COSHH Compliance for Salons: Manage Chemical Inventories

COSHH Requirements for Salon Businesses

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 require UK employers to assess and control risks from hazardous substances in the workplace. Salons use products that fall under COSHH: hair colorants, bleaching agents, permanent wave solutions, nail product solvents, and cleaning chemicals all contain substances that can cause harm through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.

Under COSHH, salon operators must identify hazardous substances used in their workplace, assess the risks, implement controls, and maintain records. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be available for all hazardous products. Staff must be informed about the substances they work with and trained in safe handling.

The practical challenge is that salons typically stock dozens of products from multiple suppliers, with product ranges changing as brands reformulate or as the salon introduces new services. Maintaining a current, complete chemical inventory is the foundation of COSHH compliance.

Managing Chemical Inventories for COSHH

MmowW's free Chemical Inventory Manager helps salon operators build and maintain a systematic chemical inventory that supports COSHH compliance. Track products, link to safety data sheets, and maintain the documentation that COSHH requires.

How It Works

1. Enter all chemical products — List every product in your salon, including professional-use products, retail stock, and cleaning chemicals.
2. Record hazard information — Note the hazard classifications from each product's Safety Data Sheet.
3. Link SDS documents — Associate each product with its current Safety Data Sheet for quick reference.
4. Track quantities and storage — Document where products are stored and maintain stock levels.
5. Export your inventory — Generate a complete chemical inventory report for COSHH records and inspector review.

Key Benefits

• COSHH documentation support — Maintain the product records that COSHH assessments require.
• SDS management — Keep Safety Data Sheet references organized and accessible for all staff.
• Product change tracking — When products are added or removed, update the inventory to maintain a current record.
• Inspection readiness — Have your chemical inventory available for HSE or local authority inspection.

Real Scenarios

A salon owner preparing for an HSE inspection uses the Chemical Inventory Manager to compile a complete list of all products with hazard classifications and SDS references. The organized documentation demonstrates systematic COSHH compliance.

A salon manager introducing a new color line uses the inventory tool to add the new products, record their hazard information, and identify where they will be stored — completing the COSHH documentation before the products are put into use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the tool replace a COSHH risk assessment?

A: No. The tool helps you maintain the chemical inventory that informs your COSHH risk assessment. The risk assessment itself evaluates how substances are used and what control measures are needed.

Q: Should cleaning products be included in the inventory?

A: Yes. Cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitizers used in the salon are hazardous substances under COSHH and should be included in your chemical inventory alongside professional salon products.

Q: How often should the inventory be updated?

A: Update the inventory whenever products are added or removed, when formulations change, and review the complete inventory at least annually as part of your COSHH assessment review.

Try It Now — Free, No Signup Required

Use the Chemical Inventory Manager →

What's Next?

Check product ingredients with MmowW's Ingredient Safety Checker and document disinfection practices with the Disinfection Record Generator.

MmowW's salon safety SaaS provides ongoing chemical management and COSHH compliance support. Start your 14-day free trial — $29.99/month.

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Loved for Safety.