Common Hazardous Substances
These are the most commonly encountered hazardous substances across construction & trades workplaces. Each substance requires a specific COSHH assessment covering exposure routes, control measures, and PPE.
Acid washAdhesivesAnti-rust treatmentAsbestos fibresBitumenBonding agentsCable lubricantCementCleaning solventsContact cleanerCutting oilDustDust suppressantsEpoxy resinFibreglassFloor sealantFluxGlass cleanerGrinding dustGroutInsulation materialsJointing compoundsLead compoundsLead paintLime mortarLubricantsMineral woolMortarPCBsPVA adhesivePaintPaint strippersPipe sealantPlasterPuttySealantsSilica dustSilicone sealantSolderSolvent cleanerSolventsSpray foamTile adhesiveVarnishWelding fumesWood glueWood preservativeWood stains
How COSHH.app Helps Construction & Trades Businesses
Creating COSHH assessments manually is time-consuming and error-prone. COSHH.app streamlines the entire process for construction & trades businesses:
- Scan chemical labels — Use your phone camera to scan any chemical label. Our AI extracts the product name, GHS symbols, hazard statements, and precautionary statements automatically.
- Automatic SDS retrieval — We cross-reference the identified chemical against Safety Data Sheet databases to pull in detailed safety information including Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).
- Generate compliant reports — Our AI generates a comprehensive COSHH report covering all 15 sections recommended by the HSE, tailored to your specific workplace and industry.
- Train your staff — Assign training modules to team members and track completion with digital sign-off records.
Whether you're a sole trader or a large organisation, COSHH.app makes chemical safety compliance straightforward and affordable. Learn more about COSHH requirements or get started free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a COSHH assessment for construction & trades?
Yes. Under the COSHH Regulations 2002, any UK business in construction & trades that uses, stores, or produces hazardous substances must carry out a suitable and sufficient COSHH risk assessment.
What are the most common chemical hazards in construction & trades?
The most common hazardous substances include Acid wash, Adhesives, Anti-rust treatment, Asbestos fibres, Bitumen, Bonding agents. Each requires specific control measures documented in a COSHH assessment.
How often should I review my COSHH assessments?
At least annually, or when there is a change in work processes, new substances are introduced, or following an incident.
Create Your Construction & Trades COSHH Assessment
Scan chemical labels, retrieve Safety Data Sheets, and generate COSHH reports aligned with HSE guidance — built for construction & trades businesses.
