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COSHH Assessment — AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)

Ref Revision Issue Date Next Review Assessor Approved By
COSHH_01 2 1 June 2026 1 June 2027 Sean Ashton Aaron Mason, Director

Key references

Open Safety Data Sheet (PDF)

Download this COSHH as a Word document

Van-pack inclusion

This substance is carried in the field van packs. The Van Packs operative-facing site holds a synchronised copy.

1. Product identification
Product name AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
Supplier Various automotive suppliers (industry-standard AUS 32 grade to ISO 22241)
Active ingredients / CAS Urea solution 32.5% w/w
CAS: 57-13-6 (urea)
Physical form Clear liquid
Appearance / odour Colourless to pale yellow, slight ammonia odour
Use Diesel exhaust after-treatment (Selective Catalytic Reduction systems)

2. Hazard classification

Overall classification: Not classified as hazardous under CLP

Signal word: Not required — product not classified.

Hazard statements (H-codes)

No hazard classification required under CLP.

Precautionary statements (key P-codes)

No specific precautionary statements applicable.

GHS pictograms

No GHS pictograms apply — product not classified as hazardous.

3. Persons at risk

  • Vehicle maintenance staff
  • Plant operators
  • Refuelling personnel

4. Routes of exposure

  • Inhalation: Low — not volatile at ambient temperature
  • Skin contact: Low — may cause mild irritation on prolonged contact
  • Eye contact: Slight irritation on direct contact
  • Ingestion: Low — seek medical advice if significant quantity swallowed

5. Workplace exposure limits (HSE EH40/2005)

No UK Workplace Exposure Limits (HSE EH40/2005) assigned to this product or its constituents.

6. Control measures — hierarchy of controls

Elimination / substitution: Evaluated where practicable — see Section 12.

Engineering controls:

  • Proprietary filling equipment
  • Store in bunded area
  • Spill kit within 5 m of dispensing point

Administrative controls:

  • Induction training on filling procedures
  • Equipment inspection monthly
  • Clean up spills immediately

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Coveralls if bulk handling

7. Storage
Temperature -11 °C to 30 °C
Location Cool, dry area
Avoid Direct sunlight, heat sources, dissimilar metals (e.g. copper, aluminium)
Container Original container

8. Emergency procedures

First aid

Route Action
Eyes Rinse with water for several minutes. Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Skin Wash with soap and water.
Inhalation Move to fresh air (unlikely hazard).
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Drink water. Seek medical advice if unwell.

Spillage

Contain with absorbent material. Collect in appropriate container. Wash area with water. Dispose via authorised waste contractor.

Emergency contacts

  • Emergency services: 999
  • NHS non-emergency: 111
  • AMWS supervisor: Jason May
  • HSQE support: Sean Ashton (Onyx Operations)

9. Waste disposal

Non-hazardous waste. Dispose via authorised waste contractor. Standard waste transfer notes apply.

10. Risk rating

Before controls With controls
Low Minimal

Risk rating methodology: Severity × Likelihood = Risk (S × L = R). See POL_HSQE_21 — Risk Assessment for the full scoring matrix.

11. Training requirements

  • Filling procedures (van-mounted dispensing)
  • Spill response
  • Storage requirements

12. Monitoring and review

  • Monthly storage-area inspection
  • Annual COSHH review
  • Equipment maintenance checks

13. References

Assessment approved by: Aaron Mason, Director · 1 June 2026

This assessment must be reviewed annually or when circumstances change — whichever is sooner.