Download a free White Spirit COSHH assessment for documenting the safe use, handling and storage of white spirit solvent in the workplace. This editable COSHH assessment template is designed for painters, decorators, maintenance teams, workshops, garages, facilities departments, construction contractors, schools, housing providers, cleaning teams and commercial premises where white spirit is used for thinning paint, cleaning brushes, removing grease, cleaning tools, wiping surfaces or general solvent-based cleaning tasks.
White Spirit is a petroleum-derived solvent commonly used with oil-based paints, varnishes, lacquers and decorating products, as well as for degreasing and cleaning certain tools and surfaces. Because white spirit can give off solvent vapours and may be harmful if inhaled, swallowed or used without suitable controls, it should be assessed carefully under COSHH, particularly where it is used indoors, stored in containers, handled repeatedly or used by workers carrying out decorating, maintenance or cleaning work.
This White 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 white spirit COSHH assessment, solvent cleaner COSHH template, paint thinner COSHH document or free health and safety document template for solvents and decorating products 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 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 white spirit presents 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 White Spirit, the assessment should reflect the actual workplace activity, including brush cleaning, thinning paint, wiping down surfaces, degreasing tools, decanting into smaller containers, storing solvent containers, keeping lids closed, preventing skin and eye contact, controlling vapour build-up and keeping the product away from heat, sparks, flames 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 White Spirit COSHH assessment helps demonstrate that solvent use, decorating chemicals, flammable liquid storage, vapour exposure and spill controls have been properly considered as part of workplace health and safety arrangements. This is particularly useful for painters, decorators, maintenance operatives, workshop staff, caretakers, facilities managers, construction supervisors 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, decorators, 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.