Educational guidance on registers and logs — what each records, who maintains it, what it typically contains and how long it is generally kept. Informational only — template examples, not official documents or legal advice; a register documents activity, it does not by itself prove compliance, and employers remain responsible.
What a solvent register is
A solvent register focuses on the solvents in use — degreasers, thinners, cleaners and the like — recording their hazards, the tasks they are used for and the ventilation, extraction and PPE controls, because solvent vapours can affect health and present fire risk.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — exposure and storage controls for solvents vary by country.
Purpose
- List the solvents in use and their hazards.
- Record where and how each solvent is used.
- Capture the ventilation, extraction and PPE controls.
- Support COSHH-type assessment and exposure control.
Who maintains it
- A safety lead, supervisor or nominated person keeps it current.
- Entries draw on safety data sheets and the assessments.
- It is reviewed within the organisation’s own safety process.
- The employer decides who maintains it and how it is controlled.
When it is used
- When a solvent is introduced, changed or substituted.
- When reviewing extraction and ventilation for solvent tasks.
- During COSHH-type assessments and inspections.
- When planning exposure monitoring or training.
Typical fields
- Solvent name and its linked safety data sheet.
- Task and process where it is used and who is exposed.
- Key hazards — vapour, flammability, skin contact.
- Controls: ventilation, extraction, PPE and storage.
- Assessment reference, review date and owner.
- Example columns only — adapt to your solvents and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating vapour build-up in enclosed areas.
- Relying on PPE instead of extraction at source.
- Not considering safer substitutes for harmful solvents.
- Storing solvents with incompatibles or near ignition sources.
Document workflow
A solvent register draws on the chemical register and safety data sheets and feeds the COSHH-type assessment: solvents are listed with their hazards, the assessment records controls, and exposure monitoring and health surveillance follow afterwards. Substitution decisions update it.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a solvent register entry.
Retention (high level)
A solvent register is generally kept current while solvents are in use, with exposure records kept longer in line with the employer’s obligations. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
The register is often held in a system and exported to PDF for assessments and audits. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make it official or prove compliance.
Employer checklist
- List solvents with their hazards and where they are used.
- Control vapour at source with extraction and ventilation.
- Consider safer substitutes where reasonably practicable.
- Link the register to assessment, monitoring and training.
Worker notes
- Use solvents in ventilated or extracted areas as the assessment requires.
- Wear the gloves and respiratory protection specified.
- Report headaches, dizziness or strong vapour straight away.
Country considerations
Solvent exposure limits, storage and control rules vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not legal advice.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for controlling solvent exposure and fire risk and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
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