This example covers glass and rock wool insulation. Fibres and dust cause mechanical skin, eye and airway irritation, with cutting and clean-up controls.
This example COSHH risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS5 COSHH Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying the hazards of each substance, recording the controls and PPE that manage them, and confirming exposure is adequately controlled, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be saved to Google Docs if required, with pre-defined styles throughout to match the risk ratings.
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- Form number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
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COSHH Assessment - Mineral Wool Insulation (Glass / Rock Wool)
This pre-completed COSHH assessment covers mineral wool thermal and acoustic insulation - glass and rock wool supplied as rolls, batts, slabs or loose-fill, including common UK brands such as Knauf, Superglass, ISOVER, Rockwool, URSA and Thermafleece. Modern Note Q compliant fibres are not classified as carcinogenic under CLP; the practical risks are mechanical irritation of skin, eyes and airways from fibres and dust released during cutting, handling or removal.
What Does This COSHH Assessment Cover?
The assessment is fully completed and ready to use, covering all sections required for a complete hazardous substance risk assessment:
- Substance identification - man-made vitreous fibre (MMVF) insulation with resin binder, SDS reference and physical state
- Health effects and first aid - temporary mechanical irritation of the airways, skin and eyes, with specific first aid for each route (including not rubbing affected skin or eyes)
- Classification context - Note Q exonerated fibres are not classified as carcinogenic under CLP and IARC places mineral wool insulation in Group 3
- Workplace exposure limits - general dust limits apply (inhalable 10 mg/m³ and respirable 4 mg/m³ TWA), with exposure kept as low as reasonably practicable
- CLP hazard classification - Irritant pictogram
- PPE requirements - FFP2 dust mask as a minimum (FFP3 for significant dust or removing old material), goggles (sealed when cutting or working overhead), snug-cuffed gloves and coveralls
- Emergency procedures - H-class vacuum or damp clean-up, never dry sweeping or compressed air, with waste sealed in bags
Who Is This COSHH Assessment For?
This assessment is suitable for any workplace where mineral wool is installed or removed, including:
- Insulation installers and energy efficiency contractors
- Dry-liners, ceiling fixers and partitioning contractors
- Mechanical and electrical contractors lagging pipework and ductwork
- General construction, refurbishment and strip-out work
Working From the Safety Data Sheet
The assessment reflects the hazards and controls found in typical manufacturer safety data sheets for mineral wool products. Check the details against the SDS or safe use instruction sheet for the exact product in use, and record your own storage locations, users and site-specific controls.
COSHH Compliance
This document provides ready-to-use evidence of COSHH compliance and supports occupational health and safety management. The assessment is based on the F-HS5 COSHH Assessment template, is fully editable in Microsoft Word, and can be customised with your company details, site-specific information and review dates.