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UK COSHH Reference Library

UK COSHH Data Sheets Library

A curated library of UK COSHH data sheet references covering the 30 most-used hazardous substances in UK salons, cleaning companies, catering, construction, garages and small business. Every entry is compiled from HSE EH40/2005, manufacturer Safety Data Sheets, UKHSA compendium, and peer-reviewed occupational medicine literature. Use these references to inform your own COSHH risk assessment, or generate a workplace-specific PDF in 5 minutes.

What these data sheets are, and are notThese are HSE-format reference summaries. They compile hazard classification, workplace exposure limits, control measures, PPE, storage, disposal, spillage and emergency procedures for each substance. They are not the manufacturer's official Safety Data Sheet for any specific product. Always cross-check against the SDS supplied with your specific product before relying on a COSHH assessment. Read our full methodology for how each entry is sourced and verified.

Hair & Beauty Salon

Chemicals used in colouring, bleaching, perming, styling and salon disinfection.

Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
Common names: Nail Polish Remover, Acetone, Propan-2-one
Low-Medium
Ammonia Solution
Common names: Ammonia, Cloudy Ammonia, Household Ammonia
Medium-High
Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)
Common names: Persulphate, Bleach Powder, Hair Lightener
Medium-High
Ammonium Thioglycolate (Perm Solution)
Common names: Perm Solution, Perming Lotion, Curl Solution
Medium
Ethyl Acetate (Nail Polish/Lacquer)
Common names: Ethyl Acetate, Nail Lacquer Solvent, Nail Polish Solvent
Low-Medium
Formaldehyde (Nail Hardener/Keratin Treatment)
Common names: Formaldehyde, Formalin, Methanal
High
Hydrogen Peroxide
Common names: Peroxide, Developer, Hair Bleach Developer
Medium
Methyl/Ethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic Nail Liquid)
Common names: Acrylic Liquid, Nail Acrylic Monomer, MMA
Medium-High
p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour
Common names: Permanent Hair Colour, Permanent Hair Dye, Oxidative Hair Colour
High
Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)
Common names: Barbicide, QAC, Quat
Medium
Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)
Common names: Resorcinol, Benzene-1,3-diol, Hair Dye Coupler
Medium-High
Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)
Common names: PTD, Toluene-2,5-diamine sulphate, Alternative Hair Dye
Medium

Garage & Auto Repair

Automotive workshop chemicals: brake cleaner, degreaser, oils, solvents.

Brake Cleaner (Aerosol Solvent)
Common names: Brake Cleaner, Brake Parts Cleaner, Aerosol Solvent
Medium

Cleaning & Sanitising

Chemicals used in commercial and general cleaning: bleach, degreasers, descalers, sanitisers.

Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)
Common names: Butyl Glycol, Butoxyethanol, 2-Butoxyethanol
Medium-High
Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)
Common names: Citric Acid, Natural Descaler, Food-grade Descaler
Low
Ethanol (Surface Sanitiser)
Common names: Ethanol, Ethyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol
Low
Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler)
Common names: Limescale Remover, Toilet Descaler, Acid Descaler
Medium-High
Isopropyl Alcohol
Common names: IPA, Rubbing Alcohol, Surgical Spirit
Medium
Multi-Surface Antibacterial Cleaner (Concentrate)
Common names: Antibacterial Spray, Multi-Surface Cleaner, Kitchen Spray
Low-Medium
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
Common names: Soda Ash, Washing Soda, Sodium Carbonate
Low
Sodium Hypochlorite
Common names: Bleach, Domestos, Thick Bleach
Medium
Sulphamic Acid (Descaler)
Common names: Sulphamic Acid, Sulfamic Acid, Safer Descaler
Low-Medium
White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)
Common names: White Spirit, Mineral Spirit, Stoddard Solvent
Medium

Catering

Chemicals used in food preparation environments.

Chlorine Dioxide Tablets (Water Sanitiser)
Common names: Chlorine Dioxide, ClO2, Water Sanitiser
Medium-High
Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)
Common names: Sodium Metasilicate, Dishwasher Detergent, Commercial Dishwash
High

Construction & Trades

Building trade chemicals: cement, silica, solvent paint, adhesives.

Portland Cement (Wet Cement)
Common names: Cement, Portland Cement, Wet Cement
Medium-High
Silica Dust (Construction/Trades)
Common names: Silica, Respirable Crystalline Silica, RCS
High
Solvent-Based Paint (Trade)
Common names: Solvent Paint, Oil-based Paint, Alkyd Paint
Medium

Kitchen & Catering

Chemicals in commercial kitchens: oven cleaners, dishwasher detergents, descalers.

Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)
Common names: Caustic Soda, Oven Cleaner, Drain Cleaner
High

Office & Admin

Chemicals in general office environments: toner, cleaners, sanitisers.

Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)
Common names: Toner, Printer Toner, Photocopier Toner
Low

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