COSHH for cleaners: the practical rules
COSHH requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances, including cleaning chemicals. HSE publishes short guidance sheets specifically for cleaning.
The practical rules from HSE's cleaning guidance
- List every product and get its safety data sheet.
- Choose the least hazardous product that does the job.
- Dilute exactly as the label says.
- Never mix products, and never add other chemicals to bleach-based concentrates.
- Keep products in their original labelled containers.
- Store safely: small range, incompatible products apart, corrosives on low shelves, no open containers.
- Protect skin and eyes; wash off splashes immediately.
- Train anyone who works for you.
Commercial clients often ask to see your COSHH assessments before signing.
The full detail, worked examples and templates are in The Clean Start. Or work out your rate with the free price calculator.
Sources: HSE COSHH Essentials SR4 · HSE COSHH Essentials SR24. Checked October 2026.
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