What COSHH means and why it matters in cleaning
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is the UK framework of regulations that governs how hazardous substances — including many cleaning chemicals — are stored, handled, used and disposed of.
In the context of commercial cleaning, COSHH applies primarily to the cleaning products the contractor brings into your building. Many standard cleaning chemicals — descalers, disinfectants, washroom sanitisers, floor cleaners — are classified as hazardous under COSHH and must be used, stored and handled in accordance with the manufacturer's safety data sheets.
Under COSHH, a cleaning contractor is required to:
- Assess the risks posed by the substances they use
- Introduce controls to prevent or adequately control exposure — for example using gloves, ensuring ventilation, storing chemicals safely
- Ensure cleaning operatives are trained in the safe use of the products they are working with
- Keep records of the products in use and their associated safety data
As a premises occupier, you may be asked by your cleaning contractor for information about the layout and ventilation of the spaces where cleaning products will be used. This is a normal part of the COSHH assessment process.
In healthcare, food production, education and other regulated environments, COSHH requirements are more stringent. Product selection, storage, dilution and disposal may all be subject to additional site-specific rules, and it is important that your cleaning contractor is aware of and able to work within these.
What RAMS are and when they are required
RAMS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a combined document that describes the risks associated with a specific piece of work and the safe method by which that work will be carried out.
A risk assessment identifies the hazards involved in the work, assesses the likelihood and severity of harm, and sets out the control measures in place to reduce that risk. A method statement describes, step by step, how the work will be done safely.
In commercial cleaning, RAMS are most commonly required in the following circumstances:
- Work at height. Any cleaning that involves a ladder, access platform or similar equipment — for example high-level dusting, window cleaning above ground floor, or cleaning external signage.
- Cleaning in industrial environments. Where contractors are working in active workshops, plant rooms or around heavy machinery.
- Healthcare and clinical environments. Where infection control, decontamination procedures and the handling of clinical waste require documented processes.
- First-time start on many commercial sites. Many facilities managers and site managers require RAMS from any contractor entering their premises for the first time, regardless of the type of work.
- Permit-to-work sites. Sites that operate a permit-to-work system — common in manufacturing, utilities and large commercial buildings — will typically require RAMS as part of the permit process.
RAMS should be specific to your premises. A generic RAMS document that does not reference your site, its layout, or the specific tasks being carried out is of limited value and may not satisfy your site manager or building insurer.
What to ask your cleaning contractor about documentation
Before a cleaning contract starts, it is reasonable to ask your contractor:
- Can you provide a list of the products you intend to use on our premises? This allows you to check that nothing is incompatible with your building materials, surfaces or any internal environmental or food-safety policies.
- Can you provide COSHH data sheets for those products on request? Most cleaning product manufacturers provide safety data sheets. A contractor should be able to supply these without difficulty.
- Can you produce RAMS for our site before work starts? If your premises requires it, ask for this before the first visit, not after.
- Are your cleaning operatives trained in COSHH? The contractor should be able to confirm that their staff understand the safe use of the products they are handling.
- How do you store chemicals on site between visits? Particularly relevant if cleaning products are left on your premises overnight. Products must be properly secured and stored in accordance with their safety data sheets.
How RexCleaning handles COSHH and RAMS
RexCleaning can provide COSHH information for the products used on your premises where this is requested or required. This includes the product names, their classifications and relevant safety data.
Where a RAMS document is required — for example on sites with specific health and safety obligations, industrial environments, or at the request of a facilities manager — we will produce a site-specific RAMS before work commences. We do not use generic templates that are not connected to the actual work being done on your premises.
If you are unsure whether your site requires RAMS or has specific COSHH considerations, raise this during the initial walkthrough. It is a straightforward part of the pre-contract conversation and one we are used to having with facilities teams, site managers and health and safety leads.