What is COSHH?
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent harm to health. If your workplace involves storing or using chemicals, you must follow COSHH guidelines to minimise risk and protect employees.
One of the key requirements under COSHH is ensuring hazardous substances are stored safely - which is where COSHH cabinets play a critical role in compliance.
What Are Harmful Substances?
Hazardous substances covered by COSHH include:
- Dusts, gases, and fumes (e.g., silica dust, welding fumes)
- Liquids, gels, and powders (e.g., cleaning chemicals, adhesives)
- Microorganisms that can cause infections, allergic reactions, or toxicity
Improper storage or handling of these substances can cause serious health risks, including respiratory diseases, burns, and long-term illnesses.
What Are My Employer Responsibilities?
Employers must:
- Identify hazardous substances in the workplace
- Conduct a COSHH risk assessment
- Implement control measures to reduce exposure
- Train employees in safe handling procedures
- Store chemicals correctly to prevent spills, contamination, and fire risks
- Maintain accurate records and review safety procedures regularly
Failure to comply with COSHH can lead to HSE enforcement action, fines, and serious workplace accidents.
How to Carry Out a COSHH Risk Assessment
1. Identify the Hazards
- Read Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals in use
- Consider hazardous substances produced by workplace activities (e.g., wood dust, welding fumes)
2. Assess the Risks
- Identify who is at risk (employees, visitors, contractors)
- Determine how exposure occurs (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures
3. Control the Risks
The hierarchy of control helps to minimise exposure:
Elimination
- Replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives where possible
- Modify processes to reduce exposure risks
Changing the Process to Reduce Risks
- Adjust working methods to generate less dust or fumes
- Use pre-mixed chemicals instead of powders to reduce airborne particles
Containment & Storage
If hazardous substances must be used, safe storage is essential. This is where COSHH cabinets come into play.
Why COSHH Cabinets Matter for Safe Chemical Storage
COSHH cabinets are designed to contain hazardous substances safely, preventing exposure, contamination, and fire risks.
Key Features of a Compliant COSHH Cabinet
- Fire resistance – Must provide at least 30 minutes of fire resistance
- Leak-proof sump – Collects spills to prevent chemical leaks
- Lockable doors – Ensures restricted access to hazardous materials
- Clearly labelled – Must display safety signage
- Chemical separation – Incompatible substances (e.g., acids and bases) must be stored separately
Cabtek COSHH Cabinets: Designed for Compliance & Safety
At SafetyBuyer, our Cabtek COSHH cabinets exceed standard safety requirements, offering:
- Fully welded seams for superior durability and leak-proof containment
- Fire-resistant construction with a melting point over 750°C
- Adjustable shelves for flexible chemical storage
- High-grade epoxy-polyester powder coating for long-lasting protection
- Certified compliance with DSEAR ACoP L136 & HSG51
Whether you need to store flammable liquids, acids, pesticides, or general hazardous chemicals, Cabtek cabinets provide a reliable, compliant solution.
Explore our full range of COSHH Cabinets & Flammable Liquid Cabinets
Other Key Safety Measures for COSHH Storage Areas
Employers must also:
- Restrict access – Only trained, authorised personnel should handle hazardous substances
- Ensure proper ventilation – Flammable chemicals must be stored in well-ventilated areas
- Secure storage – Cabinets must be locked at all times
- Maintain safety records – Keep an updated chemical inventory
- Plan for emergencies – Have spill response and fire safety protocols in place
Cleaning & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Cleaning
Exposure to hazardous substances can occur during cleaning. To reduce risks:
- Keep surfaces smooth and easy to clean
- Have the right spill response equipment readily available
- Use a 'dust-free' method – vacuum instead of sweeping
- Regularly check and clean ventilation systems
Spill kits and absorbents are essential for quick, safe clean-up of chemical spills. View our spill control range here.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If exposure cannot be eliminated, PPE should be used in combination with other control measures:
- Gloves & aprons for handling hazardous liquids
- Respiratory protection for working with dusts, gases, or fumes
- Eye protection when dealing with splashes or airborne chemicals
PPE should never be the only control measure - safe storage and handling practices must always come first.
Review & Maintain Your COSHH Controls
Regularly review COSHH risk assessments to ensure:
- New risks are identified when staff, substances, or processes change
- Control measures are working effectively
- Accidents, near misses, or safety concerns are investigated
- Employees receive up-to-date training
Keeping your COSHH compliance up to date helps protect your workforce and ensures your business meets legal requirements.
Final Thoughts: COSHH Compliance needs the Right Storage Solutions
Safe chemical storage is not optional - it’s a legal requirement.
COSHH cabinets play a vital role in preventing exposure, reducing risk, and ensuring workplace safety. At SafetyBuyer, we offer industry-leading COSHH storage solutions that help businesses stay compliant and protected.
Browse our full range of COSHH cabinets today!
