Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

Transcription

1 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy & Procedure Document Type Author Owner (Dept) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy & Procedure Health & Safety Human Resources Date of Review February 2016

2 List of Contents Page No 1. Policy Statement Scope Definitions Legislation Related Policy and Procedures Procedure Compiling an Inventory Checklist for Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment (See Appendix 1) Use of Hazardous Materials Protective Equipment Spillages... 6 Appendix COSHH Risk Assessment Form... 7 Page 2

3 1. Policy Statement The Mungo Foundation accepts that some work activities may involve the use of some hazardous substances which have the potential for harming health. This procedure will outline the steps required to reduce the risks as far as possible, and where the risks cannot be reduced and/or controlled provide information on a safe system of work. 2. Scope All staff, individuals we support and volunteers who will come in contact with chemicals or substances as defined below. 3. Definitions A substance that is hazardous to health is simply any substance or mixture of substances (a preparation) which can cause, or has the potential to cause, damage to health. Hazardous Substances are classified as: Very toxic; Toxic; Harmful; Corrosive; Flammable; Explosive; Sensitising or irritant; Carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic; Biological agents; Substantial quantities of dust. The key words are hazardous to health and there will be chemicals and substances in use that are not significantly hazardous e.g. washing up liquid, soap and general domestic products. 4. Legislation This procedure is written with reference to The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH). 5. Related Policy and Procedures Infection Control. Page 3

4 6. Procedure When dealing with substances it is important to be aware they have the possibility to cause harm. All substances must be purchased from a reputable supplier and be in their original containers (with the original label) which must have safety labelling or safety information (usually on the back of the bottle) and be legible and clear. Substances must not be decanted into other containers marked or unmarked. Only domestic quantities of substances should be stored and be in use at any one time. 7. Compiling an Inventory Within services and offices hazardous substances may be used as part of normal work activities e.g. cleaning materials, photocopier toner etc. An inventory must be kept in each site containing each type (not necessarily quantities) of substances used or handled. The Risk Assessment (see Appendix 1) will easily double up as the inventory as all the chemicals in use will be listed. If possible try to reduce the amount of chemicals used in each workplace i.e. make use of multi-purpose cleaning agents as much as possible. It is recommended to keep an approved list of chemicals to be purchased. This stops staff and individuals over buying and creating stockpiles of different substances. 8. Checklist for Hazardous Substances If the materials are hazardous consider whether they are actually required. If the material is required, consider whether there are less hazardous forms (e.g. non bleach cleaning products). Ensure that workers are aware of the precautions to be followed for: Using the substance; Storing the substance; Disposing of the substance; What to do if an individual or member of staff adversely come in contact with the substance e.g. inhalation, splashes or ingestion. 9. Risk Assessment (See Appendix 1) Each hazardous substance identified should be subject to a Hazardous Substance Risk Assessment and must not be used where there is no assessment in place. Page 4

5 Hazardous substances must be kept in a lockable facility where there is the potential risk of an individual or member of staff being harmed by such substances. Staff must be aware that certain substances do not mix well with others and can create a dangerous situation directions must be followed for each substance in use. If there are no or insignificant risks i.e. limited domestic products in small quantities used safely- there may be no need for a detailed risk assessment advice should be sought from the Health and Safety Manager. Risk assessment will include: Details of the Product Group: This is the generic grouping, for example, solvent based paints information about the product can be found on the container or from the Manufacturers Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); Date of Assessment: The assessment must be up-to-date and for most substances a review is required at least every year. For highly hazardous materials (that HAVE to be used) it is likely that assessments will be reviewed and revised more frequently; Hazard Classification: The information on the label and safety data sheet indicates whether the material is toxic, flammable or an irritant. This gives an immediate indication of the intrinsic hazard associated with the product group. The classification allocated and all the other information should be applicable to the most hazardous materials in the generic grouping; Health Risks: Indicate the key risks to the health of staff and workers exposed to the material. For example - a product carrying the risk phrase "Irritating to eyes" should be matched by the applicable precautions, "Avoid contact with eyes". Awareness of concentrated substances should also be highlighted i.e. appropriate quantities/dilution etc; Current Control Measures: Any measures that must be in place to minimise the risk e.g. protective equipment, specific method of use, staff instruction etc. 10. Use of Hazardous Materials Materials used at work should be treated with respect, care being taken to read warning labels on containers and any written advice provided in assessments. Any worker who feels that the use of a material is causing any health problems should report this to his/her manager as soon as possible. If there is any suspicion that a worker may be affected by the use of a material at work, the appropriate manager may request that the worker should visit a General Practitioner. Page 5

6 11. Protective Equipment Protective equipment should only be provided as a last resort where there are no other alternatives but to deal with the risk. Staff must use protective equipment specified in the assessment when handling hazardous substances e.g. wearing gloves when using oven cleaner. 12. Spillages In the event of any spillage of any substance care should be taken to ensure this is mopped up immediately and the area made safe. Reference should be made to any specific instructions from the manufacturers with regards to spillages accidental or otherwise. Page 6

7 Appendix 1 COSHH Risk Assessment Form Service Assessor Manager 1. Activity or Activities this assessment record can be used for up to 5 activities and substances Complete the relevant details of the activity being assessed e.g. cleaning the oven, cleaning the bath, changing the photocopier toner etc. describing the process Individuals or groups exposed Highlight who is at risk and the duration of any exposure. 3. Duration of exposure Are there any nonemployees e.g. individuals we support, visitors or contractors exposed? Page 7

8 1. 4. Substances used Nature of hazard and health risks Control Measures required Safety data sheet List all details of the hazardous substance(s) used in the appropriate columns Name of the substance including the chemical name where known. Nature of hazard should state whether the substance is Very toxic, toxic, corrosive, harmful or irritant etc. 4. State whether a manufacturers safety data sheet is available and/or required for the substance Storage, transport, handling and use Highlight any special circumstances relating to the safe method of storing, handling and using the substances. If there are any special requirements highlight them here. 6. Disposal State how the substances or any excess or waste will be disposed of. If there are any special requirements due to the nature of the material, or if it should be treated as special waste, identify what procedures will be used for safe disposal. Page 8

9 7. Spillage/Emergency procedures Brief details of how any spillages or emergencies would be dealt with should be included here 8. With these controls in place - the risk is (circle) LOW MEDIUM HIGH 9. Summary of assessment recommendations Complete this section after the assessment. Include brief details of the assessment findings. Include details on all control measures e.g. Monitoring, Training, PPE, Spillage procedures, or any other relevant details. 10. Managers Signature and Comments Managers should discuss all assessments with the assessor and agree the control measures required. 11. Review Date, Initials and Changes - Use a new box each time this assessment is reviewed Date Initial Changes from last assessment Page 9