How do I complete a COSHH assessment for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) in the UK?

To complete a UK COSHH assessment for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour): 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

Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)?

The recommended PPE for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory); Standard salon ventilation. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash immediately with soap and water. Discontinue use if sensitisation develops. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Not typical route in normal use. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) (also known as PTD, Toluene-2,5-diamine sulphate, Alternative Hair Dye). 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: 95-70-5

Physical Form: Component in oxidative hair colour

Common Names: PTD, Toluene-2,5-diamine sulphate, Alternative Hair Dye, PPD-free colour

Generate Assessment →

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), Skin Sensitiser (Skin Sens. 1, H317), Eye Irritant (Eye Irrit. 2, H319), Aquatic Chronic (H411).

Health Effects

Marketed as a PPD-free alternative for clients with PPD sensitivity. Still a skin sensitiser — clients allergic to PPD may or may not tolerate PTD depending on individual response. Occupational sensitisation possible for hairdressers with repeated glove-free contact.

Routes of Exposure

Skin contact
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) 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.

Nitrile gloves for every application without exception
Recommend patch testing before use on clients with any dye sensitivity
Do not represent as safe for PPD-allergic clients without dermatological assessment

Recommended PPE

Nitrile gloves (mandatory)
Standard salon ventilation

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash immediately with soap and water. Discontinue use if sensitisation develops.

Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Inhalation: Not typical route in normal use.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention.

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

Data Sources

CosIng database; DermNet NZ; UK cosmetic ingredient safety review

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) 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 Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) 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 Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves (mandatory); Standard salon ventilation. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) 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 Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour) 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 Toluene-2,5-diamine (PTD Hair Colour)

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.

Start Free Assessment →See Pricing