COSHH On Site: A Practical Checklist
Pro Site Docs · Guide
COSHH — the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations — applies to nearly every construction site. Dust, cement, fuels, solvents and resins all count. Here is a practical checklist.
Your COSHH checklist
- Identify every hazardous substance used or created (including dust like silica)
- Get the safety data sheet for each product
- Assess who could be exposed and how
- Put controls in place — elimination, extraction, suppression, then PPE
- Record the assessment and brief the team
- Provide the right RPE and face-fit test it
- Review when products or methods change
The hidden killer: silica dust
Cutting concrete, stone and brick releases respirable crystalline silica, which causes silicosis and lung cancer. Never dry-cut — use water suppression or on-tool extraction, and FFP3 RPE.
Ready-made assessments
Our COSHH assessment templates cover cement, silica, diesel, solvents, resins and more — each with control measures and first aid. Grab free templates to start.
Lee Hunt — SMSTS · NEBOSH NG1 & NG2 · NEBOSH Health & Safety Leadership Excellence · CSCS Black Card · Level 6 Diploma in Construction Site Management · IOSH · ISEP (environmental) · Temporary Works Supervisor & Coordinator · Lift Supervisor. Last reviewed: 29 August 2026.