How COSHH Could Have Prevented a Serious Workplace Injury
Marta had been working as a domestic cleaner for a local cleaning company in Gloucestershire for over a year. Her employer provided her with a schedule, a checklist of tasks, and a range of cleaning products—but one thing they never provided was COSHH training.
She had never been shown how to handle hazardous cleaning substances safely, nor was she aware of the risks associated with mixing certain chemicals. With no official training from her employer, Marta turned to TikTok cleaning hacks for advice on how to make her job easier and more effective.
One day, while deep-cleaning a client’s bathroom, she remembered a viral cleaning tip she had seen online. The video claimed that mixing bleach and descaler (used for removing limescale) created a powerful cleaning solution.
Marta poured both products into a bucket and started scrubbing. Within moments, her throat started burning, her eyes stung, and she became dizzy. Before she could react, she collapsed onto the bathroom floor, struggling to breathe.
Rushed to A&E
The client found Marta in distress and called an ambulance. Paramedics arrived, fitted her with an oxygen mask, and rushed her to Accident & Emergency (A&E).
At the hospital, doctors confirmed that she had inhaled chlorine gas, a highly toxic substance formed when bleach is mixed with acidic cleaners like descalers. Exposure to chlorine gas can cause:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Chemical burns to the lungs and eyes
- Long-term lung damage in serious cases
Marta spent hours under medical supervision and was later discharged with instructions to rest. She was signed off work for several weeks to allow her lungs to heal. The incident could have been fatal—all because she was never trained in COSHH safety.
What Is COSHH and Why Is It Essential?
Marta’s story is a serious reminder of why the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 exist.
COSHH is UK law and requires employers to assess, control, and minimise workers’ exposure to hazardous substances. This includes common cleaning products like bleach, descalers, and ammonia-based cleaners.
If Marta’s employer had proper COSHH procedures in place, she would have known:
- Bleach and acidic cleaners (like descalers) should NEVER be mixed, as they produce toxic chlorine gas.
- All hazardous substances must have COSHH safety data sheets, which outline the risks and proper handling methods.
- Ventilation is critical when using strong cleaning products.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks should always be used.
How Employers Can Prevent Incidents Like Marta’s
Cleaning companies have a legal duty to protect their employees from hazardous substances. Marta’s near-fatal mistake could have been avoided if her employer had followed COSHH regulations.
To prevent similar incidents, all businesses using chemicals should:
- Implement a COSHH Policy
Every cleaning company must have a formal COSHH policy, outlining how hazardous substances should be stored, used, and disposed of safely.
- Provide COSHH Training for Staff
All cleaning staff must be trained to:
- Identify hazardous chemicals and their risks.
- Read COSHH safety data sheets.
- Use the correct PPE and handling procedures.
- Understand which substances should never be mixed.
- Ensure Safe Storage of Chemicals
Cleaning products should be stored in labelled, secure containers. Chemicals should never be decanted into unlabelled bottles, as this increases the risk of dangerous mistakes.
- Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Employers must identify potential hazards and take preventative action to protect workers.
- Monitor Employee Practices
Regular refresher training and on-site supervision help ensure that staff are following safety protocols correctly.
The Consequences of Ignoring COSHH Regulations
Ignoring COSHH regulations puts workers at serious risk and can lead to:
- Employee harm – Exposure to toxic substances can cause burns, breathing problems, and long-term health issues.
- Legal action – Businesses that fail to comply with COSHH can face investigations, fines, and compensation claims.
- Reputational damage – Unsafe working conditions can ruin a company’s credibility and trustworthiness.
Marta was lucky to recover, but not everyone is as fortunate. Her employer has since been reported to the local health and safety authority for failing to provide proper COSHH training.
A Lesson for Cleaning Companies
Marta’s experience is a warning to any cleaning company that does not take COSHH seriously.
If you own or manage a cleaning business, ensuring your team is trained in COSHH compliance isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting lives.
At Custom H&S Solutions, we provide expert COSHH training, risk assessments, and compliance support for businesses across the UK.
If your business does not have a COSHH policy, now is the time to act. Contact us today to ensure your employees are safe, your business is compliant, and you never face a preventable workplace emergency.