UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)?

The recommended PPE for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene); Eye protection (splash goggles); Apron for refilling. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) exposure?

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with plenty of water. Seek medical attention immediately for burns. Eye contact: Rinse continuously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get emergency medical attention. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty. Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Give water if conscious. Get emergency medical attention. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) (also known as Sodium Metasilicate, Dishwasher Detergent, Commercial Dishwash). 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

High

CAS Number: 6834-92-0

Physical Form: Powder or concentrated liquid for commercial dishwashers

Common Names: Sodium Metasilicate, Dishwasher Detergent, Commercial Dishwash, Waterglass

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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 Cat 1B (H314), Serious Eye Damage (H318), STOT SE 3 (H335).

Health Effects

Highly alkaline detergent used in commercial dishwashers. Causes chemical burns on skin contact. Common cause of injuries in UK catering where kitchen porters handle refill containers without adequate PPE. Steam from dishwashers can carry mist.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Eye contact
Inhalation of dust or mist

Workplace exposure to Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) 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 dedicated dispensing system where possible, not manual refill
Ventilate around dishwasher
Train kitchen staff on proper handling
Keep eye wash station accessible near dishwasher

Recommended PPE

Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Eye protection (splash goggles)
Apron for refilling

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with plenty of water. Seek medical attention immediately for burns.

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

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. Give water if conscious. Get emergency medical attention.

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

Data Sources

HSE catering industry guidance; UK dishwasher chemical supplier SDS

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) 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 Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) 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 Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene); Eye protection (splash goggles); Apron for refilling. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Sodium Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent) 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 Metasilicate (Dishwasher Detergent)?

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

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