COSHH guide
COSHH risk assessment for care homes
Care homes rely on strong cleaning and disinfection for infection control, and residents living with dementia may mistake chemicals for food or drink. COSHH assessments help you balance effective cleaning with safe handling and secure storage.
Products to assess
- Chlorine-releasing disinfectant tablets and granules
- Bleach, toilet cleaners and descalers
- Laundry detergents and dosing system chemicals
- Kitchen cleaners, degreasers and dishwasher products
- Hand sanitisers and surface disinfectant sprays
Typical controls
- Locked storage, and never leaving products or trolleys unattended near residents
- Correct dilution, using dosing systems where available
- Gloves and eye protection when making up solutions
- Good ventilation; avoid spraying near residents
- Never mix chlorine products with acids or other cleaners
Beyond cleaning products
COSHH also covers biological agents (such as bodily fluids) and some medicines, including hazardous drugs such as cytotoxics. EasyCOSHH is designed for chemical products with a Safety Data Sheet; use your infection control and medicines policies for those risks.
Questions
Should residents be listed as people at risk?
Yes. Residents, visitors and staff can all be affected. EasyCOSHH lets you record vulnerable groups so the controls reflect them.
Can my staff see the assessments easily?
Share a COSHH file by read-only link, or print a QR label for the sluice room or cleaning store.
Important
EasyCOSHH is a tool, not professional advice. You must check each assessment against the supplier's Safety Data Sheet and your actual work, adapt it and sign it off. For high-risk substances (carcinogens, asbestos, lead, respiratory sensitisers such as isocyanates) use a competent person. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by HSE.