Coshh & Safety Knowledge Centre
COSHH & Safety Storage Solutions
Maintaining a safe workplace is essential for every organisation, particularly where hazardous substances are used, stored or transported. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations require employers to assess risks and implement suitable control measures to protect employees, visitors and the environment.
At Storage First, we supply a range of COSHH cabinets, hazardous substance storage solutions, spill control products and workplace safety equipment designed to help organisations safely store hazardous materials, improve workplace organisation and support their health and safety responsibilities.
Our COSHH & Safety Knowledge Centre provides practical guidance on hazardous substance storage, workplace safety, risk assessments and best practices, helping businesses make informed decisions when selecting the right safety storage solutions for their environment.
Whether you operate within manufacturing, healthcare, education, warehousing, construction, facilities management or engineering, our resources will help you understand the importance of effective hazardous storage and identify the right solutions to create a safer, more organised workplace.
Please note: This guide provides general information about COSHH and workplace safety. Every workplace is different, so businesses should carry out their own risk assessments and refer to current HSE guidance where appropriate.
Explore our complete range of COSHH cabinets, designed to provide secure, compliant storage solutions for hazardous substances in workplaces, laboratories, educational facilities and industrial environments across the UK.
How to Choose the Right COSHH Cabinet
Choosing the right COSHH cabinet is an important part of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations require businesses to assess the risks associated with hazardous substances and take appropriate measures to protect employees, visitors and the environment. Selecting the correct storage cabinet helps improve safety, organisation and control of potentially harmful substances.
The first consideration is what substances you need to store. COSHH cabinets are designed for the secure storage of hazardous materials including chemicals, cleaning products, paints, solvents, oils and other potentially harmful substances. Understanding the type of materials being stored will help determine the most suitable cabinet specification, including size, ventilation requirements and internal configuration.
The size and capacity of the cabinet is another important factor. Smaller cabinets are ideal for workplaces with limited quantities of hazardous substances, while larger cabinets provide additional storage capacity for industrial environments, workshops and laboratories. It is important to choose a cabinet that provides enough space for current requirements while allowing room for future needs.
The location of the cabinet should also be carefully considered. COSHH cabinets should be positioned in a safe, accessible area away from incompatible materials and sources of heat or ignition where appropriate. Consideration should also be given to how frequently the cabinet will be accessed and who requires permission to use it.
Security is another key consideration. Many COSHH cabinets feature lockable doors to help restrict access to authorised personnel only. This helps prevent accidental exposure, misuse and unauthorised handling of hazardous substances, creating a safer working environment.
The construction and durability of the cabinet are also important. High-quality steel COSHH cabinets provide a robust and long-lasting storage solution, while features such as reinforced doors, powder-coated finishes and adjustable shelving help ensure reliable performance in demanding workplace environments.
Different industries have different requirements, so it is important to choose a COSHH cabinet that suits your specific application. Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, schools, healthcare organisations, laboratories and maintenance departments may all require different storage solutions depending on the substances being stored.
At Storage First Ltd, we supply high-quality COSHH cabinets designed to help businesses improve workplace safety, maintain better organisation and support compliance with workplace safety requirements. Whether you require a compact cabinet for everyday cleaning chemicals or a larger solution for industrial use, our team can help you select the right option for your environment.
What Does COSHH Stand For?
COSHH stands for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. It is a UK regulation designed to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances that could cause illness, injury, or long-term health conditions.
Hazardous substances can include chemicals, cleaning products, paints, solvents, fuels, dusts, fumes, gases, and biological agents. Employers have a legal duty to assess risks and implement appropriate control measures.
What Must Be Stored in a COSHH Cabinet?
COSHH cabinets are designed to safely store hazardous substances that may pose a risk to health or safety.
Common items include:
- Cleaning chemicals
- Solvents
- Paints
- Adhesives
- Oils and lubricants
- Pesticides
- Laboratory chemicals
- Maintenance products
Proper storage helps reduce accidental exposure, contamination, and spill risks.
What is NOT covered by COSHH?
COSHH does not cover every workplace hazard. While it applies to most substances hazardous to health, some risks are controlled under separate legislation. For example, asbestos, lead and radioactive materials are subject to their own specific regulations. Understanding which legislation applies is an important part of maintaining compliance.
Are COSHH Cabinets a Legal Requirement?
COSHH regulations require hazardous substances to be stored safely and securely.
While the regulations do not specifically state that a COSHH cabinet must always be used, dedicated safety cabinets are often the most practical and effective way to demonstrate compliance and reduce workplace risks.
What Colour Are COSHH Cabinets?
In the UK, COSHH cabinets are typically supplied with yellow doors and clear hazard labelling.
The distinctive colour helps employees quickly identify areas where hazardous substances are stored and supports workplace safety procedures.
Where Should COSHH Cabinets Be Located?
COSHH cabinets should be positioned in locations that are:
- Easily accessible to authorised staff
- Away from high traffic routes
- Protected from impact damage
- Close to the point of use where practical
- Located in accordance with site risk assessments
Proper positioning helps minimise handling risks and improves operational efficiency.
What Is a COSHH Risk Assessment?
A COSHH risk assessment identifies hazardous substances used within a workplace and evaluates the risks they present.
The assessment should identify:
- Potential hazards
- Who may be affected
- Exposure routes
- Existing control measures
- Additional actions required
Risk assessments should be reviewed regularly and whenever processes change.
How Often Should COSHH Assessments Be Reviewed?
COSHH assessments should be reviewed:
- Annually as good practice
- Following an incident
- When new substances are introduced
- When work processes change
- If legislation changes
Regular reviews ensure safety measures remain effective and compliant.
What Is the Difference Between a COSHH Cabinet and a Flammable Cabinet?
A standard COSHH cabinet is designed for storing hazardous substances generally, whereas a flammable storage cabinet is specifically engineered to store flammable liquids.
Flammable cabinets often include enhanced fire resistance and additional safety features designed to reduce fire risks.
Always check the product specification to ensure it is suitable for the substances being stored.
What Information Should Be Included on COSHH Labels?
COSHH labels typically include:
- Product name
- Hazard symbols
- Risk information
- Safety precautions
- Emergency actions
Clear labelling helps employees identify hazards quickly and respond appropriately.
How Can Businesses Improve COSHH Compliance?
Businesses can improve COSHH compliance by:
- Completing regular risk assessments
- Providing employee training
- Using appropriate COSHH cabinets
- Maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Clearly labelling hazardous substances
- Implementing spill response procedures
- Conducting regular safety inspections
Taking a proactive approach helps reduce accidents, improve compliance, and create a safer working environment.
Need help choosing the right COSHH Cabinet?
Every workplace has different storage requirements. If you're unsure which Cabinet is best for your environment, we're happy to help
How do I know which COSHH cabinet is the right size?
The right COSHH cabinet depends on the type and quantity of hazardous substances you need to store.
Consider the number of containers, their dimensions and any future storage requirements.
Choosing a cabinet with sufficient capacity helps prevent overcrowding, improves organisation and ensures hazardous materials can be stored safely.
Can different hazardous substances be stored in the same COSHH cabinet?
Not always. Some hazardous chemicals may react with one another if stored together.
It's important to follow the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and your workplace risk assessment to determine whether substances should be separated.
In some cases, dedicated cabinets for specific chemical types may be required.
What features should I look for in a COSHH cabinet?
A quality COSHH cabinet should include reinforced steel construction, secure locking, adjustable shelves, spill-retaining sump trays, clear hazard warning labels and a durable powder-coated finish.
These features help improve safety, contain accidental spills and support compliance with workplace regulations.
How often should COSHH cabinets be inspected?
COSHH cabinets should be inspected regularly as part of your workplace health and safety procedures.
Routine checks should include verifying that doors and locks operate correctly, shelves remain secure, warning labels are clearly visible and there are no signs of corrosion, damage or chemical leaks.
Can COSHH cabinets be used outdoors?
Most standard COSHH cabinets are designed for indoor use.
If hazardous substances need to be stored outside, a purpose-built external chemical storage cabinet with suitable weather protection should be selected to ensure both the cabinet and its contents remain secure and protected from the elements.
What is the purpose of the spill-retaining sump in a COSHH cabinet?
The integrated sump at the base of a COSHH cabinet is designed to contain accidental leaks or spills, preventing hazardous liquids from spreading into the workplace.
This helps protect employees, simplifies clean-up procedures and reduces the risk of environmental contamination.
Who is responsible for COSHH compliance in the workplace?
Employers are responsible for ensuring hazardous substances are stored, handled and managed safely under COSHH regulations.
This includes carrying out risk assessments, providing suitable storage, maintaining equipment and ensuring employees receive appropriate training where necessary.
Can COSHH cabinets improve workplace organisation?
Yes. Dedicated COSHH cabinets provide a clearly identified location for hazardous substances, making them easier to manage and reducing the likelihood of chemicals being stored incorrectly. Improved organisation also makes stock control, inspections and safety audits more efficient.
What industries commonly use COSHH cabinets?
COSHH cabinets are widely used across manufacturing, engineering, automotive workshops, healthcare, laboratories, schools, facilities management, agriculture, cleaning contractors and warehouses. Any workplace that stores hazardous substances can benefit from secure, compliant chemical storage.
Why Choose Storage First for COSHH Cabinets?
Selecting the right COSHH cabinet is essential for maintaining a safe and organised workplace. At Storage First Ltd, we provide reliable storage solutions designed to help businesses safely manage hazardous substances while meeting the demands of modern workplaces.
✔ Quality Safety Storage Solutions
We supply robust COSHH cabinets manufactured from durable steel, designed to provide secure and reliable storage for hazardous substances in commercial and industrial environments.
✔ Supporting Workplace Safety
Our COSHH cabinets help organisations improve the safe storage of chemicals, cleaning products, paints and other controlled substances, supporting better workplace practices.
✔ Suitable for Multiple Industries
Our solutions are suitable for a wide range of sectors, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, schools, healthcare environments, laboratories and commercial workplaces.
✔ Durable Construction
Built for everyday workplace use, our COSHH cabinets provide a long-lasting storage solution with strong construction, secure doors and practical internal storage.
✔ Expert Advice
Choosing the correct COSHH cabinet depends on the substances being stored, available space and workplace requirements. Our experienced team can help you select the most suitable solution.
✔ Competitive Pricing
We combine quality products with competitive pricing, helping organisations achieve effective safety storage without unnecessary cost.
✔ UK Delivery
Storage First supplies COSHH cabinets throughout the UK, providing businesses with convenient access to professional storage solutions wherever they are located.
✔ Trusted Storage Expertise
With experience across workplace storage, shelving, lockers and industrial equipment, Storage First understands the importance of providing practical solutions that improve safety, efficiency and organisation.
Need Help Choosing a COSHH Cabinet?
Whether you need secure storage for cleaning products, chemicals, maintenance supplies or hazardous substances, Storage First Ltd can help you choose the right COSHH cabinet for your workplace.
Written by Storage First Ltd
Our team has over 15 years' experience designing and supplying storage solutions for warehouses, offices, schools, healthcare providers and commercial organisations throughout the UK.