Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002

Transcription

1 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations Purpose This document provides guidance to staff on how to comply with the COSHH Regulations 2002 (as amended) and in particular informs them of the arrangements Future Directions CIC has put in place to ensure that the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented, or where that is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. 2. Introduction 2.1. A substance which is hazardous to health is defined as any substance or preparation which is:- Listed in Part 1 of the Approved Supply List as dangerous for supply within the meaning of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations 2002 and which is labelled as very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant, sensitising, carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction. Assigned a workplace exposure limit (WEL). A biological agent. Dust at a substantial airborne concentration. Any other substance which creates comparable health hazards The requirements of COSHH include:- Ensuring that the exposure of employees to substances hazardous to health is either prevented or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled. The protection of any person who may be affected by the use of substances hazardous to health, whether they are employees, contractors, service users or members of the public visiting the site. Health surveillance for employees who work with certain substances. 3. Responsibility NB: Department Head means the person in charge of a local area, Team Manager, Supervisor or Office Manager. 1

2 Senior Manager means Operational Network Manager, Operations Manager, Director of Operations It is the responsibility of each Department Head to ensure that:- Their Manager is informed of any new substances introduced for use which have a COSHH hazard symbol on their packaging by means of a completed substance information sheet (Appendix A). All substances used in their area of responsibility should be assessed using the Substance Assessment Form (Appendix B). Arrange for health surveillance as indicated during assessment. All substances used in their area of responsibility which have been assessed as being hazardous to health are considered for replacement by a less harmful substance (see COSHH Data Information Files which are on the G:\Future Directions Forms\Other\Home Related Forms). All substances used in their area are being used and stored in compliance with the manufacturer s hazard data sheet recommendations and the Substance Assessment Form. A list of all hazard data sheets and assessments of use are filed in a COSHH manual and made available to anyone working or living in the area of use. Staff are aware of the COSHH Regulations and have received training and instruction where appropriate. Suitable protective equipment and clothing is available and used where appropriate. Emergency procedures are drawn up It is the responsibility of the Team Manager to:- Obtain the hazard data sheets for any substance hazardous to health subsequent to identifying a product not detailed within the COSHH data folder. Record the data sheet in the agreed format. Supply the home/department using the substance with a relevant data sheet. Update records as and when necessary in accordance with new substances used, changes in composition of substances when notified by the Health and Safety Advisor and changes in legislation. Arrange the health surveillance of any employee in contact with any substance or biological agent listed in schedule 6 of the COSHH Regulations It is the responsibility of the Senior Manager to:- 2

3 Ensure all Department Heads or their nominated representative attend training sessions regarding the COSHH requirements as per the training matrix and in turn inform their staff, recording that instruction. Ensure that the COSHH legislation is adhered to It is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Adviser to:- Undertake such environmental monitoring as is required. Monitor compliance with COSHH during Health and Safety Inspections. Liaise with Training Department regarding changes to training requirements. 4. Procedure In order to comply with the COSHH regulations the following procedure will take place:- The Department Head or their nominated representative will undertake to have an inventory of all substances present in all departments and homes and reviewed and amended when new substances are introduced. A copy of this inventory will be stored on the G: Drive in Future Directions Houses in a COSHH folder in the individual house folder. All substances no longer in use will be disposed of as advised by the Local Council. All other substances will be entered individually on a Substance Information Sheet (see Appendix A) giving all details required on the form. On receipt of the hazard data sheet the contents will be scrutinised by the Team Manager and relevant details copied on the computer programme in a set format, in order to render the information easy to read and understand by anyone requiring it in an emergency situation. Any information required which is not on the hazard data sheet will be obtained from other recognised sources, e.g. HSE Publications provided for this task. This data sheet will be sent to the Department Head from which the initial request was made. The Department Head will visit the area in which the substance is used and observe its use, the way and place it is stored and any other relevant matters referring to this substance. He/she or their nominated representative will assess and evaluate the use of the substance using the assessment form (Appendix B) and decide on the extent of the risk which the substance presents while in use. The assessment form will be kept with the hazard data sheets in a COSHH manual and made available to anyone working or living in the area of use. 5. Self Catering Areas Community Homes 3

4 A file containing data sheets for regularly used home products is available from the Marle House Office or on the G: Drive in Future Directions Forms\Other\Home Related Forms\COSHH. Staff are asked to purchase items listed in the file as far as possible. This will ensure that they have information on the product immediately they purchase it. If a product is impossible to obtain, a completed substance information sheet concerning the replacement product must be completed and stored in the COSHH file on the G: Drive for the specific home. 4

5 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Appendix A SUBSTANCE INFORMATION SHEET Please write clearly, in black ink, initial amendment and do not use tippex 1. The form must be completed by the Department Head of the department where the substance is used. 2. Save form on the G: Drive (House folder, COSHH). Department Telephone Number Common name of substance Chemical name of substance and hazard warning (please look on label) Supplier or Manufacturer (Name, Address, Telephone Number) Use of substance Physical form of substance (e.g. dust, fume, liquid) Name of person completing this form (block capitals) SIGNATURE: DATE: DESIGNATION: 5

6 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Appendix B SUBSTANCE ASSESSMENT FORM Please write clearly, in black ink, initial amendment and do not use tippex Name of Substance Purpose (what is it used for?) Classification of Hazard If hazardous, could it be replaced? Yes No Is it used? Yes No Method of use Handled Sprayed Painted Other please explain Are there any precautions to be taken while using? Yes No Have the users been given instruction on these precautions? If no, please explain Yes No Who are the users? Male Female Designation of users Staff Service Users Visitors Are the users experienced in the use? Yes No Have the users been instructed in its use? Yes No Health of Users Have the users been given information about health problems, which may contraindicate use, e.g. skin, chest, allergy or other? Yes No Is it possible that other people will be in the area while the substance is being used? Yes No Where is it used? Approximate size of the area? 6

7 Are there any signs to indicate its use? Yes No Any food or drink taken in the area while being used? Yes No Are there any fire hazards associated with use? Yes No Is there any ventilation? Yes No Are there washing facilities at hand? Yes No Where is it stored? Are there any other hazardous substances stored in the same place? Yes No For how long at a time is it used? Few minutes Less than 1 hour Over 1 hour How often is it used? Less than once per week Every day Other Evaluation of Risk Does the substance create a risk to the users? Yes No Is health surveillance required? Yes No If so, has the person been referred to the Occupational Health Department? Yes No SIGNATURE OF ASSESSOR DATE ASSESSED 7