Download a free Polyurethane Adhesive COSHH assessment for documenting the safe use, handling and storage of polyurethane-based adhesive products in the workplace. This editable COSHH assessment template is designed for builders, joiners, maintenance teams, manufacturers, vehicle repairers, flooring contractors, shopfitters, construction workers, workshops, facilities departments and commercial premises where polyurethane adhesive is used for bonding, sealing, fixing, repair, panel installation, flooring, trims, timber, plastics, metals or other construction and industrial materials.
Polyurethane Adhesive is commonly used where a strong, durable and often moisture-resistant bond is required. Depending on the product, polyurethane adhesives may be supplied as cartridges, tubes, bottles, foaming adhesives, sealant-style products or two-part systems. Some polyurethane products may contain or release isocyanates during use or curing, so they should be assessed carefully under COSHH, particularly where they are used indoors, in enclosed areas, during repeated application tasks or by workers who may have regular skin or inhalation exposure.
This Polyurethane Adhesive COSHH assessment template helps employers and responsible persons record key product details, intended use, application method, curing arrangements, storage requirements, ventilation controls, exposure 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 polyurethane glue COSHH assessment, PU adhesive COSHH template, construction adhesive COSHH document or free health and safety document template for adhesive products used at work.
Employers have a legal responsibility to assess substances used during work activities and make sure employees, contractors, trainees, building users and others are not exposed to unnecessary health risks. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, employers must identify hazardous substances, assess how exposure could occur, prevent or adequately control exposure where required, and provide suitable information, instruction and training. 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 Polyurethane Adhesive, the COSHH assessment should reflect the exact product and task being carried out, including applying adhesive from cartridges or tubes, spreading adhesive onto surfaces, bonding materials, controlling vapours or fumes, allowing curing time, cleaning uncured product, storing opened and unopened containers and disposing of contaminated wipes, gloves or empty packaging. Where the product contains isocyanates, the assessment should pay particular attention to ventilation, preventing skin contact, avoiding inhalation exposure, selecting suitable gloves and following the manufacturer’s safety data sheet.
A clear Polyurethane Adhesive COSHH assessment helps demonstrate that PU adhesive products and potential isocyanate exposure have been properly considered as part of your workplace health and safety arrangements. This is particularly useful for builders, joiners, flooring installers, vehicle repairers, maintenance operatives, workshop supervisors, manufacturing teams, facilities managers and duty holders responsible for adhesive storage, bonding tasks, contractor control, staff training and workplace safety documentation.
The document can be customised with your company details, site location, product brand, storage area, task description, application method, materials being bonded, curing conditions, ventilation 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, workshop staff, maintenance teams, supervisors, site managers and health and safety representatives.
Relevant compliance includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 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 isocyanates guidance, HSE occupational asthma guidance and the requirement to use the manufacturer’s safety data sheet when completing a suitable and sufficient assessment.