UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)?

The recommended PPE for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory); Dust mask or FFP2 respirator for powder mixing; Eye protection. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists or if this is a repeat exposure and reaction is worsening. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop, including delayed symptoms (asthma can develop hours after exposure). Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) (also known as Persulphate, Bleach Powder, Hair Lightener). Covers workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005, GHS hazard classification, control measures, PPE, storage, spillage and emergency procedures. Use the data here to complete your own COSHH assessment, or generate a workplace-specific PDF in 5 minutes.

Saad

Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Medium-High

CAS Number: 7727-54-0

Physical Form: White crystalline powder, dissolved in developer

Common Names: Persulphate, Bleach Powder, Hair Lightener, Ammonium Persulfate, Blondor

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Important noteThis reference summary is compiled from HSE EH40/2005 and publicly available manufacturer Safety Data Sheets. It is not the manufacturer's official SDS for any specific product. Before relying on any COSHH assessment based on this data, cross-check against the SDS supplied with the specific product you use in your workplace. See our methodology page for how we source and verify data.

GHS Hazard Classification

Oxidiser (Ox. Sol. 3, H272), Skin Irritant (Skin Irrit. 2, H315), Eye Irritant (Eye Irrit. 2, H319), Respiratory Sensitiser (Resp. Sens. 1, H334), Skin Sensitiser (Skin Sens. 1, H317), STOT SE 3 (H335).

Health Effects

Persulphate salts are one of the top causes of occupational asthma in UK hairdressers. Also a strong skin sensitiser causing allergic contact dermatitis. HSE has issued specific guidance on persulphate exposure. Once sensitised, workers can experience severe respiratory or skin reactions from even minimal future exposure.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation of powder/dust during mixing
Skin contact
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Employers must reduce occupational exposure to as low as reasonably practicable, following the HSE hierarchy of control.

Recommended Control Measures

Applied in the HSE hierarchy of control order: eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE.

Mix in a well-ventilated area, prefer local exhaust ventilation
Use pre-mixed cream bleach where possible to avoid airborne dust
Avoid raising dust when opening or scooping product
Consider persulphate-free bleaching cream alternatives
Do not continue bleaching services on sensitised staff

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (mandatory)
Dust mask or FFP2 respirator for powder mixing
Eye protection

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists or if this is a repeat exposure and reaction is worsening.

Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop, including delayed symptoms (asthma can develop hours after exposure).

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.

UK emergency: 999. Medical advice: NHS 111. Poisons information for healthcare professionals: TOXBASE.

Data Sources

HSE hairdressing guidance; HSE research on occupational asthma; PMC review of hairdresser dermatitis (2024)

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) must hold a written COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Regulation 6. The assessment must be reviewed at least annually and immediately if circumstances change. You can generate one free (watermarked) using our tool.

What is the Workplace Exposure Limit for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) are published by HSE in EH40/2005. Values come as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL). Where a formal WEL has not been set for this substance, we mark the field as "Not established" and rely on hazard-based controls following the hierarchy of control.

What PPE is needed for Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory); Dust mask or FFP2 respirator for powder mixing; Eye protection. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) is used in your specific workplace, how often, and existing engineering controls. Your COSHH assessment should specify PPE only after engineering and administrative controls have been considered.

Do I need health surveillance for workers using Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Ammonium Persulphate (Hair Bleach Lightener) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

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