UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)?

The recommended PPE for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application); Barrier cream at hairline for client protection. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) exposure?

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

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) (also known as Resorcinol, Benzene-1,3-diol, Hair Dye Coupler). 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: 108-46-3

Physical Form: Component in oxidative hair colour (liquid/cream)

Common Names: Resorcinol, Benzene-1,3-diol, Hair Dye Coupler

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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

Acute Toxicity Cat 4 (H302, H332), Skin Irritant (Skin Irrit. 2, H315), Eye Irritant (Eye Irrit. 2, H319), Skin Sensitiser (Skin Sens. 1, H317), Aquatic Chronic Cat 2 (H411).

Health Effects

Coupling agent used with PPD and similar in permanent hair dyes. Skin sensitiser contributing to occupational contact dermatitis in hairdressers. Toxic if swallowed or inhaled in significant quantities.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Inhalation
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) 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.

Wear gloves for every colour application
Ensure adequate salon ventilation
Avoid mixing without PPE
Do not apply if client or stylist has known sensitivity to hair dyes

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application)
Barrier cream at hairline for client protection

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.

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

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

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

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

Data Sources

HSE hairdressing guidance; European CosIng database; manufacturer SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) 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 Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) 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 Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory for every application); Barrier cream at hairline for client protection. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient) 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 Resorcinol (Hair Colour Ingredient)?

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

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