COSHH for cleaning is a legal duty in the UK, and it matters a great deal. Cleaning is one of the trades where this law applies most. Cleaners handle chemicals every day, and some of these can burn skin, harm eyes, and damage lungs. As a result, the law asks employers to control these risks. This guide explains COSHH for cleaning in simple words. First, it covers what COSHH means. Then, it shows why COSHH matters and what employers must do. Finally, it explains how good COSHH records help a business win contracts.
What Is COSHH?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It comes from the COSHH Regulations 2002. In other words, it is the main UK rule on harmful substances at work.
The law tells employers to protect workers from harmful substances. For example, these include:
- Chemicals and cleaning products
- Fumes and vapours
- Dust
- Mould and some germs
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) explains the rules. Also, it enforces them across Great Britain.
Why Is COSHH for Cleaning Important?
There are four clear reasons.
- It is the law. Every cleaning employer must control the risks from hazardous substances. Moreover, the rules apply to employers and self-employed people alike.
- Cleaners face daily exposure. They use chemicals on every shift. Therefore, small risks add up over time.
- Clients check it. Buyers often ask for COSHH assessments before they sign a contract.
- It protects the business. Safe staff take fewer sick days. Also, the business avoids claims and fines.
In short, COSHH for cleaning protects workers, clients, and reputation.
Which Cleaning Products Count as Hazardous?
Many everyday products carry a risk. For example:
- Bleach
- Oven and grill cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain cleaners
- Floor strippers
- Strong disinfectants
- Aerosol sprays
First, read the label. Hazard symbols and warning words show if a product needs care. Then, check the safety data sheet from the supplier. Some jobs also add other risks. For example, cleaners may encounter dust, mould or biological waste.
What Harm Can Cleaning Chemicals Cause?
Poor control can hurt workers in several ways:
- Skin: dermatitis from chemicals and long wet work
- Eyes: painful splashes
- Lungs: coughing, breathing problems and asthma from fumes
- Burns: from strong acids and alkalis
- Poisoning: from swallowing a product, for example from an unmarked drink bottle
However, mixing products makes things worse. For example, bleach and acid cleaners can release a toxic gas. Similarly, bleach and ammonia products can give off harmful fumes. So, staff should never mix chemicals.
What Does COSHH for Cleaning Ask Employers to Do?
The rules follow a simple logic. Here are the steps:
- Find the hazards. First, list every hazardous product the team uses.
- Assess the risk. Then, check who could get hurt and how.
- Choose controls. Ideally, swap strong products for safer ones. After that, improve ventilation and use safe methods. Finally, use PPE as the last step.
- Make sure staff use the controls. Check that they do the job the safe way.
- Keep the controls working. For example, look after equipment and replace worn PPE.
- Watch health. If the risk is high, check workers’ skin.
- Train staff. Because clear training works best, give simple information and instructions.
- Plan for emergencies. Also, know what to do after a spill or an accident.
What Should a COSHH Assessment Include?
A good COSHH assessment is short and clear. In particular, it should cover:
- The product name and the supplier
- The main hazards from the label and the safety data sheet
- Who could get hurt
- How long and how often staff use the product
- The controls in place
- The PPE staff need
- Safe storage rules
- Spill and first aid steps
- A review date
Next, write down the findings. This is a legal duty if the business has five or more employees. However, smaller firms also benefit, because a written record proves what the business did.
Simple Controls That Work
Expensive systems are not necessary. Instead, these easy steps make a big difference:
- Choose a safer product when possible
- Use pre-diluted products or dosing systems
- Keep chemicals in their original labelled containers
- Open windows and keep the area well ventilated
- Give staff the right gloves and eye protection
- Store acids and bleach apart in a locked space
- Teach staff to wash their hands and look after their skin
As a result, staff stay safer, and clients see a tidy, professional system.
Common COSHH Mistakes
Many cleaning firms make the same errors. Therefore, avoid these:
- Having no written assessments
- Using old safety data sheets
- Pouring chemicals into unmarked bottles
- Skipping training records
- Giving the same gloves to everyone, whatever the product
- Forgetting to update the assessment when products or methods change
Above all, review the assessment whenever something changes.
COSHH for Cleaning and Accreditations
Buyers want proof, so COSHH records help. Schemes like SafeContractor, CHAS and SMAS Worksafe check health and safety systems. In particular, they look at risk assessments, training and records. Also, ISO 45001 expects employers to control health hazards in a clear system. In addition, Constructionline collects health and safety information as part of its pre-qualification. As a result, strong COSHH records help a business pass assessments. They also help it win commercial cleaning contracts. To see how this fits into a wider system, read the guide on SHEQ meaning in safety.
What Happens If a Cleaning Company Ignores COSHH?
The risks are real:
- Workers can get ill, and sick workers cannot work
- The HSE can issue notices that force the company to fix problems
- Serious breaches can lead to prosecution
- The company may also have to report some work-related illnesses, such as dermatitis and occupational asthma, under RIDDOR.
- Clients may end the contract.
Overall, good control takes less effort than fixing these problems later.
How BizGrow Holdings Can Help
BizGrow Holdings supports UK security, construction and cleaning companies. In short, the team builds systems that pass audits and win contracts.
We can help with:
- SafeContractor, CHAS, and SMAS WorkSafe accreditation
- Constructionline support
- ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 certification
- Internal audits and audit readiness
- QMS software for records
First, we check the gaps. Next, we prepare the documents. Then, we guide the business through the audit. As a result, clients get clear steps. See our internal audit service or browse all our services. Cost depends on business size and the standards required. Therefore, contact our team, and we will share a clear quote.
FAQs
What does COSHH stand for?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Also, it is a UK law that protects workers from harmful substances.
Is COSHH a legal requirement for cleaning companies?
Yes. Cleaning employers must assess and control the risks from hazardous products.
Do cleaners need COSHH training?
Yes. Employers must give clear information and training. They should also keep a record of who attends.
How often should employers review a COSHH assessment?
Review it regularly. Also, update it when products, methods, or staff duties change.
Does COSHH apply to small cleaning firms and sole traders?
Yes. It applies to employers and to self-employed people.