COSHH Policy Template
COSHH & Hazardous Substances Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 8 pages · 15 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a coshh & hazardous substances policy and who needs one?
A COSHH policy explains how you control exposure to hazardous substances such as chemicals, dusts, fumes and biological agents under the COSHH Regulations 2002: assessments, safety data sheets, control measures, PPE, storage, health surveillance and training. Cleaning, maintenance and construction buyers routinely ask for it.
Covers COSHH assessments, safety data sheets, the hierarchy of control, storage, PPE, health surveillance, spills and training for substances used in your work.
Why buyers ask for this
Employers must assess and control hazardous substances under the COSHH Regulations 2002, and buyers commonly ask for your COSHH arrangements on cleaning, maintenance and works contracts where chemicals are used on their premises.
Who needs it
Employers whose work involves chemicals, dusts, fumes or biological agents, especially cleaning, construction, maintenance and facilities contractors.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "Provide your COSHH policy and example COSHH assessments for products you will use"
- Questions on storage of chemicals on the buyer's premises
- Training and PPE questions for operatives handling hazardous substances
- – Frequently requested for works, cleaning and maintenance contracts
- – Often asked for alongside RAMS and training records
What's inside
The full coshh & hazardous substances policy runs to about 8 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 15 sections:
- Purpose
- Scope
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Definitions & Types of Hazardous Substances
- Legal & Regulatory Framework
- COSHH Assessment
- Control Measures
- Storage, Handling & Transport
- Information, Instruction & Training
- Monitoring, Health Surveillance & Exposure
- Spills, Leaks & Emergency Response
- Contractors, Subcontractors & Supply Chain
- Records & Documentation
- Enforcement
- Review
Key points covered
- Responsibilities for COSHH assessments
- Inventory and safety data sheets
- Hierarchy of control and PPE
- Safe storage, handling and disposal
- Spill and emergency arrangements
- Health surveillance and training
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Excerpt preview
[Your Company Ltd] (“the Company”) is committed to controlling risks arising from hazardous substances used or encountered in its operations and supply chain. The purpose of this Policy is to: This Policy applies to: This Policy should be read alongside the Company’s Health & Safety Policy, RAMS Procedure, Asbestos Management & Awareness Procedure and Emergency Procedures Policy.
Get your coshh & hazardous substances policy in minutes
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
Tender deadline this week? Download in 10 minutes.
How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
COSHH & Hazardous Substances Policy FAQs
Is a safety data sheet the same as a COSHH assessment?
No. The supplier's safety data sheet provides hazard information. A COSHH assessment is your own evaluation of how the substance is used in your work and the controls needed.
When is health surveillance needed?
Where exposure could cause an identifiable disease or adverse health effect, such as occupational asthma or dermatitis, and valid techniques exist to detect it. The policy sets out how you decide.
Do cleaning products need COSHH assessments?
Yes, where they are classified as hazardous or could create a risk in the way they are used. The assessment considers the product, the task, the exposure and the controls.
How much does the COSHH & Hazardous Substances Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
Free guides
- Health and safety policy for tenders: what buyers expect
- CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor: policies and documents checklist
- SSIP policies explained: what an SSIP assessment checks
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.