UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)?

The recommended PPE for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) typically includes: Nitrile gloves; Eye protection during dilution; Ventilation as primary control. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) exposure?

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

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) (also known as Barbicide, QAC, Quat). 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

CAS Number: 68424-85-1

Physical Form: Concentrated liquid, diluted for use

Common Names: Barbicide, QAC, Quat, Salon Disinfectant, Tool Sanitiser

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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 Corrosive/Irritant (H315 concentrated, less at dilution), Eye Irritant to Damage (H318 concentrated), Aquatic Acute (H400), Skin Sensitiser (H317).

Health Effects

Barbicide and similar QAC-based disinfectants are used across UK salons for tool sanitisation between clients. Recognised occupational asthma trigger, listed on HSE asthmagen watch list. Repeated skin contact can cause dermatitis.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Eye contact
Inhalation of aerosol/mist

Workplace exposure to Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) 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.

Ensure adequate ventilation, do not use in confined spaces without extract
Use at recommended dilution, do not use concentrated
Consider health surveillance for high-frequency users
Wear gloves during dilution and immersion

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves
Eye protection during dilution
Ventilation as primary control

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing.

Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

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

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

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

Data Sources

HSE asthmagen list; Barbicide UK SDS; UK Salon Owners Association guidance

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) 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 Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) 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 Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves; Eye protection during dilution; Ventilation as primary control. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) 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 Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide) 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 Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant (Barbicide)

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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