Updated 22 October 2026 · Avenclear Cleaning
Who is responsible
An employer must control the risks from hazardous substances its staff use. When a contractor cleans your building, the contractor is responsible for its own staff and products, but you should know what is being used and stored on your premises.
Safety data sheets
Suppliers provide a safety data sheet for each hazardous product. Keep a current set on site, and make sure cleaners know where it is.
Risk assessments
A COSHH assessment looks at each product, how it is used, who could be harmed and what controls are needed, such as dilution, ventilation, gloves or eye protection.
Storage
- A locked, ventilated cleaner's store away from food areas
- Products kept in original, labelled containers
- Spray bottles labelled with their contents
- Only the quantities needed
Never mix products
Mixing bleach with acidic cleaners such as some toilet and descaling products can release chlorine gas. Mixing bleach with ammonia-based products is also dangerous. Train staff to use one product at a time and rinse between them.
Reducing the risk
Dilution control systems, concentrated products in closed systems and microfibre cloths that need less chemical all reduce exposure. See sustainable commercial cleaning.