Yes — golf clubs using pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, fuels, cleaning products or other hazardous substances are generally required to carry out COSHH Assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
This applies to chemicals commonly used across golf courses, greenkeeping operations, workshops and clubhouse facilities.
A COSHH Assessment helps identify:
- What hazardous substances are being used
- The risks they may present to staff or others
- How exposure can be controlled
- What PPE or training may be required
- Emergency procedures in the event of spills or accidental exposure
On golf courses, COSHH commonly applies to substances such as pesticides, weed killers, fertilisers, fuels, oils, cleaning chemicals and workshop products. Risks may include skin contact, inhalation, accidental mixing of chemicals or environmental contamination if substances are not handled correctly.
Golf clubs should also ensure chemicals are stored safely, clearly labelled and supported by accessible Safety Data Sheets. Staff using hazardous substances should receive appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to their role.
COSHH Assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated whenever chemicals, suppliers, processes or working practices change.
You can view the full range of our ‘COSHH Assessments’ here