Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances Hazardous substances can enter the body via: Inhalation Ingestion Injection Absorption.

Hazardous substances Types of hazardous substance: Fumes and smoke Dust Liquids Gases Micro-organisms

Identify the warning signs for hazardous substances Toxic Corrosive Irritant Flammable Oxidizing Harmful NEW Dangerous to the Environment Toxic Corrosive Harmful/Irritant Oxidising Compressed Gas Health Hazard Flammable Explosive

Legal requirements The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) These require the employer to consider: Preventing exposure to hazardous substances Replacing with a safer alternative Changing the process to limit exposure If this cannot be achieved: ASSESS the risk from the substance

The requirements of COSHH assessment Identify the substances Their use Where used? Identify who is at risk Who comes into contact? Assess the risk What is the hazard? The likelihood of harm occurring The seriousness of injury that may occur 1 2 3

Control measures for hazardous substances If these are not possible… Enclose the process Reduce the duration of exposure Provide ventilation Provide a safe system of work Personal protective equipment (PPE) Provide training on all the above 1 Eliminate 2 Substitute 3 Change

COSHH training requirements The employer must provide information, instruction, training and supervision on: Risks from the hazardous substances Control measures used Spillage procedures How to report problems or faults Emergency procedures

Health surveillance requirements For substances which are known to cause harm and disease, and that cannot be adequately & effectively controlled, the employer must carry out… ! HEALTH SURVEILLANCE Pre-employment questionnaire Visual examination Sample testing