How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash): 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

Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)?

The recommended PPE for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) typically includes: Gloves for prolonged contact; Eye protection when handling powder. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash with water. Apply moisturiser. Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Give water. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) (also known as Soda Ash, Washing Soda, Sodium Carbonate). 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.

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Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Low

CAS Number: 497-19-8

Physical Form: White powder

Common Names: Soda Ash, Washing Soda, Sodium Carbonate, Laundry Booster

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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

Eye Irritant (Eye Irrit. 2, H319), Skin Irritant (concentrated solution).

Health Effects

Common laundry and general cleaning additive. Mildly alkaline. Main risk is eye irritation from powder or splashes and dust inhalation during scooping. Long-term skin contact can cause dermatitis.

Routes of Exposure

Eye contact
Skin contact
Inhalation of dust

Workplace exposure to Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) 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.

Avoid raising dust when scooping
Use in ventilated area
Rinse hands after handling
Store dry - absorbs moisture from air

Recommended PPE

Gloves for prolonged contact
Eye protection when handling powder

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with water. Apply moisturiser.

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

Inhalation: Move to fresh air.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Give water. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested.

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

Data Sources

Manufacturer SDS; UK laundry industry guides

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) 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 Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) 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 Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Gloves for prolonged contact; Eye protection when handling powder. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) 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 Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)?

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

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