COSHH guide
COSHH assessment for descaler
Descalers and limescale removers are acids, such as sulfamic, phosphoric, citric, formic or hydrochloric acid. They're used on kettles, coffee machines, dishwashers, toilets and showers, and their hazards range from irritant to corrosive.
Key hazards
- Skin burns or irritation and serious eye damage, depending on the acid and strength
- Toxic chlorine gas if mixed with bleach or chlorine products
- Fumes or mist in small rooms, especially when used hot
- Corrosive to some metals
Typical controls
- Follow the dilution on the label and use the least hazardous product that works
- Never mix with bleach; rinse surfaces well between products
- Gloves and eye protection when pouring, diluting or descaling machines
- Ventilate, and let hot equipment cool where the instructions say so
- Store away from bleach and alkalis, in the original labelled container
Create it from the SDS
Find your descaler in our product box or upload its SDS. EasyCOSHH picks up the hazard statements, PPE and first aid from the sheet and builds the assessment around your task.
Questions
Are 'natural' descalers like citric acid hazardous?
Citric acid products usually carry an eye irritation warning (H319), so they still need eye protection when handled. Check the label.
Can I use one assessment for all descalers?
Only if they contain the same acid at a similar strength and are used the same way. Stronger acids need stricter controls.
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.