COSHH Essential Checklist (UK) – Avoid Storage & Cabinet Compliance Mistakes

If you’re responsible for hazardous substances in the workplace, you don’t just need to “have a COSHH cabinet.” You need to demonstrate safe storage, correct segregation, and proportionate risk control under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).

This guide provides a clear, practical COSHH compliance checklist for UK workplaces. It complements our more detailed regulatory overview in the COSHH Regulations Guide and focuses specifically on storage and cabinet requirements.

This is guidance based on UK legislation and HSE best practice. It is not formal legal advice.

Quick Compliance Checklist (Printable Summary)

Use this as a rapid internal audit tool:

  1. Risk Assessment
  • Have all hazardous substances been identified?
  • Are COSHH risk assessments documented and up to date?
  • Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) accessible?
  1. Storage Location
  • Are hazardous substances stored away from general work areas?
  • Is access restricted to authorised staff?
  • Is the area well-ventilated where required?
  1. Cabinet Requirements
  • Are hazardous substances stored in a suitable COSHH cabinet?
  • Is the cabinet clearly labelled?
  • Are incompatible substances segregated?
  • Is secondary containment provided where needed?
  1. Labelling & Identification
  • Are containers clearly labelled in line with CLP regulations?
  • Are hazard pictograms visible and undamaged?
  1. Maintenance & Inspection
  • Are cabinets inspected regularly?
  • Are spill kits available and accessible?
  • Is there a documented inspection schedule?
  1. Staff Awareness
  • Have staff received COSHH awareness training?
  • Do employees know emergency procedures?

Everything below expands on these points.

Understanding Storage Requirements in Practice

Under HSE COSHH 2002, employers must prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances. Storage plays a central role in that control.

The regulations do not simply state “buy a cabinet.” They require risk-based storage controls proportionate to the substance hazard.

In practical terms, this usually means:

  • Secure containment
  • Protection from leaks or spills
  • Segregation of incompatible chemicals
  • Prevention of accidental access
  • Clear identification

If your workplace stores chemicals such as solvents, paints, oils, cleaning agents, or laboratory substances, dedicated storage solutions are typically expected.

Cabinet Requirements (What the Regulations Expect)

There is no single paragraph in COSHH that says, “Cabinets must be yellow.” Instead, the law requires safe and suitable storage based on risk.

However, best practice across UK workplaces generally includes:

Durable Steel Construction

Cabinets should be robust enough to contain leaks and prevent unauthorised access.

Integrated Sump

A built-in spill containment tray helps prevent leaks from spreading.

Clear Hazard Labelling

Most COSHH cabinets are yellow to visually identify chemical hazards.

This leads to one of the most common questions:

Do COSHH Cabinets Have to Be Yellow?

Short answer: No, yellow is not a legal requirement.

The regulations require clear identification and safe storage. Yellow has become industry standard because:

  • It is highly visible
  • It signals chemical hazard
  • It aligns with workplace recognition systems

What matters legally is that the cabinet is:

  • Clearly marked
  • Suitable for the substances stored
  • Used appropriately

Many UK workplaces choose purpose-built yellow COSHH cabinets because they align with recognised best practice and simplify compliance.

Segregation & Compatibility: A Frequently Missed Risk

One of the most overlooked COSHH compliance failures is storing incompatible substances together.

For example:

  • Acids should not be stored with alkalis
  • Oxidising agents must be kept separate from flammable liquids
  • Flammables may require specialist flammable storage cabinets

COSHH requires you to control foreseeable risks. That includes preventing chemical reactions caused by poor storage.

If flammable substances are present, separate flammable storage cabinets may be required rather than a standard COSHH cupboard.

Storage Requirements by Workplace Type

Different sectors face different storage expectations:

Industrial & Manufacturing

Often involves larger volumes of solvents, oils, degreasers, or paint systems. Cabinets should be heavy-duty and positioned away from ignition sources.

Laboratories

Segregation and chemical compatibility become critical. Multiple cabinet types may be required.

Cleaning & Facilities

Even routine cleaning chemicals fall under COSHH. Secure lockable cupboards prevent unauthorised access.

Workshops & Garages

Oils, fuels, and aerosol products require controlled storage and spill management.

Beyond the Cabinet: Additional Compliance Measures

A compliant cabinet alone does not equal COSHH compliance.

You should also consider:

  • Spill response equipment
  • Ventilation where vapours are present
  • Clear signage
  • Access control
  • Inspection logs

Regular inspection is good practice and demonstrates active management of risk.

How This Differs from the COSHH Regulations Guide

This article focuses specifically on workplace storage and cabinet requirements.

If you need a broader breakdown of legal duties, enforcement context, and full regulatory detail, refer to our main COSHH Regulations Guide.

That guide explains the legislation in more depth. This checklist focuses on implementation.

Here are recurring issues seen in UK workplaces:

  • Using domestic cupboards instead of purpose-built storage
  • Storing incompatible chemicals together
  • No documented inspection routine
  • Cabinet overloading beyond safe capacity
  • Missing or faded hazard labels
  • Assuming yellow colour alone equals compliance

Compliance is about risk control, not just appearance.

When Should You Upgrade Your Storage?

Consider reviewing your storage if:

  • Your chemical inventory has grown
  • You have introduced new hazardous substances
  • An inspection identified storage risks
  • Staff have difficulty locating SDS documentation
  • Substances are stored in open areas

Upgrading to properly specified hazardous storage cabinets can support safer handling and clearer compliance processes.

Checklist FAQ

What is a COSHH checklist?

A COSHH checklist is a structured way to ensure hazardous substances are identified, risk assessed, stored safely, and managed in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.

Are COSHH cabinets legally required?

The law requires safe and suitable storage. In most workplaces storing hazardous chemicals, purpose-built cabinets are considered best practice to meet this duty.

Do COSHH cabinets have to be yellow?

No. Yellow is industry standard for visibility and hazard identification, but the key legal requirement is that storage is clearly marked and suitable for the substances stored.

What are storage requirements?

COSHH storage requirements include risk-based containment, segregation of incompatible substances, prevention of leaks, restricted access, and clear labelling.

How often should COSHH cabinets be inspected?

There is no fixed statutory interval, but regular inspection aligned with your risk assessment and internal safety procedures is recommended.

Final Note

COSHH compliance is about active risk management, not box ticking.

A documented checklist, suitable storage cabinets, proper segregation, and regular review demonstrate responsible control of hazardous substances.

If you are reviewing your storage arrangements, ensure your approach aligns with both the regulations and the practical realities of your workplace.

If you aren’t too sure, please contact us, or chat with us via our Live Chat Support.