Quick answer
A COSHH inspection should compare the assessment with actual work, check exposure controls and staff understanding, and verify that defects lead to effective action. Include substances generated by work, not just labelled bottles. It is a check of implementation, not a substitute for a suitable assessment or any required competent examination.
Start with the assessed work
HSE’s COSHH overview addresses hazardous materials used or created at work. Select the tasks, substances, people and conditions to inspect, including cleaning, maintenance and contractors where relevant.
Check that the current assessment describes the actual product, method and exposure. A safety data sheet supplies information but is not the completed workplace risk assessment.
Use an evidence-led checklist
| Area | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Substance/task | Identity, current information and actual method match. |
| Exposure controls | Prevention, equipment and work methods are available and used. |
| Condition | Controls, containers and protective equipment are in suitable condition. |
| People | Staff understand the risks, procedure, limits and reporting route. |
| Evidence | Required checks, examinations and follow-up are current and accessible. |
| Emergencies | Relevant arrangements are practical and staff know when to withdraw/summon help. |
Observe the task where safe, rather than inspecting only the cupboard. Do not deliberately release a substance or defeat a control to test whether staff notice.
Ask workers to explain practical exceptions
Ask what happens if the usual product is replaced, extraction fails or a container is damaged. Check whether relief staff can find the current instructions and competent assistance. A training signature does not answer these practical questions.
HSENI’s COSHH guidance sets out the separate Northern Ireland framework and the need to assess, use and maintain controls, train and supervise. Use the applicable national requirements for any examination or record detail.
Record a finding that leads to action
Illustrative finding: an assessment specifies a dosing system, but staff pour concentrate manually because the unit is broken. Record the actual task and exposure gap, assess immediate control and assign competent repair/reassessment. Replacing a missing poster would not resolve the underlying problem.
Prioritise by risk and escalate urgent exposure concerns immediately. Distinguish an ordinary inspection observation from a statutory thorough examination or specialist exposure assessment; those may require different competence.
Verify that actions work
Assign an owner, deadline and evidence needed for closure. Check physical repair, staff instruction and actual use rather than accepting a purchase order as completion. Review whether the issue affects other tasks or sites.
Use the existing cleaning COSHH worked guide for a practical assessment context. Keep findings and decisions connected to the current assessment and recurring problems visible to management.
Next steps
- Select relevant tasks and compare assessments with actual work.
- Observe controls, condition, understanding and evidence.
- Contain/escalate important gaps and assign competent actions.
- Verify effectiveness and review related tasks.
Read the official practical guidance — Use the current source alongside the procedures for your own business.