Download a free Methylated Spirit COSHH assessment for documenting the safe use, handling and storage of methylated spirit in the workplace. This editable COSHH assessment template is designed for painters, decorators, maintenance teams, workshops, laboratories, facilities departments, schools, cleaning teams, construction contractors, garages and commercial premises where methylated spirit is used as a solvent, cleaner, degreaser, stain remover, fuel or surface preparation product.
Methylated Spirit, also known as denatured alcohol, is an alcohol-based solvent made unsuitable for drinking by the addition of denaturants. It is commonly used for cleaning tools, removing residues, preparing surfaces, thinning or cleaning certain products, degreasing small components and as a fuel for suitable alcohol burners or spirit appliances. Because methylated spirit can give off flammable vapours and may affect health through inhalation, skin contact or accidental ingestion, it should be assessed carefully under COSHH and, where relevant, under DSEAR.
This Methylated Spirit COSHH assessment template helps employers and responsible persons record key product details, intended use, application method, storage arrangements, ventilation controls, exposure controls, ignition source controls, first aid information, spill response, emergency procedures, disposal arrangements, PPE requirements, user instructions and review dates. It provides a practical starting point for workplaces needing a methylated spirit COSHH assessment, denatured alcohol COSHH template, alcohol solvent COSHH document or free health and safety document template for flammable solvents used at work.
Employers have a legal responsibility to assess hazardous substances and dangerous substances used during work activities and make sure employees, contractors, visitors, students and others are protected from unnecessary risk. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, substances that may affect health must be assessed and exposure must be prevented or adequately controlled where required. Where methylated spirit creates fire, vapour or explosive atmosphere risks, employers should also consider the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. These duties sit alongside the wider requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
For products such as Methylated Spirit, the assessment should reflect the actual workplace activity, including wiping surfaces, cleaning tools, degreasing components, decanting into smaller containers, using the product as a fuel where permitted, storing bottles or containers, keeping lids closed, preventing skin and eye contact, controlling vapour build-up and keeping the product away from sparks, flames, hot surfaces and other ignition sources. The assessment should also consider safe disposal of solvent-contaminated rags, used liquid, empty containers and absorbent materials used during spill response.
A clear Methylated Spirit COSHH assessment helps demonstrate that alcohol-based solvents, flammable liquid storage, vapour exposure, solvent use and spill controls have been properly considered as part of workplace health and safety arrangements. This is particularly useful for painters, decorators, maintenance operatives, laboratory staff, workshop teams, school technicians, cleaners, facilities managers and duty holders responsible for chemical storage, solvent use, fire safety, staff training and workplace safety documentation.
The document can be customised with your company details, site location, product supplier, storage area, quantity stored, task description, areas of use, application method, ventilation arrangements, ignition source controls, spill response arrangements, responsible person, PPE requirements, control measures and review date. Once completed, the assessment can be downloaded as a PDF, stored in your compliance records or shared with employees, contractors, technicians, cleaners, maintenance teams, workshop staff, supervisors and health and safety representatives.
Relevant compliance includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, UK CLP requirements, UK REACH duties where applicable, HSE COSHH guidance, HSE solvent guidance, HSE DSEAR guidance, HSE flammable liquids guidance and the requirement to use the manufacturer’s safety data sheet when completing a suitable and sufficient assessment.