How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler): identify the substance and its hazards (see this page), assess who is exposed and how, evaluate the risk level, list existing and required control measures, specify PPE, cover storage and disposal, and document emergency procedures. Use our free generator to produce a compliant HSE-format PDF in 5 minutes.

UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)?

The recommended PPE for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) typically includes: Eye protection during mixing; Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash with water. No medical attention typically required. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Food-grade at low quantities. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) (also known as Citric Acid, Natural Descaler, Food-grade Descaler). 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.

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Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Low

CAS Number: 77-92-9

Physical Form: White powder, dissolved for use

Common Names: Citric Acid, Natural Descaler, Food-grade Descaler

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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

Eye Irritant (Eye Irrit. 2, H319). Otherwise low hazard at typical concentrations.

Health Effects

Naturally occurring organic acid, generally recognised as safe. Effective mild descaler for kitchens and light limescale. Recommended substitution for stronger acid descalers where the task allows. Minimal occupational hazard beyond eye irritation.

Routes of Exposure

Eye contact
Skin contact (minor)

Workplace exposure to Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) 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.

First choice for light descaling in food-preparation areas
Dissolve in warm water for effectiveness
Rinse thoroughly after use

Recommended PPE

Eye protection during mixing
Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with water. No medical attention typically required.

Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Food-grade at low quantities. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested.

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

Data Sources

Food safety authorities; FCC food-grade specification; manufacturer SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) 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 Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) 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 Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Eye protection during mixing; Gloves for repeated/prolonged contact. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Citric Acid (Safer Descaler) 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 Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)?

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

Generate a workplace-specific COSHH assessment for Citric Acid (Safer Descaler)

Answer 6 quick questions about your workplace and download a 7-page HSE-format PDF. First one is free (watermarked). Paid bundles from £29 for 10 clean PDFs.

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