Completed example: Sodium Hypochlorite in a cleaning company
This worked COSHH assessment example covers sodium hypochlorite (household and industrial bleach, brand names like Domestos, Thick Bleach) used for surface disinfection in a UK cleaning business. Every section below is real content produced by our generator.
Substance Identification
| Substance: | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| CAS Number: | 7681-52-9 |
| Common names: | Bleach, Domestos, Thick Bleach, Household Bleach, Industrial Bleach |
| Physical form: | Liquid |
| Supplier: | As per product SDS (varies by brand) |
GHS Hazard Classification
Corrosive (Skin Corr. 1B/1C, Eye Dam. 1), Corrosive to metals (Met. Corr. 1), Oxidising properties at higher concentrations. Hazard statements: H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage), H318 (causes serious eye damage), H290 (may be corrosive to metals).
Workplace Exposure Limits (HSE EH40/2005)
| Limit Type | ppm | mg/m³ |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term (8-hr TWA) | Not established | Not established |
| Short-term (15-min STEL) | , | , |
Note: No formal WEL for sodium hypochlorite itself. If mixed accidentally with acid, chlorine gas is released, TWA 0.5ppm / 1.5mg/m³, STEL 1ppm / 2.9mg/m³.
Workplace Use, Frequency, Exposure
| How used: | Diluted (per label) and sprayed on surfaces after each client visit |
| Frequency: | Daily |
| Quantity per session: | ~50ml diluted per spray bottle |
| Who is exposed: | Cleaning staff (2) |
| Exposure duration: | 5-10 minutes per application |
Daily use of a Category 1B corrosive with typical salon/office ventilation and existing PPE (gloves), rating Medium is appropriate. Would escalate to High if used undiluted or without ventilation.
Control Measures & PPE Required
- Use ready-diluted product where possible
- Ensure adequate ventilation when in use
- NEVER mix with other chemicals (especially acids or ammonia)
- Store in original container, cool well-ventilated area
- Label and lock storage area
- Nitrile gloves
- Eye protection (splash goggles)
- Apron for concentrated/bulk handling
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse thoroughly with water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Get medical attention immediately.
UK Emergency: 999 · Medical advice: NHS 111
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More UK COSHH assessment examples
Our library currently covers these 9 UK workplace substances (with more being added). Each generates a full worked example:
Related COSHH resources
References
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677), UK legislation.gov.uk
- HSE EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits, Health and Safety Executive
- COSHH basics: What you need to know, HSE
- COSHH essentials, control guidance for employers, HSE
- L5, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, HSE