UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)?

The recommended PPE for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory - skin absorption risk); Eye protection; Respiratory protection for concentrated bulk handling. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash immediately with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) (also known as Butyl Glycol, Butoxyethanol, 2-Butoxyethanol). 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: 111-76-2

Physical Form: Colourless liquid in cleaner formulations

Common Names: Butyl Glycol, Butoxyethanol, 2-Butoxyethanol, Butyl Cellosolve

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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

Acute Toxicity Cat 4 (H302, H312, H332), Skin Irritant (H315), Eye Irritant (H319).

Health Effects

Common solvent in industrial and heavy-duty surface cleaners, degreasers, and glass cleaners. Skin absorption is a significant exposure route - "Skin" notation in EH40. Can cause blood effects on prolonged exposure. Irritates eyes and respiratory tract.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact (skin absorption)
Inhalation
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) 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.

Ensure good ventilation
Avoid prolonged skin contact - skin absorption significant
Use in dilute form as supplied
Consider substituting for less-hazardous surfactant cleaners for light tasks

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (mandatory - skin absorption risk)
Eye protection
Respiratory protection for concentrated bulk handling

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash immediately with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.

Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

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

Data Sources

EH40/2005 Table 1 (WEL: 20 ppm TWA / 50 ppm STEL, Skin notation); UK industrial cleaner SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) 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 Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) 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 Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory - skin absorption risk); Eye protection; Respiratory protection for concentrated bulk handling. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) 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 Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent)?

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

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