UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour?

The recommended PPE for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application); Face protection for high-volume mixing in poorly ventilated space. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour exposure?

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with water at end of application if any contact occurred outside gloves. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Not typically required for normal salon use; ensure adequate ventilation. Ingestion: Recognised medical emergency in case reports if accidental ingestion occurs — seek immediate medical attention. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour (also known as Permanent Hair Colour, Permanent Hair Dye, Oxidative Hair Colour). 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

High

CAS Number: 106-50-3

Physical Form: Liquid/cream, mixed with hydrogen peroxide developer before application

Common Names: Permanent Hair Colour, Permanent Hair Dye, Oxidative Hair Colour

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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

Skin Sensitiser (potent — one of the most significant occupational sensitisers in hairdressing), Acute toxicity by ingestion at high concentration, Eye irritant.

Health Effects

Described in clinical literature as one of the most significant causes of occupational allergic contact dermatitis in hairdressing. Hairdressers and barbers show notably elevated rates of positive patch-test reactions. Once sensitised, even brief future contact can trigger a reaction.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact (primary route)
Inhalation of vapour during mixing

Workplace exposure to p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour 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.

Nitrile gloves for every single application, without exception
Change gloves between every client
Never mix or apply colour bare-handed, even briefly
Apply barrier cream to skin at hairline before application
Conduct and document monthly visual skin checks of stylists hands

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application)
Face protection for high-volume mixing in poorly ventilated space

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash thoroughly with water at end of application if any contact occurred outside gloves.

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

Inhalation: Not typically required for normal salon use; ensure adequate ventilation.

Ingestion: Recognised medical emergency in case reports if accidental ingestion occurs — seek immediate medical attention.

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

Data Sources

COSHHmate COSHH for Hairdressers guide; DermNet NZ; PMC Para-phenylenediamine allergy review

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour 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 p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour 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 p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application); Face protection for high-volume mixing in poorly ventilated space. Actual PPE requirements depend on how p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour 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 p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour 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 p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) — Permanent Hair Colour

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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