SDS vs COSHH Assessment: What You Really Need to Know

Overview

Working with chemicals at work? Then, you need to know the difference between an SDS and a COSHH assessment. They sound similar, but they do very different jobs. We’ll break it down in easy-to-understand language and show you why both are key to staying safe.

SDS vs COSHH Assessment: What You Really Need to Know

What is an SDS?

SDS stands for Safety Data Sheet. Sometimes, you might also see it called an MSDS. An SDS is a big document filled with information about a chemical. Think of it like an instruction manual. It tells you things like:

• What is this chemical?
• How dangerous it is
• What to do if someone gets hurt
• How to store and handle it
• What safety gear (like gloves or goggles) do you need

There are 16 sections in a full SDS, and each one gives a different type of safety information. Here’s the main point. An SDS is not a risk assessment. It tells you about the chemical itself.

What is a COSHH Assessment?

COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. A COSHH assessment is a legal requirement in the UK. It helps employers figure out how to use chemicals in their specific workplace safely.

A COSHH assessment answers these questions:

1. What chemicals are being used?
2. How are they being used?
3. What could go wrong?
4. What can we do to keep everyone safe?

The SDS gives you helpful information. Nevertheless, the COSHH assessment shows how your team will stay safe while using that chemical at your site.

Why You Can’t Copy the SDS

Some people think, “I’ll just copy the SDS into my COSHH assessment.” Big mistake! That doesn’t work. Here’s why:

• The SDS doesn’t know how you use the chemical
• You may not follow all the safety steps written in the SDS
• If something goes wrong and you didn’t do what you said you would, you could be in big legal trouble

A real COSHH assessment takes information from the SDS and adds real-life details from your workplace. That’s how you keep your workers safe.

What Makes a Good COSHH Assessment?

A proper COSHH assessment includes:

• A list of hazardous substances
• A look at how your team uses them
• A check on the risks
• A plan to reduce those risks with controls (like PPE or better ventilation)

Even though SDSs suggest controls, they’re often very general. You need to figure out what works best for your specific job.

Who Should Do COSHH Assessments?

Let’s be honest. COSHH can be tricky. Even safety pros struggle with it sometimes. There’s plenty of maths, science, and judgment involved. If you’re not trained, you could miss something important.

That’s why Risk Fluent always recommends getting proper training or support from a safety professional. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has good guidance, but it can still be hard for someone without experience.

Final Thoughts

To sum up.

• SDS tells you about the chemical
• COSHH Assessment  tells you how you will use it safely at work

They work together, but they are not the same. Copying the SDS into a COSHH assessment isn’t enough. If there’s ever an accident, a copied document won’t protect your team or your business.

At Risk Fluent, we believe safety doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a big team, make sure you know the difference between SDS and COSHH. It could save lives.