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

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Hydrochloric Acid (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

Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler) COSHH Data Sheet UK

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

The recommended PPE for Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler) typically includes: Acid-resistant gloves; Eye protection (goggles, not just safety glasses); Apron for concentrated product handling. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

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

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

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler) (also known as Limescale Remover, Toilet Descaler, Acid 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.

Saad

Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Medium-High

CAS Number: 7647-01-0

Physical Form: Liquid, diluted in commercial descaler products (10-30% typical)

Common Names: Limescale Remover, Toilet Descaler, Acid Descaler, Drain Cleaner (acid)

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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

Corrosive (Skin Corr. 1B, Eye Dam. 1). H314, respiratory irritant via released hydrogen chloride vapour.

Health Effects

Long-term occupational exposure to vapour linked to gastritis, chronic bronchitis, dermatitis, photosensitising effects. Direct contact causes chemical burns.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Eye contact
Inhalation of fumes

Workplace exposure to Hydrochloric Acid (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.

Use in well-ventilated areas — never in confined spaces without ventilation
Never mix with bleach or other chemicals
Consider substitution with citric acid or sulphamic acid-based descalers for routine tasks
Test on surface before full application
Store separately from incompatible substances

Recommended PPE

Acid-resistant gloves
Eye protection (goggles, not just safety glasses)
Apron for concentrated product handling

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse with plenty of water.

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

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty.

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

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

Data Sources

Envirofluid Dangerous Acids in Workplace; Feedwater Descaler SF SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler)?

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

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Hydrochloric Acid (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 Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Acid-resistant gloves; Eye protection (goggles, not just safety glasses); Apron for concentrated product handling. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Hydrochloric Acid (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 Hydrochloric Acid (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 Hydrochloric Acid (Descaler) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

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