What Should a COSHH Assessment Include?

If you’ve downloaded my COSHH Assessment Template and opened it up, you’ll already have a feel for what a good assessment looks like. But you might still be wondering what to actually put in all those boxes.

If that sounds like you, this post is your guide to filling it out properly—no waffle, no jargon, and definitely no copy-pasting big chunks from the Safety Data Sheet just to tick a box.

If you’re not at this stage yet and want to learn how to carry out a COSHH assessment from scratch, I’ve written a full step-by-step guide here.

Now, the SDS is useful—but it wasn’t written for your business. It’s often vague, overly technical, and full of chemical language that doesn’t always apply to how you use the substance day to day. A good COSHH assessment needs to reflect your workplace, your process, and your people.

Let’s go through the form, section by section.

Substance and Manufacturer Details

This one’s simple—what’s the name of the product, and who makes it?

Use the exact product name on the label. If there’s a product code, include that too. And write down the manufacturer or supplier so you know where it came from. This helps if you ever need to get another Safety Data Sheet later.

Example:

Product: Citrus Solvent Cleaner
Manufacturer: ABC Industrial Supplies Ltd

Appearance

Just describe what it looks and smells like.

Clear liquid? Blue gel? Strong citrus smell? Thick paste? This might sound a bit basic, but it helps people identify the product easily and spot if something’s off later—like if a liquid changes colour or starts to smell weird.

How is it Used? / Where is it Used?

This is a big one. Don’t just say “cleaning” or “lubricating.” Be specific about how and where.

Example:

Used to degrease machine parts using a cloth and spray bottle. Applied by maintenance staff in the workshop twice a week.

This helps you figure out who’s at risk, what controls are needed, and whether the environment is safe. Spraying in a tight space is very different to wiping something down outdoors.

Who Might Be Harmed?

Tick the relevant boxes (employees, public, contractors, etc.) and think about everyone who might be affected.

This includes:

• The person using the substance directly
• Anyone working nearby who might breathe it in or come into contact with it
• Cleaners or maintenance staff handling it after hours

If it’s used in a shared space or somewhere the public might access, don’t leave that out.

Hazards / Hazard Type / Route of Exposure

This section is all about what could go wrong and how.

Use the SDS for this—but don’t just copy and paste. Instead, pull out the relevant hazards and explain them in terms that make sense to your team.

For example:

Hazards: Flammable liquid, causes skin irritation
Hazard Type: Vapour and liquid
Route of Exposure: Inhalation and skin contact during use and clean-up

Use the tick boxes to show the physical form (gas, mist, dust, etc.), and note the likely routes of exposure—breathing it in, touching it, splashing in eyes, etc.

Exposure Limits

Look in Section 8 of the SDS for workplace exposure limits (WELs). These are legal limits for how much of the substance workers can be exposed to.

If one’s listed, write it here. If there isn’t one, just say “No WEL assigned.”

But remember—just because there’s no legal limit doesn’t mean it’s safe. Use common sense and risk control anyway.

Required PPE

Here’s where you list the exact type of PPE needed. Again, don’t just tick every box—be specific.

Instead of writing “gloves,” put:

Hand Protection: Nitrile gloves (chemical-resistant)
Eye Protection: Safety goggles conforming to EN166

That way, people know what to wear and you avoid the classic “we’ve got gloves in the drawer but they’re the wrong type” problem.

Hazard Statements / Precautionary Statements

These come from Sections 2 and 3 of the SDS and describe the specific risks and how to prevent them.

Rather than dumping the full H and P codes, reword them to suit your business. You might write:

Hazard: May cause skin irritation and dizziness if inhaled.
Precaution: Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from heat and ignition sources.

If you’re including the full statements (e.g. H315: Causes skin irritation), make sure they’re accurate and relevant to the way you use the substance.

First Aid / Emergency Measures

This comes from Section 4 of the SDS, but again—make it practical.

Write what someone should actually do if something goes wrong:

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Get medical help if symptoms persist.
• Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
• Eyes: Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice.

Keep it clear and usable. You want someone to be able to act fast—not scroll through a five-page policy.

Accidental Release / Spill Response

This is your spill plan. Think about:

• What would happen if a bottle got knocked over?
• Is it likely to spread?
• What PPE is needed to clean it up?

Then write a brief action plan:

Use absorbent granules. Wear gloves and goggles. Ventilate the area. Dispose of waste in line with local hazardous waste rules.

This doesn’t need to be long, but it should be realistic. “Clean up immediately” isn’t enough.

Firefighting Measures

Refer to Section 5 of the SDS, but simplify it.

Does the product add to fire risk? Is it flammable? What type of extinguisher should be used?

Example:

Use CO₂ or dry powder extinguishers. Do not use water. Keep product away from flames and sparks.

This is especially important if the substance is used near hot work or stored in large quantities.

Storage and Handling

Section 7 of the SDS covers this, but again, tailor it to your own setup.

Example:

Store in flammable cabinet. Keep lid tightly closed. Do not decant into unlabelled bottles. Keep away from heat and sunlight.

Think about your actual environment and processes, not just what the supplier says in general terms.

Disposal of Substances and Containers

How do you get rid of the product and any used containers?

Section 13 of the SDS gives guidance here. Some things can go in general waste, but others might need hazardous waste disposal.

Example:

Small amounts can be diluted and flushed with water. Larger amounts must be disposed of via a licensed waste contractor. Do not pour into drains.

Also note whether containers need rinsing or labelling before disposal.

Exposure Adequately Controlled? / Risk Rating

This is where you step back and ask: have we done enough?

If the risk is properly controlled through PPE, training, ventilation, and safe handling—tick “Yes.” If not, tick “No” and use the next section to list what needs fixing.

Risk rating is a judgement call:

• High: Could cause serious harm if not controlled
• Medium: Could cause minor harm but controls reduce the risk
• Low: Unlikely to cause harm with controls in place

Be honest. Don’t downplay the risk just to keep paperwork tidy.

Additional Control Measures Required

If anything’s missing—add it here.

That could be:

• Better signage
• New PPE
• Changing how the task is done
• Training for staff
• Improving ventilation

This is your action list. Keep it realistic, and make sure someone actually follows up.

Name, Date, Review Date

Don’t forget this bit. If you’ve done the assessment, your name goes down. Add the date you did it, and pick a sensible review date—usually 12 months later, unless something changes sooner.

If you change the product, change how it’s used, or have an incident—it’s time to review.

Need a hand?

If you’ve got the template but want someone to walk through a few real examples with you, I can help with that. I offer remote support for small businesses and can either check your assessments or guide you through doing them yourself.

You don’t have to get it perfect the first time. The important thing is making sure the assessment reflects your business, not just what the supplier says on paper.

That’s how you keep your team safe—and stay compliant without drowning in paperwork.