How to conduct a COSHH risk assessment

When it comes to workplace safety, hazardous substances are a serious concern. If there is a risk of exposure whether you’re running a factory, cleaning business or even an office where chemicals like printer toner are used, you need to stay on top of your Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments.

Failing to manage hazardous substances properly doesn’t just put your employees and business at risk—it can also land you in hot water legally.

That’s why we’re going to break down how to conduct a COSHH risk assessment.

What is a COSHH risk assessment?

A COSHH risk assessment is a process that helps employers identify hazardous substances in the workplace, evaluate the risks they pose, and implement control measures to protect employees.

The goal is to prevent and reduce workers’ exposure to harmful substances like chemicals, dust, fumes and biological agents. You can learn about the various types of hazardous substances that need a risk assessment by checking out our article on this topic.

Step 1: Identify hazardous substances

Start by  listing all the substances that are used in your workplace. These could be:

• Cleaning chemicals

• Paints and solvents

• Dust from woodworking or construction

• Biological hazards like bacteria or mould

• Fumes from welding or soldering

You can identify which substances are harmful by reading product labels and checking safety data sheets (SDS). These contain crucial information about the substances and their potential hazards.

Step 2: Source Safety Data Sheets

Once you’ve identified the hazardous substances, it’s time to gather the Safety Data Sheets (SDS)  also known as  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each of the substances you have identified. You can get the SDS from whoever supplies or manufactures the substance you use.

They may email it direct to you or provide a link to their online SDS database. Either way, this is a vital step in the assessment process.

 Because it’s on these sheets that you’ll get all the information you need, such as:

• What the substance is used for, and its essential components

• What hazards it presents

• If first aid is to be undertaken in case of exposure

• What clean-up methods are needed in case of spillage

• How to safely handle and store the substance

• How to safely dispose of the substance

• Info for firefighters in case of a fire

Essentially all the key information that you need to assess the risk can be found on the SDS for a substance.

Step 3: Assess the risks

You’ve identified the harmful and hazardous substances, and you’ve got all the SDS, now think about they’re being used and who might be exposed to them. Ask yourself:

• How are these substances handled, stored and disposed of?

• How your employees are being exposed (breathing it in, absorption through skin, ingesting) and what are the effects of each possible exposure?

• How often are your employees working with these substances?

• Is it only your employees who might be at risk, or could members of the public, visitors, and contractors also be affected?

• What control measures are already in place?

• Do you need to put new control measures in place?

• Who will carry out any actions from the assessment?

• When this action needs to be done by?

This step helps you understand the real dangers in your workplace.

It’s important to note that if you have 5 employees or more, you must record the findings from your COSHH assessment. However, it’s always best practice to write down the steps you have taken to identify the hazardous substance risks. And make a list of the actions you have then to control the risks of the substances that are hazardous to health.

Step 4: Implement control measures

Now that you know what the risks are identified what substances are harmful, it’s time to reduce them. You can do this by:

• Eliminating  or substituting the hazard: If possible, swap hazardous substances for safer alternatives.

• Using engineering controls: Install ventilation systems, fume hoods, or dust extraction units.

• Providing protective equipment: Gloves, masks, and eye protection can reduce exposure.

• Training employees: Ensure your team knows how to handle substances safely.

• Establishing safe working procedures : Set clear guidelines on storage, handling, and disposal.

See our article, Controlling hazardous substances at work, for an in-depth gudie to COSHH control measure.

Step 5: Monitor and review

A COSHH assessment isn’t a one and done task. You need to review them regularly, especially if:

• New substances are introduced in the workplace

• Work processes change

• An incident occurs that raise a safety concern

It’s best practice to keep records of your assessment and update them as needed.

Step 6: Ensure compliance and documentation

As mentioned above, the law requires employers with 5 or more employees to keep a written record of their COSHH risk assessments. These records should include:

• The hazardous substances identified

• The risks that they pose

• The control measures in place

• Any training provided to employees

This not only keep you compliant but also protects you if the HSE comes knocking.

Get help with your COSHH risk assessment from BrightSafe

Let’s be honest—managing COSHH assessments manually can be a headache. That’s where health & safety software comes in.

With a digital platform like BrightSafe you can:

• Easily create substance-specific risk assessments that meet HSE standards

• Maintain a centralised database of all COSHH assessments

• Store and update safety data sheets in one place

• Receive alerts when assessments need reviewing or updating

• Get intelligent suggestions for appropriate control measures

• Assign and track implementation with clear accountability

• Generate inspection-ready documentation in a fraction of the time

By streamlining the process, health & safety software helps you stay compliant, protect your employees, and save time. If you haven’t conducted a COSHH assessment yet—now’s the time to start.