COSHH Assessments – Professional COSHH Risk Assessment Services

Protect Your Employees, Control Hazardous Substances and Meet Your COSHH Obligations

Professional COSHH assessments for businesses throughout the UK.

Does your business use chemicals, cleaning products, paints, solvents, fuels, dust-producing materials or other substances that could harm employees?

If so, you may need a suitable and sufficient assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended.

At Evolution Safety Solutions Ltd, our experienced health and safety consultants provide professional COSHH assessments that help businesses identify hazardous substances, evaluate exposure risks and establish effective control measures.

We support employers, contractors, manufacturers, facilities management companies and organisations across a wide range of industries.

Our approach is practical, proportionate and focused on protecting people while supporting your legal compliance.

Don’t leave hazardous substance safety to guesswork.

Call 03333 399 037 or contact our COSHH consultants today.

What Is a COSHH Assessment?

A COSHH assessment is a systematic evaluation of the risks to health arising from hazardous substances used, produced or encountered during work activities.

The purpose is to identify how employees and other people could be exposed, determine the potential health effects and establish suitable precautions.

A professional COSHH risk assessment considers more than the hazardous properties of a chemical.

It also examines how the substance is used, the quantities involved, the duration and frequency of exposure, and the effectiveness of existing controls.

For example, a cleaning chemical may present relatively limited risks when diluted and applied correctly. However, spraying the same chemical in an enclosed space could create a different exposure risk.

Similarly, dust generated during cutting, grinding or drilling may require controls that go beyond standard personal protective equipment.

Our COSHH assessments consider these practical workplace circumstances to help your business establish suitable controls.

Why Does Your Business Need COSHH Assessments?

Under Regulation 6 of COSHH, employers must assess the risks to health before undertaking work liable to expose employees to substances hazardous to health.

The assessment must be suitable and sufficient for the work being undertaken.

Where hazardous substances present a risk, employers must prevent exposure or adequately control it in accordance with the Regulations.

Failing to manage these risks can contribute to occupational ill health, including:

• Occupational asthma and respiratory disease.
• Dermatitis and other skin conditions.
• Chemical burns and irritation.
• Eye injuries.
• Harmful effects from inhalation of fumes, vapours or gases.
• Long-term health effects from repeated exposure.
• Exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic or other particularly hazardous substances.

A suitable COSHH assessment helps identify these hazards and the measures necessary to protect employees.

It can also demonstrate that your organisation has considered its responsibilities and established a structured approach to managing hazardous substances.

Need help understanding your COSHH obligations?

Speak to our health and safety consultants or call 03333 399 037.

Our Professional COSHH Assessment Services

Evolution Safety Solutions provides COSHH consultancy tailored to the substances, activities and working conditions within your business.

We can assess individual products, specific processes or broader workplace arrangements involving multiple hazardous substances.

1. Hazardous Substance Identification

We begin by identifying the substances that employees use, handle, store, generate or encounter during their work.

These may include:

• Cleaning chemicals and disinfectants.
• Paints, coatings, adhesives and resins.
• Solvents, degreasers and thinners.
• Oils, lubricants and process chemicals.
• Welding fumes and other process-generated fumes.
• Wood dust, silica dust and other airborne particulates.
• Cement and other potentially harmful construction materials.
• Industrial chemicals and treatment products.
• Biological agents arising from relevant work activities.

We review the available information and consider whether the substances fall within the scope of COSHH.

Where appropriate, we can also identify substances requiring assessment under other regulatory frameworks.

2. Safety Data Sheet Review

Safety Data Sheets provide important information about chemical hazards, handling precautions, storage requirements and emergency measures.

However, an SDS is not a workplace-specific COSHH assessment.

It generally describes the substance or mixture and its associated hazards. It does not necessarily evaluate how your employees use that substance in your particular working environment.

Our consultants review relevant SDS information alongside the actual work activities.

This helps us identify appropriate controls and determine whether further information is required.

3. Workplace Exposure Assessment

The risk associated with a hazardous substance depends on the circumstances of exposure.

Our assessments consider factors such as:

• The nature and hazardous properties of the substance.
• How the substance is used or generated.
• The quantity involved.
• The frequency and duration of the activity.
• Potential inhalation, skin contact, ingestion or injection routes.
• The number of people who may be exposed.
• Existing engineering and procedural controls.
• Ventilation and local exhaust ventilation arrangements.
• The potential for accidental or abnormal exposure.
• Relevant Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), where applicable.

This provides a clearer understanding of the risks associated with the work.

Where exposure monitoring or specialist occupational hygiene measurements are necessary, these can be discussed as additional services.

4. Assessment of Existing Control Measures

Effective COSHH management requires employers to prevent exposure where reasonably practicable or adequately control it.

Our consultants examine the controls already in place and consider whether they are suitable for the activities undertaken.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include reviewing:

• Elimination of unnecessary hazardous substances.
• Substitution with less hazardous alternatives.
• Enclosed processes and engineering controls.
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV).
• General workplace ventilation.
• Safe systems of work.
• Storage, handling and transfer arrangements.
• Cleaning and maintenance procedures.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
• Employee training, information and supervision.

We apply the COSHH control principles when identifying suitable improvements.

Importantly, PPE should not be treated as the default solution where more effective exposure controls are reasonably practicable.

5. Preparation of COSHH Risk Assessment Reports

Following our review, we prepare documented COSHH assessments that reflect the available evidence and agreed scope.

Our reports can include:

• Identification of the substance or process.
• Relevant hazardous properties.
• Description of the work activity.
• Potential exposure routes.
• Persons who may be exposed.
• Existing workplace controls.
• Evaluation of exposure risks.
• Required additional precautions.
• Safe handling and storage considerations.
• Emergency and first-aid arrangements where relevant.
• Recommendations for further action.

The objective is to provide a clear and usable assessment that managers and employees can apply in practice.

6. Recommendations and Compliance Support

Where our assessment identifies shortcomings, we provide practical recommendations to improve hazardous substance management.

These may include changes to work processes, improved ventilation, alternative substances, revised procedures or additional employee instruction.

Where specialist services are required, such as exposure monitoring, LEV examination or health surveillance, we can advise on the need for further competent assistance.

Our role is to help you understand the findings and identify proportionate next steps.

COSHH Assessment Services for Different Industries

Hazardous substances occur in almost every industry. However, the nature of the risks varies considerably.

Our COSHH consultants support a broad range of workplaces.

Construction and Building Contractors

Construction activities can expose workers to silica dust, cement, adhesives, solvents, coatings, wood dust and other hazardous substances.

We can assess relevant substances and activities to support effective construction health and safety management.

Manufacturing and Engineering

Manufacturing and engineering operations may involve cutting fluids, degreasers, welding fumes, process chemicals, resins and airborne contaminants.

Our assessments consider the substances and the processes in which they are used or generated.

Cleaning and Facilities Management

Cleaning contractors frequently handle disinfectants, detergents, descalers and other chemical products.

We help businesses assess the risks associated with routine cleaning activities, chemical handling and storage.

Automotive and Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance businesses may use oils, fuels, paints, solvents, adhesives and cleaning chemicals.

Our COSHH services help identify exposure hazards and suitable workplace controls.

Warehousing and Logistics

Warehouses may store or handle hazardous products, use cleaning chemicals or undertake activities that generate harmful dust or fumes.

We can assess relevant workplace activities and hazardous substance arrangements.

Healthcare, Care and Commercial Premises

Healthcare, care and commercial workplaces may use disinfectants, cleaning products and other potentially hazardous substances.

Our consultants can help establish appropriate COSHH arrangements for these activities.

COSHH Assessments vs Safety Data Sheets – What’s the Difference?

One of the most common misunderstandings in workplace chemical safety is the assumption that keeping a Safety Data Sheet automatically satisfies COSHH requirements.

It does not.

A Safety Data Sheet provides information about a chemical substance or mixture. A COSHH assessment evaluates the risks arising from the actual work activity.

Both documents can play an important role in hazardous substance management.

However, an SDS alone will not normally demonstrate that the employer has assessed the actual risks arising from a particular work activity.

Our professional COSHH assessments bridge that gap.

Have you collected Safety Data Sheets but never completed proper COSHH assessments?

Contact Evolution Safety Solutions for professional assistance.

Do You Need a COSHH Assessment for Every Chemical?

Not necessarily.

COSHH requires a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks associated with relevant work activities. It does not automatically require a separate document for every individual container or product.

In some circumstances, several substances or similar activities can be assessed together, provided the assessment adequately addresses the relevant hazards, exposure circumstances and controls.

Equally, a single substance may require different assessments where it is used in substantially different ways.

For example, applying a product manually may present different exposure risks from spraying or heating the same product.

Our consultants can help determine a suitable assessment structure for your business.

This avoids unnecessary duplication while ensuring significant risks receive appropriate consideration.

When Should COSHH Assessments Be Reviewed?

COSHH assessments must be reviewed regularly and immediately where there is reason to suspect that an assessment is no longer valid or where there has been a significant change in the work to which it relates.

A review may be necessary following:

• Introduction of new hazardous substances.
• Changes to manufacturing or work processes.
• Changes in chemical concentration or application methods.
• Installation or modification of ventilation systems.
• Changes in exposure conditions.
• New information about health hazards.
• Findings from exposure monitoring or health surveillance.
• Incidents suggesting existing controls may be inadequate.

A fixed annual review is not a universal legal requirement for every COSHH assessment. Instead, review arrangements should reflect the nature of the risks and applicable regulatory duties.

Evolution Safety Solutions can assist with both new assessments and reviews of existing COSHH documentation.

What Information Do We Need to Complete Your COSHH Assessments?

To provide an accurate and commercially proportionate service, we need to understand the substances and activities involved.

We will normally request:

1. A list of substances or products requiring assessment.
2. Current Safety Data Sheets, where available.
3. Details of the work activities involving those substances.
4. Information about quantities, frequency and duration of use.
5. Existing control measures, including ventilation and PPE.
6. Details of the working environment, including enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
7. Existing COSHH assessments, if these are being reviewed or updated.

Depending on the complexity of the work, we may request photographs, operating procedures or further information from your management team.

For straightforward assessments, a desktop review may be appropriate where sufficient reliable information is available.

For more complex activities, a site visit may be necessary to understand the process and assess workplace conditions.

We will discuss these requirements before confirming the scope of work.

How Our COSHH Assessment Service Works

Step 1 – Contact Our Consultancy Team

Tell us about your business, the substances involved and the number of assessments you require.

You can contact us by telephone or through our website.

Step 2 – We Review Your Requirements

Our consultants consider the available information and establish the appropriate scope.

We identify whether the work can be completed through a desktop assessment or whether a site visit or further investigation is necessary.

Step 3 – We Confirm the Scope and Fee

We provide a clear proposal based on the complexity of the substances, work activities and information available.

Any necessary additional services are identified separately.

Step 4 – Our Consultants Complete the Assessment

We review the relevant substance information, evaluate exposure risks and identify appropriate control measures.

Where required, we seek clarification about workplace processes or existing precautions.

Step 5 – Receive Your COSHH Assessment Documentation

We provide the completed assessment documentation, together with relevant recommendations.

Your business can then implement the identified measures and communicate the necessary precautions to employees.

Professional COSHH support without unnecessary complexity.

Request your COSHH assessment quotation.

Why Choose Evolution Safety Solutions for COSHH Assessments?

Experienced Health and Safety Consultants

Our consultants have extensive experience across construction, engineering, manufacturing, utilities and other industries where hazardous substances require effective management.

We combine technical knowledge with an understanding of practical workplace operations.

OSHCR-Registered Consultancy Expertise

Our senior consultancy team includes professionals registered with the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR).

This provides access to recognised professional health and safety competence.

Certified Management Systems

Evolution Safety Solutions operates certified management systems covering:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management.
• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management.
• ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management.

These arrangements support our approach to professional service delivery.

Practical and Proportionate Assessments

We focus on the actual risks associated with your activities rather than producing generic documents.

Our recommendations aim to support effective exposure control while recognising the operational needs of your business.

Wider Health, Safety and Environmental Expertise

COSHH assessments sometimes identify the need for additional technical support.

Our wider services include occupational noise assessments, DSEAR consultancy, workplace risk assessments, health and safety audits and environmental consultancy.

Where necessary, we can discuss complementary services under a separate agreed scope.

UK-Wide Service

Based in South Wales, Evolution Safety Solutions provides consultancy services to businesses throughout the UK.

We can undertake suitable desktop assessments remotely and arrange site-based consultancy where required.

Frequently Asked Questions About COSHH Assessments

What does COSHH stand for?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.

The COSHH Regulations require employers to assess and control risks arising from exposure to relevant hazardous substances during work activities.

Are COSHH assessments a legal requirement?

Yes, where work is liable to expose employees to substances hazardous to health within the scope of COSHH, employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.

The assessment must identify relevant risks and inform appropriate control measures.

Who can complete a COSHH assessment?

A COSHH assessment must be undertaken by someone with sufficient knowledge and competence to assess the relevant substances, activities and exposure risks.

For straightforward activities, a suitably trained employee may be competent.

More complex processes may require specialist professional assistance.

Can COSHH assessments be completed remotely?

Yes, some assessments can be completed remotely where sufficient information is available to evaluate the relevant hazards, work activities and existing controls.

However, complex operations or uncertain exposure conditions may require a site visit or further investigation.

Is a Safety Data Sheet the same as a COSHH assessment?

No. An SDS provides information about a substance or mixture, while a COSHH assessment evaluates the risks associated with its actual use or generation in the workplace.

Do cleaning products require COSHH assessments?

Cleaning products may require COSHH assessment where they present relevant health hazards during work activities.

The assessment should reflect the products, their use, exposure potential and applicable controls.

Do I need a COSHH assessment for wood dust or silica dust?

Yes, where work activities create relevant exposure risks. Wood dust and respirable crystalline silica are important occupational health hazards.

Appropriate assessments should consider exposure prevention or control, including suitable dust extraction and working methods.

How often must COSHH assessments be updated?

COSHH assessments must be reviewed regularly and whenever there is reason to believe they are no longer valid or there has been a significant change in the work.

The appropriate review frequency depends on the risks and circumstances.

Does a COSHH assessment include air monitoring?

Not automatically. Exposure monitoring is a separate technical activity and may be required in certain circumstances.

Where monitoring is necessary, we can discuss the requirement and appropriate specialist arrangements.

Do you provide COSHH assessments for small businesses?

Yes. We support businesses of different sizes, including small contractors, cleaning companies, workshops, offices and larger industrial organisations.

Can you review our existing COSHH assessments?

Yes. We can review existing assessments, identify gaps and update documentation where appropriate.

How much does a professional COSHH assessment cost?

The cost depends on the substances, number of activities, complexity of exposure risks and whether a site visit is required.

We can provide a quotation once we understand your requirements.

Book Your Professional COSHH Assessment Today

Protect Your Workforce. Manage Hazardous Substances. Demonstrate Responsible Health and Safety Management.

Hazardous substances can create significant risks when businesses fail to identify and control workplace exposure.

A professional COSHH assessment helps you understand those risks and establish appropriate precautions.

At Evolution Safety Solutions, we provide practical, professionally prepared COSHH assessments that support employers throughout the UK.

Whether you need one assessment, a review of existing documentation or a broader assessment programme, our consultants can help.

Contact our team today to discuss your COSHH assessment requirements.

Telephone: 03333 399 037

ENQUIRE NOW – REQUEST A COSHH ASSESSMENT QUOTATION

Evolution Safety Solutions Ltd – Professional COSHH Assessments, Hazardous Substance Risk Assessments and Health and Safety Consultancy Throughout the UK.