Download a free Wood Preserver COSHH assessment for documenting the safe use, handling, storage and application of wood preservative products in the workplace. This editable COSHH assessment template is designed for builders, decorators, joiners, carpenters, maintenance teams, facilities managers, landlords, housing providers, contractors, schools, commercial premises, refurbishment projects and property maintenance teams where wood preserver is used to protect timber from decay, fungal attack, moisture damage or wood-boring insects.
Wood Preserver products are commonly used on timber, fencing, sheds, joists, roof timbers, decking, cladding, doors, frames, garden structures, outbuildings and untreated or exposed wood surfaces. Depending on the product, wood preservers may contain biocidal active ingredients designed to protect timber against fungi, insects or rot. Because these products may be applied by brush, roller, spray or dip treatment, they should be assessed carefully under COSHH and used in line with the product label and manufacturer’s safety data sheet.
This Wood Preserver COSHH assessment template helps employers and responsible persons record key product details, intended use, application method, timber treatment area, storage arrangements, exposure controls, ventilation requirements, environmental precautions, first aid information, spill response, waste disposal, PPE requirements, user instructions and review dates. It provides a practical starting point for workplaces needing a wood preserver COSHH assessment, timber treatment COSHH template, wood preservative safety document, wood treatment COSHH assessment or free health and safety document template for timber protection products used at work.
Employers and duty holders have a legal responsibility to assess substances used during work activities and make sure employees, contractors, maintenance staff, occupants, visitors and others are not exposed to unnecessary health or environmental risks. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, hazardous substances must be identified, assessed and controlled. Where wood preservers are biocidal products, users should also consider the requirements of the GB Biocidal Products Regulation and ensure the product is used only for its authorised purpose, in accordance with the label, application instructions and any restrictions on use.
For products such as Wood Preserver, the COSHH assessment should reflect the actual treatment being carried out, including brushing, rolling or spraying onto timber, working indoors or outdoors, treating overhead or enclosed areas, controlling overspray, preventing inhalation of mist or vapour, avoiding unnecessary skin and eye contact, keeping people and animals away from treated surfaces until safe, and preventing contamination of drains, ponds, watercourses or soil. The assessment should also consider drying times, safe re-entry arrangements, storage of part-used containers and disposal of contaminated brushes, cloths or waste materials.
A clear Wood Preserver COSHH assessment helps demonstrate that timber treatment products, biocidal ingredients, ventilation, PPE, environmental precautions and safe application methods have been properly considered as part of your workplace health and safety controls. This is particularly useful for builders, decorators, joiners, carpenters, landlords, maintenance operatives, facilities teams, housing maintenance providers, supervisors and duty holders responsible for timber treatment, property repairs, chemical storage and contractor safety documentation.
The document can be customised with your company details, site location, product brand, treatment area, timber type, application method, quantity stored, authorised users, responsible person, ventilation arrangements, environmental controls, PPE requirements and review date. Once completed, the assessment can be downloaded as a PDF, stored in your compliance records or shared with contractors, maintenance teams, decorators, joiners, site staff, supervisors and health and safety representatives.
Relevant compliance includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, GB Biocidal Products Regulation, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 where relevant, Environmental Protection Act 1990, UK CLP requirements, UK REACH duties where applicable, HSE COSHH guidance, HSE biocides guidance and the requirement to use the product label and manufacturer’s safety data sheet when completing a suitable and sufficient assessment.