Health and Safety Unit 3 Sophie Bevan

COSHH

What does it stand for? ‘The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ Regulations (2002) What does it mean? A regulation designed to protect people from dangerous chemicals in the workplace

Understanding Procedures Most health and social care settings will use hazardous substances. These substances can be simple cleaning materials to the storing and monitoring prescription drugs for clients. It is important to educate all staff in the correct procedures used to store and handle all chemicals that can be hazardous to health.

Employers COSHH is therefore the legal requirement that all employers have to follow to make sure that they control substances that are hazardous to health.

Employers can prevent or reduce workers' exposure to hazardous substances by: finding out what the health hazards are; deciding how to prevent harm to health (carry out a risk assessment) providing control measures to reduce harm to health making sure they are used keeping all control measures in good working order providing information, instruction and training for employees and others providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases planning for emergencies

What does it require? There are really 8 steps required to comply with COSHH: 1)Assess the risks 2)Decide what precautions are needed 3)Prevent or adequately control exposure 4)Ensure that control measures are used and maintained

What does it require? There are really 8 steps required to comply with COSHH: 5) Monitor the exposure 6) Carry out appropriate health surveillance 7) Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies 8) Ensure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised

What substances are classed as hazardous to health (according to COSHH)? They fall in to several sections: A substance or mixture of substances that are classified under CHIP (Chemicals Hazard Information Packaging for supply Regulations 2002) Substances with workplace exposure limits Biological Agents (bacteria and other micro-organisms)

What substances are classed as hazardous to health (according to COSHH)? Any kind of dust if average concentration in the air exceeds the levels specified in COSHH Any other substance which creates a risk to health, but for which technical reasons may not be specifically covered by CHIP

What substances are classed as hazardous to health (according to COSHH)? Any chemical, products containing chemicals, fumes, vapours that could lead to illness or disease are all classes as hazardous. The easiest way to identify if a product will fall under the COSHH regulation is to look on the packaging for hazard symbols (see next slide…)

In general for commercial chemicals the presence (or not) of a warning label will indicate whether COSHH is relevant

What is NOT a ‘Substance Hazardous to Health’ under this regulation? They fall in to several sections: Asbestos and lead (have their own regulations) Substances which are hazardous only because they are one of the following (radioactive/at high pressure/ at extreme temperature/explosive or flammable properties) (other regulations apply to these) Biological agents that are outside the employer’s control

Preventing Exposure… Eliminate substance Substitute with a substance that is less hazardous to health

Control Exposure By… Total enclosure of the process, therefore removing exposure Limiting the area of contamination The use of LEV (Local Exhaust Ventilation) Dilution ventilation Reducing the period of exposure Providing suitable PPE (personal protective clothing)

References