Hydrogen Peroxide COSHH Data Sheet UK
A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Hydrogen Peroxide (also known as Peroxide, Developer, Hair Bleach Developer). 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.
GHS Hazard Classification
Oxidising Liquid Cat 1 (H271), Acute Toxicity Cat 4 (H302, H332), Skin Corrosive 1A (H314), Eye Damage 1 (H318) at concentrated strength.
Health Effects
Irritation of nose, throat, airway on inhalation. Skin redness/irritation to burns at higher concentrations. Hairdressers using peroxide-based products are at elevated risk of occupational contact dermatitis.
Routes of Exposure
- Skin contact (mixing splashes)
- Eye contact
- Inhalation of vapour during mixing
Workplace exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide 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, away from direct skin contact
- Use non-metallic mixing utensils
- Avoid contact with combustible materials
- Store in original container, cool dry place
- Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact
Recommended PPE
- Nitrile gloves (single-use, powder-free, non-latex)
- Eye protection during mixing/pouring
Emergency Procedures
Data Sources
Aveda Salon Hair Products Guide; HighSpeedTraining COSHH for Hairdressers; Fisher Scientific SDS
Frequently asked questions
Is a COSHH assessment required for Hydrogen Peroxide?
Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Hydrogen Peroxide 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 Hydrogen Peroxide?
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Hydrogen Peroxide 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 Hydrogen Peroxide?
The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (single-use, powder-free, non-latex); Eye protection during mixing/pouring. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Hydrogen Peroxide 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 Hydrogen Peroxide?
Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Hydrogen Peroxide 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 Hydrogen Peroxide
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.
Related COSHH data sheets
Related COSHH guides
References
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677), UK legislation.gov.uk
- HSE EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits, Health and Safety Executive
- COSHH basics: What you need to know, HSE
- COSHH essentials, control guidance for employers, HSE
- L5, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, HSE