Name: AUK Hygiene
Address: 7 Cavalier Road, Heathfield Industrial Estate, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6TQ, GB
Telephone: 01626 355177

When it comes to health and safety in the cleaning and hygiene industry, few things are more critical than knowing how to handle hazardous substances safely.

That’s why we offer FREE online COSHH training – designed to help you protect your team, meet your legal responsibilities and work with greater confidence around substances that could pose a risk.

To date, we’ve trained over 8,000 individuals in COSHH, from cleaners and site staff to employers and managers across a wide range of sectors. Whether you’re refreshing your own knowledge or onboarding a new team member, our self-paced, accessible training module makes it easy.

Start your free COSHH training now

What is COSHH?

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It’s a legal framework in the UK designed to protect workers from ill health caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

The term ‘hazardous substances’ includes more than just chemicals.
All of the following substances fall under COSHH regulations:

Cleaning products like bleach and disinfectants
Dusts and fumes (e.g. flour dust, welding fumes)
Biological agents like bacteria and viruses
Mists, vapours, gases and more
Nanotechnology

Under COSHH regulations, employers must assess the risks, implement control measures, and ensure that workers are adequately trained to handle substances safely.

Why COSHH training matters

If you manage a cleaning team, work in healthcare or oversee facilities for a school, office, or hospitality business, COSHH training is not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial part of protecting people’s health.

Here’s why it matters:

It’s the law – in the UK, compliance is a legal requirement under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. Failure to comply can result in serious penalties, including unlimited fines and even imprisonment.
It protects your team by reducing the risk of fatalities, illnesses, accidents, and long-term health issues.
It prevents accidents and incidents, from minor spills and misuse to severe exposure.
It boosts productivity, reducing work-related ill health and absenteeism.
It saves your business money – avoiding liability and costly fines.
It builds trust – showing staff and customers that you take health and safety seriously.

Who needs COSHH training?

Anyone who works with or around hazardous substances should be trained in COSHH. This may apply to more roles and industries than you might realise, not just those traditionally considered ‘dangerous’:

Cleaning operatives and supervisors
Facilities and maintenance teams
Catering and hospitality staff
Hair and beauty professionals
Healthcare and care home staff
Manufacturing and warehouse teams
School, university and nursery staff
Employers and managers overseeing risk

What our free training covers

Our free online COSHH training course provides clear, practical guidance and comprehensive education on all the following:

What COSHH means and why it matters
How to identify hazardous substances
The 4 ways that chemicals can harm us
How to stay safe and keep those around you safe
What to do in the event of a chemical accident
Other practical safety related advice on chemical safety.

The course is online and self-paced, making it easy to fit around shifts, teams and onboarding schedules.

Start your FREE COSHH training now

Questions about COSHH?

Our knowledgeable and friendly team is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns about COSHH. Here are some of the questions we're asked most frequently:

What’s the difference between a COSHH assessment and COSHH training?

A COSHH assessment is a written risk assessment of hazardous substances in your workplace, designed to identify, assess and control risks associated with hazardous substances.

COSHH training ensures your team understands those risks – and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely with the risks identified in your COSHH assessment.

You need both to stay compliant.

Is online COSHH training acceptable?

Yes, online COSHH training is widely accepted, provided it’s comprehensive and relevant to the roles and risks involved. Our course is designed to meet the needs of cleaning and facilities teams, providing clear, practical advice that you can put to use immediately.

It's important to note that COSHH does not cover lead, asbestos, or radioactive substances, as these have their own specific regulations.

If you're unsure whether our course is right for your business, please call us on 01626 355177, and we'll be happy to advise you.

How often should COSHH training be done?

There is no strict legal frequency, but regular refresher training is strongly recommended to ensure your team's knowledge remains up to date. Typically, businesses repeat COSHH training every 12–36 months, or sooner if:

New substances are introduced
Roles or processes change
There’s an incident or near-miss
Health surveillance indicates concern
Regulations or safety advice is updated

Why choose AUK Hygiene for COSHH training?

At AUK Hygiene, we’ve been supporting the cleaning and hygiene sector for more than 40 years. We understand the importance of practical, accessible training that meets the demands of your day-to-day operations. That’s why our COSHH training is fast, flexible and completely free – with no account setup or purchase required to access the course and download your certification.

It’s all part of our commitment to making cleaning and hygiene easier for businesses like yours. We’ve already trained over 8000 people, and we’re here to support your team too.

Ready to protect your team and stay compliant?

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