COSHH Assessment Template for Construction

What is a COSHH Assessment?

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), employers must assess the risks from hazardous substances used or created during work and implement appropriate control measures.

Construction work involves exposure to many hazardous substances including cement, silica dust, solvents, wood dust, asbestos fibres, lead, isocyanates, epoxy resins, and diesel exhaust emissions.

Common Hazardous Substances in Construction

• Cement — alkaline burns, dermatitis (chromium VI content)
• Silica dust — silicosis from cutting, grinding, drilling concrete, stone, brick
• Solvents — in paints, adhesives, cleaning agents (CNS effects, dermatitis)
• Wood dust — respiratory sensitisation, nasal cancer risk with hardwoods
• Asbestos fibres — mesothelioma, asbestosis (pre-2000 buildings)
• Lead — in old paint (neurological effects, reproductive harm)
• Isocyanates — in spray paints, PU foams (occupational asthma)
• Epoxy resins — dermatitis, sensitisation
• Diesel exhaust emissions — carcinogenic (IARC Group 1)
• Man-made mineral fibres — skin and respiratory irritation

What a COSHH Assessment Must Include

• Identification of all hazardous substances used or created
• GHS hazard classification and safety data sheet (SDS) review
• Who is exposed and how (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, injection)
• Duration and frequency of exposure
• Workplace exposure limits (WELs) where applicable
• Control measures following the COSHH hierarchy
• PPE requirements (type, standard, replacement schedule)
• Health surveillance requirements
• Emergency procedures for spills, exposure incidents
• Training and information requirements
• Review date and monitoring arrangements