AB SiteSafe
Science-trained · Practically minded · Built for trades
COSHH Assessment — Domestic Electrical Installation & Maintenance · Ref: COSHH-EL-2026-01
Illustrative Sample — Anonymised · Not for Operational Use
Scope
This COSHH assessment covers substances routinely used by a self-employed domestic electrician in the course of first and second fix installation, fault-finding, and maintenance work in residential properties. Assessments are based on current GB CLP-compliant Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). All SDS documents are retained on file and available for inspection. This assessment must be reviewed annually, or following any change in products used, any incident, or any new health information from suppliers.
Risk Key (after controls):
L Low — acceptable, maintain controls
M Medium — additional controls reviewed; ongoing monitoring
H High — further action required before task proceeds
Assessed per COSHH Regs 2002 & EH40 WELs (4th Ed.)
| # |
Substance & SDS Reference |
Form & Usage |
GHS Hazard Classification |
WEL / OEL (EH40) |
Exposure Routes |
Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls) |
PPE Required |
Residual Risk |
| 1 |
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 99%
Contact & PCB Cleaner · CAS 67-63-0
SDS: Current GB CLP issue confirmed
|
Liquid / aerosol spray
Small quantities per task
Occasional use |
GHS02 — Flammable
GHS07 — Irritant
Flammable liquid Cat 2 (H225)
Eye irritation Cat 2A (H319)
STOT-SE Cat 3 / CNS (H336)
|
400 ppm
8hr TWA
500 ppm
15min STEL
(as vapour)
|
Inhalation (vapour)
Eye contact (splash)
Skin contact (defatting)
Ingestion (unlikely) |
- Substitution: Use water-based alternatives where technically feasible.
- Engineering: Work in ventilated area — open windows/doors; avoid enclosed spaces without airflow.
- Quantity control: Decant minimum quantity needed; replace cap immediately after use.
- Ignition control: Keep away from all ignition sources (sparks, pilot lights, live conductors). No smoking.
- Skin: Wash hands and any skin contact areas with soap and water after use.
- Eye: Eye wash bottle available in tool bag at all times when IPA is in use.
- Storage: Store in original container in cool, ventilated area away from heat sources. Flammable liquids storage rules apply.
- Emergency: Skin — flush with water 15 min. Eyes — rinse 15 min, seek medical advice. Inhalation — fresh air, seek help if unwell.
|
Nitrile gloves (≥30 min breakthrough time)
Safety glasses where splash risk (overhead work)
Ensure adequate ventilation — do not use in unventilated confined space |
LOW |
| 2 |
Cable Pulling Lubricant
Water-based gel lubricant · e.g. Ideal Yellow 77
SDS: Confirmed non-hazardous formulation
|
Viscous gel
Applied by hand / brush
Regular use during cable installation |
Not Classified Hazardous
Water-based polymer gel.
No GHS pictograms required.
No H-statements applicable.
|
No WEL
Not established
(non-hazardous
formulation)
|
Skin contact (incidental — primary route)
Eye contact (splash — low risk)
Ingestion (highly unlikely) |
- General hygiene: Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or using the toilet.
- Eye: Avoid contact with eyes. If eye contact occurs, rinse with clean water for several minutes.
- SDS on file: Non-hazardous status confirmed by current SDS. SDS reviewed annually or on product change.
- Storage: Store in original container with lid secured. No special storage conditions required.
- Disposal: Dispose of used/empty containers in accordance with local waste regulations. Product is water-soluble — no special disposal required.
- Emergency: Skin — wash with soap and water. Eyes — rinse with water. No specific medical treatment required for this formulation.
|
Nitrile gloves (good practice / skin protection)
No respiratory protection required
No eye protection required under normal use |
LOW |
| 3 |
Rosin/Colophony-based Solder Flux
Flux-core solder wire / paste flux · CAS 8050-09-7
SDS: Current GB CLP-compliant SDS held on file
|
Solid (solder wire) / paste
Used during soldering operations
Occasional use |
GHS07 — Sensitiser
GHS08 — Health Hazard
Skin sensitiser Cat 1 (H317)
Respiratory sensitiser Cat 1 (H334)
⚠ Once sensitised — no safe level of exposure
|
0.05 mg/m³
8hr TWA as
colophony fume
No STEL
established
|
Inhalation (flux fume — primary concern)
Skin contact (sensitisation)
Eye contact (fume / splash) |
- Substitution: Evaluate rosin-free / no-clean flux alternatives for future procurement — lower sensitisation risk.
- Minimise generation: Use minimum solder and flux required for the joint. Avoid overheating — higher temperature = more fume.
- Ventilation (critical): Ensure adequate general ventilation at all times during soldering. Open windows; avoid soldering in enclosed spaces with no airflow.
- Positioning: Keep head away from and upwind of the solder point at all times. Never lean directly over the iron.
- Task duration: Limit continuous soldering periods — take breaks away from the work area.
- Skin: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after all soldering operations. Avoid touching face during work.
- Health surveillance: Monitor for symptoms of occupational asthma — wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath during or after work. Report and seek medical advice immediately if symptoms develop. If sensitised, cease exposure immediately.
- Emergency: Inhalation — fresh air. Skin — wash with soap and water. Eyes — rinse with water 15 min. Seek medical advice if respiratory symptoms persist.
|
FFP2 disposable respirator — required for prolonged or enclosed soldering operations
Safety glasses (flux fume / splash)
Nitrile gloves (skin sensitisation prevention) |
MEDIUM
Controlled — sensitisation risk requires ongoing vigilance |
Assessment Prepared By
Alexander Banister — AB SiteSafe
Reviewed / Accepted By
J. Reynolds — Reynolds Electrical
Next Review Due
May 2027 — or on product change, incident, or new health information
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Illustrative sample document — client details anonymised · produced by AB SiteSafe for portfolio purposes · © 2026 AB SiteSafe