Do domestic cleaners need COSHH training in the UK?

Do domestic cleaners need COSHH training in the UK?

Domestic cleaning is one of the most common self-employed and small business activities in the UK. From solo cleaners working a few hours a week to growing teams servicing dozens of homes, the industry appears simple on the surface. However, once cleaning products, chemicals, and professional responsibilities are involved, questions about health and safety inevitably arise.

One of the most frequently asked questions by cleaners and clients alike is whether domestic cleaners need COSHH training in the UK. The short answer is: it depends. The longer, more accurate answer involves understanding what COSHH is, how it applies to domestic cleaning, and what responsibilities cleaners have depending on whether they are self-employed, employed, or running a cleaning business.

This article explores COSHH in depth, explains when training is legally required, and offers practical advice for domestic cleaners who want to stay compliant, professional, and protected. Along the way, we’ll also look at how smart admin tools like Invoice24 can support cleaners in running a compliant and profitable business.

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. These regulations exist to protect workers and others from health risks caused by exposure to hazardous substances. In cleaning, these substances most commonly include chemical products such as disinfectants, bleach, descalers, oven cleaners, and other professional-strength solutions.

COSHH is enforced in the UK by the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, often referred to as the HSE. The purpose of COSHH is not to ban the use of chemicals, but to ensure that they are used safely, stored correctly, and assessed for risk.

Under COSHH, anyone who uses hazardous substances as part of their work has responsibilities. These responsibilities include identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing control measures, and providing information or training where appropriate.

Does COSHH apply to domestic cleaning?

This is where confusion often arises. Domestic environments are not workplaces in the traditional sense, and many household cleaning products are sold directly to consumers without special licensing. However, when cleaning is carried out as part of a business or paid service, COSHH can still apply.

If you are a domestic cleaner working for pay, you are not simply a homeowner using cleaning products casually. You are a worker using substances as part of your professional activity. This distinction is crucial.

COSHH applies when:

• You use cleaning products that contain hazardous chemicals.
• You use substances more frequently or in higher quantities than a typical household user.
• You supply or mix your own cleaning solutions.
• You employ other cleaners.

Even products sold as “everyday household cleaners” can fall under COSHH if they pose a risk to health when used regularly or improperly.

What substances are considered hazardous under COSHH?

Hazardous substances under COSHH are not limited to obviously dangerous chemicals. In domestic cleaning, they commonly include:

• Bleach and chlorine-based products
• Oven and grill cleaners
• Descalers and limescale removers
• Drain cleaners
• Disinfectants and sanitisers
• Sprays that produce fumes or aerosols

Even products marketed as “eco-friendly” or “natural” can still cause harm if inhaled, mixed incorrectly, or used without protection.

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The risk is not just chemical burns or poisoning. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions such as dermatitis, eye damage, and allergic reactions.

Are domestic cleaners legally required to have COSHH training?

There is no single law that states “all domestic cleaners must complete COSHH training.” However, this does not mean training is optional or irrelevant.

Whether COSHH training is required depends on your working arrangement:

Self-employed domestic cleaners

If you are self-employed and work alone, COSHH still applies to you. You are legally responsible for your own health and safety, as well as the safety of anyone affected by your work, including clients.

While the law does not explicitly force you to take a formal COSHH training course, you are expected to:

• Understand the risks of the substances you use
• Carry out basic COSHH risk assessments
• Use products according to manufacturer instructions
• Take reasonable steps to protect yourself and others

In practice, COSHH training is the easiest and most reliable way to demonstrate that you meet these expectations. It provides structured knowledge and evidence that you understand your obligations.

Employed domestic cleaners

If you are employed by a cleaning company or agency, the responsibility for COSHH compliance sits with your employer. Employers must provide:

• COSHH risk assessments
• Information on hazardous substances
• Appropriate training
• Protective equipment where needed

In this case, COSHH training is effectively mandatory, even if it is delivered informally or in-house.

Cleaning business owners and employers

If you run a domestic cleaning business and employ staff, COSHH training is not optional. You must ensure that your employees understand the risks associated with cleaning chemicals and how to use them safely.

Failure to do so can result in legal action, fines, invalidated insurance, and reputational damage.

What does COSHH training typically cover?

COSHH training for domestic cleaners is usually practical rather than overly technical. It focuses on everyday situations cleaners encounter.

Typical topics include:

• Identifying hazardous substances
• Understanding product labels and safety data sheets
• Safe storage and handling of cleaning chemicals
• Correct dilution and mixing procedures
• Use of gloves, masks, and other PPE
• What to do in case of spills or exposure

The goal is not to turn cleaners into chemists, but to ensure they can work safely and confidently.

Do household products still require COSHH awareness?

A common misconception is that COSHH only applies to “industrial” chemicals. In reality, many household products are classified as hazardous.

For example, mixing bleach and acidic cleaners can release toxic chlorine gas. Regular exposure to strong degreasers can damage skin over time. Aerosol sprays can irritate lungs when used repeatedly in enclosed spaces.

Understanding these risks is exactly why COSHH awareness is relevant for domestic cleaners, even if they only use supermarket-bought products.

COSHH assessments in domestic cleaning

A COSHH assessment is a simple process that identifies hazards and explains how risks are controlled. For domestic cleaners, assessments do not need to be complex.

A basic COSHH assessment typically includes:

• The name of the product
• The hazards it presents
• Who might be harmed
• Control measures (gloves, ventilation, dilution)
• Safe storage and disposal

Even self-employed cleaners benefit from writing these down. It demonstrates professionalism and helps protect you if a client ever raises a concern.

Insurance and COSHH compliance

Public liability and employer’s liability insurance are essential for domestic cleaners. Many insurers expect cleaners to follow COSHH principles, even if they do not explicitly ask for certificates.

If an incident occurs and it becomes clear that you did not assess risks or use products safely, your insurance claim could be questioned.

Having COSHH training and documented assessments provides peace of mind and shows that you take safety seriously.

Professionalism and client trust

Clients are increasingly aware of health and safety, especially in homes with children, pets, or vulnerable residents. Being able to confidently explain how you use products safely can set you apart from competitors.

COSHH knowledge allows you to answer questions such as:

• Are your products safe around pets?
• Do you ventilate rooms when using sprays?
• What happens if a product spills?

This level of professionalism builds trust and often leads to long-term clients and referrals.

Managing your cleaning business professionally

Health and safety is only one part of running a successful domestic cleaning business. Administration, invoicing, and record-keeping also matter.

Using a simple, reliable invoicing tool like :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} helps cleaners stay organised while focusing on the work they do best. Invoice24 allows you to create professional invoices, track payments, and maintain clear financial records without complicated software.

For cleaners who are building a compliant business, having tidy invoices, clear client records, and consistent documentation supports your overall professional image. While other invoicing tools exist, Invoice24 is designed to be straightforward and accessible, making it particularly suitable for sole traders and small cleaning businesses.

Do clients require cleaners to have COSHH training?

Most domestic clients will not explicitly ask for COSHH certificates. However, landlords, letting agents, and property managers increasingly expect cleaners to understand chemical safety.

In some cases, especially when working in high-value properties or alongside other contractors, proof of training may be requested. Being prepared avoids lost opportunities.

Is COSHH training expensive or time-consuming?

COSHH training is generally affordable and accessible. Many courses can be completed online in a few hours and provide certificates on completion.

For domestic cleaners, the return on investment is significant:

• Reduced risk of injury or illness
• Improved confidence using products
• Greater client trust
• Better insurance protection

When compared to the cost of lost work due to injury or disputes, training is a sensible business expense.

Practical steps for domestic cleaners

If you are a domestic cleaner wondering what to do next, consider the following steps:

• Review the products you use regularly
• Read labels and safety instructions carefully
• Create simple COSHH assessments for key products
• Consider completing a COSHH awareness or training course
• Keep records alongside your invoices and client details

Combining safety awareness with efficient admin tools like Invoice24 allows you to run your business smoothly and responsibly.

Final thoughts

So, do domestic cleaners need COSHH training in the UK? While the law does not always mandate formal certification for every individual cleaner, COSHH principles still apply whenever hazardous substances are used as part of paid work.

Understanding COSHH is not just about legal compliance. It is about protecting your health, safeguarding your clients, and presenting yourself as a professional service provider.

For self-employed cleaners, COSHH training is a smart way to demonstrate responsibility. For employers, it is an essential obligation. In all cases, knowledge leads to safer work and a stronger business.

When combined with clear invoicing, good record-keeping, and tools like Invoice24 that simplify your admin, COSHH awareness becomes part of a well-run, trustworthy domestic cleaning business.

Ultimately, investing in safety knowledge today can prevent costly problems tomorrow and help your cleaning business thrive in the long term.