Softwashing relies on biocidal chemicals to kill algae, moss, lichen, and other biological growth. These substances are tightly regulated under UK law, and your RAMS must reflect the specific requirements that apply to their use. Here is what you need to know.
What Is a Biocide?
A biocide is any chemical substance or micro-organism intended to destroy, deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism. In softwashing, the most commonly used biocides include:
The Legal Framework for Biocide Use
Biocides used in softwashing are regulated under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012, which was retained in UK law following Brexit as the UK Biocidal Products Regulation (UK BPR). This regulation requires that:
All biocidal products must be authorised before they can be placed on the market or used in the UK. Only use products that carry a valid UK BPR authorisation number.
The active substances in biocidal products must be approved for the specific product type. For softwashing, this is typically Product Type 2 (disinfectants and algaecides) and Product Type 10 (preservation of masonry, rubber, or polymerised materials).
Products must be used in accordance with the conditions of their authorisation — including dilution rates, application methods, and PPE requirements.
Certain biocides require the user to hold a specific qualification or licence. Check the product authorisation conditions carefully.
COSHH Requirements for Biocides
In addition to the UK BPR, biocide use in softwashing is subject to the COSHH Regulations 2002. Your COSHH assessment for each biocide product must cover:
Substance Identification
The product name, active ingredient(s), and UK BPR authorisation number.
Hazard Classification
The hazard classification under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation — including GHS hazard pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements.
Exposure Routes
How operatives may be exposed — skin contact, eye contact, inhalation of spray mist, or ingestion.
Workplace Exposure Limits
Any applicable Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) from EH40 — the HSE's list of approved WELs.
Control Measures
The hierarchy of controls — elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
PPE Specification
The specific PPE required — glove type and material, eye protection standard, respiratory protection type and filter rating.
Emergency Procedures
First aid measures for skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion. Location of eyewash and first aid equipment.
Environmental Precautions
Measures to prevent environmental contamination, particularly to watercourses and drainage systems.
Environmental Considerations for Softwashing
Biocides used in softwashing are, by definition, toxic to living organisms. This creates significant environmental risks if products are not applied and managed carefully. Key considerations include:
- Sodium hypochlorite is highly toxic to aquatic organisms — runoff must not enter drains or watercourses
- Many QAC-based biocides are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in soil and water
- Application near trees, shrubs, or garden plants can cause significant damage — protect or avoid where possible
- Check the product authorisation conditions for any specific environmental restrictions
- The Environment Agency may require notification before applying biocides near watercourses
Including Biocide Information in Your RAMS
Your RAMS for softwashing jobs must include a complete COSHH assessment for every biocide product used, along with the method statement for application. RAMS Creator includes pre-built COSHH data for PureSeal softwash products, with all the information required for a compliant assessment automatically included in your exported PDF.
For contractors using other brands, the app allows you to add custom COSHH assessments — and PureSeal Services will compile a COSHH assessment for any chemical you email them, which is then added directly to your RAMS PDF. This makes it straightforward to maintain compliant documentation across all the cleaning sectors you work in.
Check Your Products
Before using any biocidal product, verify that it holds a valid UK BPR authorisation. The Health and Safety Executive maintains a register of authorised biocidal products at hse.gov.uk. Using an unauthorised biocidal product is a criminal offence under the UK BPR.
