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COSHH/SDS
COSHH/SDS
COSHH records and safety data sheet guide
Learn how to connect COSHH assessments, safety data sheets, substance registers, task controls and workforce briefings.
3 min read
COSHH/SDS
Resource article
Connect the guidance to related Zektrx workflows, templates, calculators and evidence records.10Sections
7Related links
3FAQs
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COSHH/SDS
2
Control
Contractor Safety Management Software
3
Review
COSHH Assessment Template
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1
Topic
COSHH/SDS
COSHH/SDS
2
Reading path
3 min
10 article sections
3
Review status
13 July 2026
Published 30 June 2026
4
Connected links
10
COSHH Software for Construction
How COSHH records work together
A safety data sheet describes a substance and its hazards, but it is not a task-specific COSHH assessment. The assessment should consider how the product will actually be used, who may be exposed and which controls are suitable for the work area.
A connected COSHH record should include:
- The substance name, supplier and current safety data sheet.
- The task, process, project or work area where it is used.
- Exposure routes and the people who may be affected.
- Elimination, substitution, engineering and procedural controls.
- PPE, storage, spill response and emergency arrangements.
- Briefing, acceptance and review records.
Start with the current safety data sheet
Check that the safety data sheet matches the exact product and supplier. Record its issue or revision date and review it when the supplier publishes an update. Important information may include hazardous ingredients, exposure limits, handling requirements, first aid and disposal instructions.
The assessment must then translate that information into controls for the actual task. A product used briefly outdoors may need a different assessment from the same product used for a long period in a confined area.
Link the assessment to the work
A COSHH assessment is easier to apply when it is connected to the project, RAMS and people carrying out the task. Before work starts, confirm that the substance, method and controls still match site conditions. Record the briefing and make the latest approved information accessible to the workforce.
The COSHH Assessment Checklist can help teams review the essential information without treating the process as a simple document-filing exercise.
Keep the register current
Use a substance register to show which products are approved, where they are used and when their records were last reviewed. Remove duplicate entries, flag superseded safety data sheets and assign actions when information is missing.
SDS Management Software helps keep safety data sheets organised, while COSHH Software for Construction connects them to assessments, tasks, briefings and review actions. Wider records can sit alongside them in Construction Compliance Software.
A practical COSHH review sequence
- Confirm the exact product and obtain the current safety data sheet.
- Review the task, quantity, duration and work environment.
- Identify exposure routes and people who may be affected.
- Select controls using the recognised hierarchy of control.
- Record storage, PPE, emergency and disposal arrangements.
- Brief the workforce and keep evidence of acceptance.
- Review the assessment after changes, incidents or new information.
Software can improve record control, but a competent person must review the actual substance, task, exposure and legal requirements. Review Pricing when you are ready to connect COSHH records across your Zektrx workspace.
Frequently asked questions
What is a COSHH assessment?
It is a task-specific assessment of the risks created by hazardous substances and the controls needed to prevent or adequately control exposure.
How does an SDS link to a COSHH assessment?
The safety data sheet provides product hazard and handling information. The COSHH assessment applies that information to the actual task, people and site conditions.
How often should COSHH records be reviewed?
Review them when the product, safety data sheet, task or working conditions change, after relevant incidents, and at the organisation's planned review interval.
Does software replace competent COSHH review?
No. Software helps organise and connect records; competent review is still needed to select suitable controls for the work.
Related Zektrx workflow
More ways to use this coshh/sds guide.
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Start with the £5 for 14 days trial, then connect RAMS, jobs, stock, documents, records and reporting in one place.
Knowledge Journey
Learn, use, then automate.
1. Learn
GuideCOSHH/SDS
COSHH software guide for construction contractors
A contractor guide to COSHH software features for SDS records, substance registers, job links, briefings, reviews and evidence.
GuideCOSHH/SDS
What is COSHH in construction?
A practical explanation of COSHH in construction, what contractors record and how COSHH links to SDS and site controls.
GuideCOSHH/SDS
COSHH assessment checklist for contractors
A COSHH assessment checklist for recording substances, SDS references, exposure routes, controls, PPE, storage and briefings.
2. Use
CalculatorLifting
Lift Load Weight Calculator
Estimate rectangular load weight from length, width, thickness and density before lifting-plan review. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
CalculatorHealth & Safety
HAVS Calculator
Estimate hand-arm vibration A(8) exposure from vibration magnitude and trigger time. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
CalculatorHealth & Safety
Ladder Angle Calculator
Check ladder angle and vertical reach using ladder length and wall distance. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
3. Automate
Featuresds
SDS Management Software
Keep safety data sheets, substances and COSHH evidence organised.
Featurecoshh
COSHH Software for Construction
Track COSHH assessments, substance controls, SDS records and site acceptance.
Featuresafety
Construction Health and Safety Software
Connect RAMS, incidents, training, permits, inspections and safety evidence.
4. Start
Start a Zektrx workflow.
Connect resources, calculators, templates, evidence and software modules around the way your contractor team works with the £5 trial.
Start £5 TrialRelated Content
Connected resources for this topic.
Related Guides
Keep learning
GuideCOSHH/SDS
COSHH software guide for construction contractors
A contractor guide to COSHH software features for SDS records, substance registers, job links, briefings, reviews and evidence.
GuideCOSHH/SDS
What is COSHH in construction?
A practical explanation of COSHH in construction, what contractors record and how COSHH links to SDS and site controls.
GuideCOSHH/SDS
COSHH assessment checklist for contractors
A COSHH assessment checklist for recording substances, SDS references, exposure routes, controls, PPE, storage and briefings.
Related Calculators
Run the numbers
CalculatorLifting
Lift Load Weight Calculator
Estimate rectangular load weight from length, width, thickness and density before lifting-plan review. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
CalculatorHealth & Safety
HAVS Calculator
Estimate hand-arm vibration A(8) exposure from vibration magnitude and trigger time. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
CalculatorHealth & Safety
Ladder Angle Calculator
Check ladder angle and vertical reach using ladder length and wall distance. Free online tool for UK construction and trade teams.
Related Templates
Document the work
TemplateCOSHH
COSHH Assessment Template
Record substances, SDS details, exposure routes, PPE, storage and emergency controls. Free, editable construction template from Zektrx.
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Capture incident details, injuries, witnesses, photos, immediate actions and investigation notes. Free, editable construction template from Zektrx.
TemplateRisk Assessments
Construction Risk Assessment Template
Identify hazards, people at risk, existing controls, further actions and review dates. Free, editable construction template from Zektrx.
Related Features
Automate the workflow
Featuresds
SDS Management Software
Keep safety data sheets, substances and COSHH evidence organised.
Featurecoshh
COSHH Software for Construction
Track COSHH assessments, substance controls, SDS records and site acceptance.
Featuresafety
Construction Health and Safety Software
Connect RAMS, incidents, training, permits, inspections and safety evidence.
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Related FAQs
Do I still need the SDS?
Yes. The COSHH assessment should reference current safety data sheet information.
From COSHH Assessment Template
Can Zektrx store SDS files?
Yes. COSHH records can link substances, SDS files, controls and review dates.
From COSHH Assessment Template
Does this replace statutory reporting?
No. Follow legal reporting duties and company procedures for incidents.
From Accident Report Form
Can Zektrx hold incident evidence?
Yes. Photos, actions, notes and close-out evidence can be connected to incident records.
From Accident Report Form
FAQ
Questions about this resource.
Who should use this coshh/sds resource?
This resource is for contractor, site, compliance and operations teams reviewing coshh records and safety data sheet guide and deciding which records should become controlled workflows.
Can this be managed in Zektrx?
Yes. Zektrx is designed to turn recurring construction checklists, documents, actions, signatures and evidence into connected workflows.
Is this a replacement for competent professional advice?
No. Use this as practical workflow guidance and keep competent legal, safety, engineering or site-specific review where required.