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UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) COSHH Data Sheet UK

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) (also known as White Spirit, Mineral Spirit, Stoddard Solvent). 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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Baseline Risk Rating
Medium
CAS Number: 64742-82-1
Physical Form: Clear volatile liquid, kerosene-like smell
Common Names: White Spirit, Mineral Spirit, Stoddard Solvent, Turpentine Substitute
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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

Flammable Liquid Cat 3 (H226), Asp. Tox 1 (H304 - lung damage if swallowed), STOT SE 3 (H336), Aquatic Chronic (H411).

Health Effects

Petroleum-derived solvent used for paint thinning, cleaning brushes, degreasing. Vapour causes CNS effects (dizziness, headache) at high concentration. Repeated skin contact causes dermatitis. Aspiration into lungs if swallowed causes chemical pneumonia.

Routes of Exposure

  • Inhalation of vapour
  • Skin contact
  • Ingestion (aspiration hazard)

Workplace exposure to White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) 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 in well-ventilated area only
  • No smoking or open flames
  • Keep container closed when not in use
  • Prefer citrus-based or water-based alternatives for lighter cleaning

Recommended PPE

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Respiratory protection for enclosed-space use

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing.
Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting - risk of aspiration pneumonia. Seek medical attention immediately.
UK emergency: 999. Medical advice: NHS 111. Poisons information for healthcare professionals: TOXBASE.

Data Sources

EH40/2005 Table 1; manufacturer SDS; UK trade guidance

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) 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 White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) 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 White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Nitrile gloves; Eye protection; Respiratory protection for enclosed-space use. Actual PPE requirements depend on how White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) 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 White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser) 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 White Spirit (Mineral Spirit Degreaser)

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.

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Common names: Brake Cleaner, Brake Parts Cleaner
Butyl Glycol (Surface Cleaner Solvent) →
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Related COSHH guides

COSHH Assessment Template →
The 14 sections a compliant UK template includes
COSHH Risk Assessment Template →
Risk ratings and the hierarchy of control
What is a COSHH Assessment? →
UK legal guide to COSHH 2002 Regulations
COSHH Assessment Example →
A complete worked example: bleach in a cleaning company

References

  1. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677), UK legislation.gov.uk
  2. HSE EH40/2005 Workplace Exposure Limits, Health and Safety Executive
  3. COSHH basics: What you need to know, HSE
  4. COSHH essentials, control guidance for employers, HSE
  5. L5, Approved Code of Practice and guidance, HSE