Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), garages and vehicle repair workshops are required to assess substances that could potentially cause harm to health during use, storage or exposure. This applies to many common workshop products used during servicing, repairs, cleaning and refinishing activities.
In practice, COSHH assessments are required for substances that may present risks through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion or exposure to fumes, vapours, dusts or mists.
Common garage substances that typically require COSHH assessments include:
- Oils, lubricants and greases
- Brake cleaners and degreasers
- Solvents and thinners
- Fuels such as petrol and diesel
- Paints, lacquers and hardeners used in bodyshops or paintshops
- Battery acids and cleaning chemicals
- Adhesives, sealants and aerosols
- Welding fumes and other airborne contaminants generated during workshop activities
The purpose of a COSHH assessment is to identify the risks associated with these substances and determine appropriate control measures, such as ventilation, PPE, safe storage and handling procedures.
You can view the full range of our ‘COSHH Assessments’ here