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Diesel COSHH sheet

Also called DERV, road diesel, ULSD.

Garages, fleets, farms and anyone running plant or generators handle diesel. This sheet classifies it as a flammable liquid that can be fatal if swallowed and it enters the airways, a skin irritant and sensitiser, harmful if inhaled, a suspected carcinogen, and a reproductive hazard.

Taken from the Auto Diesel / DERV (B7) safety data sheet from Rix Petroleum (made at the Phillips 66 Humber refinery), revision 2 November 2026. Open the data sheet. Formulas differ between products, so check against the sheet for the product you actually buy. Diesel sheets differ between suppliers. This one, issued November 2026, classifies diesel as H360FD, H351 and H317, which is stricter than many older diesel sheets. We show what this sheet prints. Page checked against the sheet on 14 November 2026.

Hazards on the data sheet

Signal word: Danger.

Precautions

Workplace exposure limit

EH40/2005 has no entry for diesel or for any component this sheet lists. The Irish and ACGIH figures on the sheet are not UK limits.

PPE

EyesEye protection meeting or exceeding EN 166; close-fitting eye protection and a face shield may be necessary depending on use.
HandsGloves impervious to the material, complying with EN 374. Suggested material: nitrile rubber. No breakthrough time given; check with the glove manufacturer.
BreathingWhere airborne exposure may exceed the limit: approved air-purifying respirator with Type A (organic gases and vapour) filters; follow EN 529:2005.
SkinDepending on exposure: chemical resistant boots, aprons, arm covers, hoods, coveralls or encapsulated suits. Eye wash and quick-drench shower should be available.

First aid

EyesIf irritation or redness develops, flush eyes with clean water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
SkinImmediately flush with large amounts of water while removing contaminated clothing, shoes and jewellery; wash with mild soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops. Any injection under the skin (high-pressure equipment) needs immediate hospital evaluation.
Breathed inMove to fresh air in a position comfortable for breathing. If not breathing, begin artificial respiration; oxygen by qualified personnel. Seek immediate medical attention.
SwallowedAspiration hazard: do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth. If drowsy or unconscious and vomiting, place on left side with head down. Seek medical attention.

Storage, spills and what to keep it away from

StorageKeep containers tightly closed and labelled in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat, direct sunlight, hot metal surfaces and all ignition sources. Approved containers only. Outdoor or detached storage preferred. Empty containers retain residue and may explode.
SpillsFlammable: remove ignition sources, stay upwind, isolate area. Stop and contain if safe; keep out of sewers, drains and waterways. Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite into containers. Notify authorities as required.
Keep away fromAvoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong reducing agents.

What your assessment still has to cover

Record who refuels and how: pump, drum or can. Note skin contact from drips and soaked clothing, since this sheet lists H317 and H315, and whether anyone pregnant or trying for a child handles it, given H360FD. Record how spills are kept from drains. Diesel engine exhaust is a separate hazard, with its own HSE guidance.

Fill these in for your own workplace. HSE lists them as the points an assessment considers. For a full form, use the COSHH assessment template.

Workplace and location
Task and how the product is used
Who is exposed, including anyone more at risk
How often and for how long
Controls already in place
Further action needed, by whom and by when
Assessed by, and date
Review date

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