat-rate fee
5 Substances included +£15 per additional
48hr Typical turnaround
100% HSE aligned
Legal Requirement

Why Tattoo Studios Need COSHH

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) apply to any business that uses hazardous substances at work. For tattoo studios, that means inks, disinfectants, sterilisation chemicals, and cleaning products — every one needs a valid assessment.

⚗️
You use hazardous substances daily
Isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite bleach, quaternary ammonium disinfectants, tattoo inks, and hand sanitisers all have specific hazard classifications requiring documented controls.
🔍
HSE can inspect at any time
Health and Safety Executive officers can carry out unannounced inspections. Missing COSHH assessments are a primary enforcement trigger — fines start at £1,000 and can reach tens of thousands for repeated failures.
🩺
Client and worker protection
Tattoo studios have a duty of care to both workers and clients. Documented COSHH controls demonstrate you understand the risks and have measures in place — essential for your public liability insurance too.
📋
Infection control requirements
Tattooing involves skin penetration and the risk of bloodborne pathogen cross-contamination. COSHH assessments for biocidal disinfectants and sterilisation agents are not optional — they underpin your entire infection control programme.
Relevant Legislation
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002
  • GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations (GB-CLP)
  • Biocidal Products Regulation (UK BPR)
Failure to comply is a criminal offence. AB SiteSafe assessments are written to satisfy the requirements of COSHH Regulations 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
What We Assess

Substances Typically Found
in Tattoo Studios

We assess every substance against its Safety Data Sheet — not a generic template. Common substances in tattoo studio COSHH programmes include:

Disinfectant
Surface Disinfectants
Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) based sprays and wipes used for hard surface decontamination between clients. Essential for bloodborne pathogen control.
Typical hazards: Skin/eye irritation, aquatic toxicity
Solvent
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 99%
Used for skin preparation prior to tattooing and equipment cleaning. Highly flammable — DSEAR 2002 considerations apply. WEL listed in EH40.
Typical hazards: Flammable liquid Cat.2, Eye irritation, STOT SE
Disinfectant / Bleach
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Used for general surface disinfection and cleaning. Classified as Danger — causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Never mix with acids — releases toxic chlorine gas.
Typical hazards: Skin corrosion Cat.1B, Serious eye damage Cat.1, Aquatic toxicity
Hand Hygiene
Alcohol Hand Sanitiser
Ethanol-based gel or liquid used for hand decontamination throughout the tattooing process. Flammable — storage and quantity controls required.
Typical hazards: Flammable liquid, Eye irritation
Disinfectant
Chloroxylenol Antiseptic
Phenolic antiseptic (e.g. Dettol) used for wound care, skin antisepsis, and general disinfection. Harmful to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects.
Typical hazards: Acute toxicity, Aquatic hazard, Eye irritation
Tattoo Consumable
Vegetable Glycerin
Used as a carrier/dilutant in some tattoo ink formulations and aftercare products. Generally low hazard but requires a compliant SDS and documented assessment.
Typical hazards: Not classified — low risk, minimal controls required
Air Quality
Aerosol Air Fresheners
Pressurised aerosol products used in client-facing areas. Classified as flammable aerosols — DSEAR considerations and storage controls required.
Typical hazards: Flammable aerosol Cat.1/2, Pressurised container
Sanitising Wipes
Antibacterial / Antiviral Wipes
Pre-saturated surface wipes used for rapid decontamination between clients. Active biocide varies by product — each requires individual SDS review and assessment.
Typical hazards: Varies — skin sensitisation, aquatic toxicity possible
Cleaning
Antibacterial Surface Sprays & Cleaners
General purpose antibacterial cleaning products used for floors, surfaces, and bathroom areas. Formulations vary — some contain skin sensitisers or corrosive ingredients.
Typical hazards: Skin/eye irritation, sensitisation possible
Don't see a substance listed? We assess any substance with a Safety Data Sheet. If you have products not listed above, contact us and we'll confirm coverage before you commit.
What's Included

Everything You Need,
Nothing You Don't

1
Full SDS review and data extraction
We read the actual Safety Data Sheet — not a generic database entry. Every hazard statement, WEL, PPE requirement, and emergency procedure is pulled from the current SDS for the specific product you use.
2
Exposure assessment and risk rating
We assess how, how often, and how much you use each substance — and rate inherent and residual risk using a likelihood × severity matrix, before and after controls.
3
Full hierarchy of controls
Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE — documented in priority order as required by COSHH Regulation 7.
4
PPE specification and emergency procedures
Specific PPE types, standards, and required? status for each substance. First aid measures for inhalation, skin, eye, and ingestion exposure — plus spill and fire procedures.
5
SDS compliance check and pending log
We check whether the SDS you hold is GB-CLP compliant (post-2021) and from the actual supplier in use. Non-compliant documents are flagged, and we manage the supplier request process.
6
Printable PDF — ready to file and display
Your completed assessment is delivered as a professionally formatted PDF, ready for HSE inspection, insurance purposes, or client display. No editing required.
Pricing
£95 / assessment
Up to 5 substances included. +£15 per additional substance.
  • Full SDS review for each substance
  • Hazard classification and H/P statements
  • Exposure assessment and risk rating
  • Hierarchy of controls documented
  • PPE specification per substance
  • Emergency procedures included
  • Storage and handling section
  • Health surveillance decision
  • Printable PDF delivered within 48 hours
  • One revision round included
Get Started — Free 15-Min Review
Have more than 5 substances? We'll give you a fixed quote upfront — no surprises.
How It Works

From Enquiry to
Inspection-Ready PDF

1
Free 15-Min Review
We discuss which substances you use, whether you hold current SDS documents, and what your assessment programme needs to cover. No obligation.
2
Send Us Your SDS Files
Share your Safety Data Sheets — by email or WhatsApp. Don't have them all? We can help you source compliant SDS documents from your suppliers.
3
We Write the Assessment
Each substance is assessed individually — hazards, exposure, controls, PPE, and emergency procedures. Built from scratch using your actual products, not a template.
4
PDF Delivered — You're Done
Your completed COSHH assessment is delivered as a printable PDF within 48 hours. File it, display it, or present it at inspection — it's ready to go.

Ready to Get
COSHH Compliant?

Free 15-minute review. No obligation. Delivered within 48 hours.

Book a Free Review →