To search for a substance, begin by clicking in the Search Box and typing in a substance name, product code or manufacturer. The system will display any matching results in the table below.
If you find that you end up with a large number of results, you can try adding additional bits of information (separated by a space) in the search text box. The search will do what it can to find the substance you are looking for, and it will compensate for minor spelling mistakes, such as spelling deisel instead of diesel.
As you will see, each substance in the table of results has an Actions button. Clicking any of the substance Action buttons will offer the following substance options:
Select This Substance – Allows you to begin a COSHH assessment using the selected substance
View Substance Details – Displays the main details of the selected substance
View Safety Data Sheet – Downloads the SDS of the selected substance to your computer, allowing you to view it before using it
Have a look through the list of substance results. When you see a substance that matches the one you want to use in your assessment, you can check it first by downloading and viewing the SDS (Safety Data Sheet). To do this, click the substance’s Actions button, and then click the View Safety Data Sheet option.
Once you have identified the substance you wish to use in your assessment, click on the Actions button again and click on the Select This Substance option to progress to the next step.
Our Advice: If you cannot find the substance you are looking for, you can Upload/Request an SDS to add it to the library. This is explained in the article Uploading An SDS/Making An SDS Request.
Please Note: The CHIP regulation is being replaced by the GHS regulation, and all manufacturers/suppliers have been mandated to update their SDS documents to meet the new Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemicals to GHS. Where possible, it is advised that you choose a substance using the GHS/CLP Regulation.