Health and Safety Policies: COSHH Explained for Electricians

In this part of our Health and Safety Policy series, we’re looking at COSHH — the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. If you’re an electrician, employer, or sole trader, COSHH is a key part of your Health and Safety Policy. It sets out how to identify, assess, and control substances that could be h armful to you or anyone else on site.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It’s the law that requires employers to prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. While asbestos falls under its own specific regulations, COSHH covers a wide range of other materials — from cleaning products and adhesives to dusts and fumes created during electrical work.

The main aim is simple:

Identify any substances you use or create in your work.

Determine whether they’re harmful.

Put controls in place to prevent or limit exposure.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance and tools to help assess these risks and implement the right measures.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Every product or chemical used in your work should have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
This document outlines important i nformation about the product’s potential hazards — including health effects, flammability, environmental impact, and reactivity.

For off-the-shelf materials, MSDS sheets can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website in PDF format. These should be printed and kept in a dedicated COSHH file as part of your Health and Safety documentation.

If you’re unsure about how to interpret an MSDS, the HSE’s COSHH e-tool can help you carry out an assessment using the data provided.

Substances You Might Create at Work

Not all hazards come pre-labelled. Some are created during the job itself — such as dust from drilling, chasing masonry, or sanding. These still fall under COSHH, even if there’s no packaged product involved. Guidance on these types of exposures can be found on the HSE website or in trade publications that deal with occupational health for electricians and construction workers.

Carrying Out a COSHH Risk Assessment

Once you’ve identified all substances you use or encounter, the next step is to assess the level of risk they pose. Ask yourself:

Can this task be done using a safer alternative?

If not, how can exposure be controlled or limited?

What PPE or ventilation is required?

High-risk substances should be replaced wherever possible. If not, follow the control measures listed in the MSDS, including exposure limits, safe-handling time, and the correct PPE.

Common Examples in Electrical Work

Even routine products can fall under COSHH. A few examples include:

Intumescent sealant – generally low risk, but check MSDS for eye or skin warnings.

Resin jointing compound – may cause irritation; always wear gloves and eye protection.

Decorators caulk – prolonged exposure may dry or i rritate skin; gloves recommended.

Cable-pulling lubricant – minor risk; goggles advised to prevent splashes.

WD-40 comprehensive MSDS includes guidance on gloves, goggles, and approved PPE standards.

COSHH compliance is about awareness and consistency.
By documenting all substances used or created in your work, reviewing their safety data, and applying sensible precautions, you’ll not only meet legal requirements but also protect your health and that of your team.

If in doubt, don’t use it until you’ve checked it. A few minutes of preparation can prevent long-term harm.

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