For what chemicals should I prepare a COSHH form?

As a simple guide, you will need to complete a COSHH form for chemicals within the categories shown below. The list is not all-inclusive, however, and for further information, or in case of doubt, consult Dr Hugh Cartwright (PTCL Safety Officer), or Dr Terence Boyle (Area Safety Officer for Chemistry).

• Carcinogens
• Explosive risks
• Highly corrosive materials
• Materials which present special risks in handling (such as a violent reaction with water or air)
• Systemic poisons, particularly hydrofluoric acid and phenol.
• Those whose lethal dose 50 (LD50 - rat) is less than 1mg/kg body weight
• Those with a maximum exposure limit of less than 5 ppm
• Those with an occupational exposure standard of less than 5 ppm
• Pyrophoric material
• Teratogens or mutagens
• Substances assigned any of the following risk phrases: R42, R43, R45, R46, R48, R49, R60, R61.
• Substances for which special first aid provision is required (hydrofluoric acid, cyanides or phenol, for example).