COSHH risk assessments are a core requirement in care home environments where hazardous substances are routinely used for cleaning, laundry, maintenance, and infection control.
These substances can present risks to staff and residents if they are not properly identified, stored, and managed. A COSHH risk assessment helps care providers understand these risks and implement appropriate control measures.
Typical substances covered by COSHH in care settings include:
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Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals
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Laundry detergents and additives
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Hand sanitising products
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Maintenance and pest control substances
A basic COSHH risk assessment process usually involves:
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Identifying hazardous substances in use
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Assessing who may be harmed and how
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Implementing control measures such as safe storage, PPE, and training
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Recording findings and reviewing assessments regularly
Clear documentation and staff awareness are essential, particularly in care environments with varied roles and shift patterns. COSHH assessments should be kept accessible and updated whenever products or procedures change.
Additional COSHH guidance and care-sector compliance resources are available at:
https://welcometoable.co.uk/
A wider collection of technical and reference materials is maintained separately:
https://backlink-155000275278.europe-west1.run.app/