How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Portland Cement (Wet Cement) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Portland Cement (Wet Cement): 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

Portland Cement (Wet Cement) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Portland Cement (Wet Cement)?

The recommended PPE for Portland Cement (Wet Cement) typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (mandatory for wet cement); Waterproof knee pads if kneeling; Eye protection; Dust mask (FFP3) for dry cement handling. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Portland Cement (Wet Cement) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Chemical burns can develop over hours - seek medical attention if pain, redness or blisters appear. Eye contact: Rinse continuously with water for at least 15 minutes. Get emergency medical attention. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if significant amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Portland Cement (Wet Cement) (also known as Cement, Portland Cement, Wet Cement). 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: 65997-15-1

Physical Form: Grey powder, mixed with water to paste/liquid

Common Names: Cement, Portland Cement, Wet Cement, Concrete, Mortar

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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 Irritant/Corrosive (H315, H318 wet), Eye Damage (H318 wet), STOT SE 3 (H335 dust), Skin Sensitiser (chromium content, H317).

Health Effects

Wet cement is highly alkaline (pH 12-13) causing severe chemical burns. Cement dust causes silicosis with long-term exposure. Chromium content causes allergic contact dermatitis in bricklayers, tilers, and concrete workers. One of the top UK occupational skin hazards in construction.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact (wet cement)
Inhalation of dust (dry)
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Portland Cement (Wet Cement) 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.

Prefer low-chromium cement (mandatory in EU since 2005)
Never kneel in wet cement
Wash off cement immediately after skin contact
Damp down dry cement to reduce dust
Health surveillance for regular users

Recommended PPE

Chemical-resistant gloves (mandatory for wet cement)
Waterproof knee pads if kneeling
Eye protection
Dust mask (FFP3) for dry cement handling

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Chemical burns can develop over hours - seek medical attention if pain, redness or blisters appear.

Eye contact: Rinse continuously with water for at least 15 minutes. Get emergency medical attention.

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

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if significant amount ingested.

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

Data Sources

HSE cement guidance; Construction Industry Advisory Committee; EH40/2005 (respirable crystalline silica limit)

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Portland Cement (Wet Cement)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Portland Cement (Wet Cement) 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 Portland Cement (Wet Cement)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Portland Cement (Wet Cement) 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 Portland Cement (Wet Cement)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (mandatory for wet cement); Waterproof knee pads if kneeling; Eye protection; Dust mask (FFP3) for dry cement handling. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Portland Cement (Wet Cement) 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 Portland Cement (Wet Cement)?

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

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