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2.5 COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

RELEVANT CHAPTER

Maintenance/Repairs Procedure


Contents

  1. Outcome Statement
  2. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (C.O.S.H.H.)
  3. COSHH Hazard Warning Signs
  4. Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 (referred to as HASAWA)
  5. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999


1. Outcome Statement

The use of chemicals and/or other hazardous substances can put people's health at risk. Therefore the company has a legal responsibility under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH), the Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999, as well as a moral responsibility to its employee's, young people and visitors to ensure that all substances are properly identified and the appropriate control measures are undertaken to minimise the risk of exposure.

Each unit must keep a list of all substances that may pose a hazard to health. It is the responsibility of the manager of the unit to ensure this list is maintained. No one can bring a hazardous substance into the unit without the advance agreement of the Manager. It is the Manager's responsibility to make sure that the list is up to date and health hazards are assessed before any hazardous substance is used in the unit. The Manager also needs to make sure that the central list is kept up to date before the substance is brought in to the unit. For the vast majority of commercial chemicals, the presence (or not) of a warning label will indicate whether COSHH is relevant. For example, there is no warning label on ordinary household washing up liquid, so when used within the resource there is no requirement to link this to a COSHH risk assessment.

However on such items as corrosives e.g.; oven cleaner there is a warning label and COSHH does apply. If a substance has an orange hazard warning box, it is essential that as part of the Risk Assessment and Product Information Sheets are obtained and kept about the substance/product since these products can cause a risk to an individuals health. Risk assessments are site specific and identify the risks, likelihood and outcomes and offer control measure and emergency procedures to deal with an exposure, whilst Production Information Sheets Identify the product, its uses, the risks associated with the use of the product and the emergency procedures required in response to an exposure.

Each unit's COSHH file should contain the details of all the Product Information Sheets and Risk Assessments. All staff should be familiar with this file and should check the specific details of the Risk Assessment and Product Sheet when dealing with a substance that they are not readily familiar with. Staff should always follow the instructions for each substance. Items should not be left unattended, mixed or decanted into other containers. All substances should be clearly marked and correspond with the COSHH file. On completion of any substance being used it should be stored properly in a locked cabinet within the resource.

If there is an accident or incident involving any substance you are required to inform the most senior member on duty immediately and that person should take the most appropriate action.

Step 1 - Assess the risks

This involves deciding whether there is a potential problem with the substance you are using, you must: Identify the hazardous substances present in the workplace.

  1. Consider the risks these substances present to people's health.
    • How much of the substance is in use and how people could be exposed to it?
    • Who could be exposed and how often?
    • Is there a possibility of the substances being absorbed through the skin or swallowed?

Step 2 - Decide what precautions are needed

If there are identifiable significant risks, in consultation with AGM/GM decide on the action, which is needed to remove or reduce them to acceptable limits.

Step 3 - Recording and reviewing the assessment

Utilising the attached pro forma, you will need to record enough information to explain the decisions you have taken about whether risks are significant and the need for any control measures. This includes the actions required by members of staff and young people needed to ensure the safe usage of hazardous substances The assessment should be a "living" document, which is revisited; It should be reviewed:

  • On an annual basis at a staff meeting.
  • Whenever there is a reason to think it is no longer valid.
  • Where there has been a significant change in its usage.

The assessment should state when the next review is planned.


2. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (C.O.S.H.H.)

These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of exposure when handling hazardous substances, they help you to :

  • Determine the Risk
  • Decide what to do about it
  • Implement the required action
  • Monitor and review performance.

One of the aims of the COSHH Regulations is to balance the control measure with the level of risk involved, If the risk is minimal, then the controls will be simple and basic, if the converse is true, then there will be a high magnitude of risk.

No products or substances relating to the COSHH regulations shall be allowed onto site without the appropriate Hazard Data Sheets.

Hazards Data Sheets must be available at all times and training given - where appropriate, to employees working with substances that may be hazardous to health.

Wherever reasonably practicable, Hazardous substances must not be used, if they can be replaced by a less hazardous product.

Remember that Young People may suffer from un-predictable behaviour, therefore all fluids used for cleaning must be stored safely even though they may be considered not harmful under the COSHH Regulations.


3. COSHH Hazard Warning Signs

Please click here to view the Warning Signs.

COSHH is:

  • Biological
  • Irritant
  • Toxic
  • Corrosive
  • Harmful

Other Substances

Specific regulations apply to some substances which over-ride the COSHH Regulations, These are

  • Asbestos which is regulated through "Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987
  • Lead which is regulated through "Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980 Those with explosive characteristics such as petrol and stored gas regulated by "Control of Explosion Regulations 1991

If these are considered to be a concern at any site you will be made aware of them.


4. Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974 (referred to as HASAWA)

Section 2 of the HASAWA requires employers to provide a safe system of work as far as reasonably practicable.

To provide a safe place of work and plant and equipment which is maintained in a safe condition. To provide information, instruction and training to all employees.

To ensure as far as reasonably practicable, safe, and the absence of risk to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.


5. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to health and safety of the employee to which they are exposed whilst at work.

End