When managing chemicals at work, the comparison of SDS vs COSHH assessment comes up fast. Both are essential to chemical safety management, but they do very different jobs. Knowing the difference between SDS and COSHH is critical for protecting people, meeting legal duties, and achieving COSHH compliance.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a supplier-produced document that describes a substance or mixture and its hazards. It follows a standard 16-section format under GHS, ensuring consistent, reliable information for users and regulators.
Typical SDS sections include:
An SDS provides generic hazard and handling guidance for the chemical itself. Crucially, it does not assess how that substance will be used in your workplace or what controls you need day to day… points that sit at the heart of SDS vs COSHH assessment.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) requires employers, particularly in the UK, to assess and control risks from hazardous substances. A COSHH assessment is a chemical risk assessment for your site and processes.
Unlike an SDS, a COSHH assessment vs SDS evaluation:
Think of the Safety Data Sheet vs COSHH assessment like this: the SDS supplies the hazard data; the COSHH assessment interprets that data for your actual work scenario.
Purpose
Who produces it?
Legal role
Use
Bottom line: an SDS is essential input, but it cannot replace a COSHH assessment. That distinction is the core of SDS vs COSHH assessment.
Two sites can use the same chemical but face very different risks due to ventilation, task duration, quantities, and the number of exposed workers. Relying only on SDSs leaves gaps: you won’t have task-specific controls, exposure estimates, or documentation to evidence chemical safety management decisions. An SDS library without live COSHH assessments risks non-compliance and, more importantly, unsafe work.
To meet the intent behind SDS vs COSHH assessment and remain audit-ready:
This approach answers key questions behind the difference between SDS and COSHH while embedding continuous improvement in chemical risk assessment.
Whether you're shopping for treats for your kids, choosing gifts, or indulging your sweet tooth, it's worth asking: is your candy cane Red 40-free?
Consumers are increasingly seeking out alternatives, opting for natural candy cane colours, simpler labels, or brands that disclose their food dye ingredients transparently.
Being informed about Red 40 health risks, its potential effects, and international regulation differences empowers you to make smarter choices, not just during the holidays, but year-round.
Chemwatch provides an integrated solution that links supplier data with site-specific risk control, closing the loop between SDS vs COSHH assessment:
Chemwatch helps you move from hazard information to practical, documented control, supporting safer workplaces and robust chemical safety management. Contact Us today for SDS!
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