How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner): 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 Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)?

The recommended PPE for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, nitrile, or PVC); Chemical splash goggles or full face shield; Protective apron/clothing. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) exposure?

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin thoroughly with water for an extended period. Get medical attention immediately — speed is essential. Eye contact: Rinse immediately and continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately even if no immediate pain. Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. Get medical attention immediately. Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly, give water if conscious. Get medical attention immediately. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) (also known as Caustic Soda, Oven Cleaner, Drain Cleaner). 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: 1310-73-2

Physical Form: Liquid (spray/gel/foam) or solid pearls/flakes

Common Names: Caustic Soda, Oven Cleaner, Drain Cleaner, Lye

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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

Corrosive — Skin Corrosion Cat 1A/1B (H314), Eye Damage Cat 1 (H318), corrosive to metals at higher concentration (H290).

Health Effects

UK NPIS analysis of 796 oven cleaner enquiries found 96% involved sodium and/or potassium hydroxide; the large majority of patients exposed developed features of toxicity. Severe burns possible with delayed onset — eye damage may not be apparent for up to 72 hours.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Eye contact
Inhalation of mist/vapour
Ingestion

Workplace exposure to Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) 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.

Use only in well-ventilated areas
Wear full recommended PPE for every application
Never mix with acid-based products
Apply using applicator/spray to minimise direct hand contact
Store locked, clearly labelled, away from acids and reactive metals
Provide eyewash station/access to running water where used regularly

Recommended PPE

Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, nitrile, or PVC)
Chemical splash goggles or full face shield
Protective apron/clothing

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin thoroughly with water for an extended period. Get medical attention immediately — speed is essential.

Eye contact: Rinse immediately and continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately even if no immediate pain.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately. Get medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth thoroughly, give water if conscious. Get medical attention immediately.

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

Data Sources

PubMed UK NPIS Oven Cleaner Toxicity Study; Country Range Oven Cleaner SDS; Bartoline Caustic Soda SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) 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 Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) 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 Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (neoprene, nitrile, or PVC); Chemical splash goggles or full face shield; Protective apron/clothing. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) 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 Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner)?

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 Hydroxide (Caustic Cleaner) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

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