COSHH Assessments: How Logistics Teams Keep Chemical Handling Safe

Many logistics operations rely on chemicals as part of everyday activity.

Cleaning products, fuels, maintenance fluids, and battery chemicals are commonly used across warehouses and depots. While these substances are essential, they also present health and safety risks if not properly controlled.

COSHH assessments help logistics teams identify hazards, assess exposure risks, and confirm that appropriate controls are in place.

This guide explains how COSHH assessments work in logistics environments, and how they support safe chemical handling.

What COSHH Applies to in Logistics Operations

COSHH regulations apply to any substance hazardous to health, including cleaning chemicals, degreasers, fuels, solvents, and substances generated during work activities such as fumes or dusts.

Even products perceived as low risk can pose harm if exposure is frequent or controls are inadequate.

Logistics teams must identify which substances fall under COSHH and ensure risk assessments reflect how they are used on site.

Conducting COSHH Risk Assessments

COSHH risk assessments should identify hazards, who may be exposed, and how exposure is controlled.

This includes reviewing handling procedures, storage arrangements, and emergency measures.

Controls should follow the hierarchy of control, prioritising elimination or substitution where possible, before engineering or administrative controls. PPE should support these measures, not replace them.

Assessments must be site-specific and reviewed when substances, processes, or suppliers change. Generic assessments often fail to reflect real working conditions and are a common audit finding.

Storage, Labelling, and Segregation

Correct storage reduces the risk of leaks, spills, and unintended exposure. Chemicals should be stored in designated areas with appropriate containment, ventilation, and signage.

Clear labelling ensures staff understand hazards and follow safe handling procedures. Incompatible substances should be segregated to prevent dangerous reactions.

Emergency procedures should be clearly documented and accessible. This includes spill response actions and first aid measures.

Training and Staff Awareness

Training is essential for effective COSHH control. Staff should understand how to handle chemicals safely, use PPE correctly, and respond to spills or exposure incidents.

COSHH assessments often assess whether training is documented, current, and understood by staff in practice.

Reviewing and Improving COSHH Controls

COSHH assessments help verify that controls remain effective over time. Findings should be used to improve procedures, update assessments, and strengthen training where gaps are identified.

Where required, health surveillance should be used to help identify early signs of exposure-related harm.

FAQs

How does COSHH keep people safe?

COSHH keeps people safe by identifying hazardous substances, assessing exposure risks, and requiring controls to prevent harm to health.

What happens if COSHH controls fail?

If COSHH controls fail, exposure risks increase. Enforcement action may follow if controls are inadequate.

How should COSHH chemicals be stored?

COSHH chemicals should be stored in clearly labelled containers, kept in designated areas, and segregated from incompatible substances to reduce the risk of exposure or reaction.

Who is responsible for COSHH compliance?

Employers and duty holders are responsible for ensuring COSHH requirements are met.

What substances fall under COSHH in logistics?

Any hazardous substances, including cleaning agents, fuels, and maintenance chemicals, fall under COSHH regulations.

How often should COSHH assessments be reviewed?

COSHH risk assessments should be reviewed regularly, and whenever substances, processes, or risks change.

What are 5 things you can do to ensure safe handling of chemicals?

5 things you can do to ensure safe handling of chemicals are:

1. Train staff on safe use
2. Provide appropriate PPE
3. Store chemicals correctly
4. Carry out COSHH assessments
5. Ensure clear procedures are in place for spills or exposure

What should employers do to protect workers from chemical hazards?

Employers must assess chemical risks, implement control measures, provide training and PPE, and regularly review procedures to ensure ongoing protection.