COSHH: risk assessment template and guidance

You need to have risk assessments for the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH). Use our template to help you, plus see the rules on what your assessments need to cover and get tips on how to carry one out.

Last reviewed on 21 November 2023
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 2899
Contents
  1. You must carry out COSHH assessments
  2. Download our risk assessment template
  3. How to do COSHH risk assessments

You must carry out COSHH assessments

You must make "suitable and sufficient" assessments of the risks created by hazardous substances in your school. This is set out in legislation (amended in 2003 and 2004).

Health and safety is the responsibility of your employer, but you should have day-to-day responsibility for carrying out and reviewing risk assessments.

Find out more about other statutory risk assessments and download a checklist to help you stay compliant.

Keep a record

If your school has 5 or more employees, you need to record:

  • The significant findings of the risk assessments, as soon as practicable
  • The steps you've taken to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances

See section 2 of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on managing risks and risk assessments at work.

Review your assessments regularly

You have reason to suspect that a current risk assessment is no longer valid There's been a significant change in the