How to complete a COSHH assessment for floral chemicals

To comply with UK health and safety laws, you must conduct a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment to identify every chemical hazard in your floristry business—from flower food to professional disinfectants—and implement specific controls to protect yourself and your staff.

What is COSHH?

COSHH is a set of regulations designed to protect workers from hazardous substances. In a floristry environment, while you are surrounded by natural beauty, you are also handling concentrated chemicals that can cause skin irritation (dermatitis), respiratory issues, or eye damage if managed incorrectly.

Step 1: Identify the Substances

Walk through your workspace and list every chemical product you use. Do not overlook the "everyday" items. Common substances in a flower shop include:

• Flower Food: Concentrated powders or liquids containing citric acid and sugars.
• Conditioning Solutions: Hydration treatments used for specific stems.
• Dyes and Sprays: Floral paints, leaf shiners, and anti-transpirant sprays.
• Cleaning Products: Professional-grade disinfectants used for buckets, tools, and surfaces (like bleach or specialist floral cleaners).

Step 2: Obtain Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

For every product identified, you need a Safety Data Sheet. This is not the label on the bottle, but a detailed technical document provided by the manufacturer. You can usually download these from the supplier's website or request them directly. The SDS tells you exactly what is in the product, how it is hazardous, and what to do in an emergency.

Step 3: Assess and Document the Risks

For each substance, create a record that answers the following questions:

Requirement	What to Document
The Hazard	Is it an irritant? Is it flammable? Is it toxic if swallowed?
The Exposure	How is it used? (e.g., "diluting concentrate into buckets"). Who is at risk? (e.g., "staff members").
Control Measures	What steps are you taking to prevent harm? (e.g., "using a pump dispenser to prevent splashes").
PPE	What Personal Protective Equipment is required? (e.g., nitrile gloves, eye goggles).

Step 4: Implement Storage and Handling

Once you have documented the risks, you must put your controls into action:

• Safe Storage: Keep concentrated chemicals in their original containers, stored upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure they are out of reach of customers and pets.
• PPE Provision: Provide the correct gloves (nitrile is often preferred over latex for chemical resistance) and eye protection. Ensure staff know where these are kept.
• Spill Kits: Keep materials nearby to safely clean up a leak, such as absorbent paper and a dedicated mop.

Tip: Create a "COSHH Folder" (physical or digital) that contains your assessments and the SDS for every product. Make sure every member of staff knows where this folder is—it is a legal requirement that they have access to this safety information.

Review Regularly

Your COSHH assessment is a living document. You should review it at least once a year, or whenever you switch to a new brand of chemical or change your working processes.