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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} effectively manages substances hazardous to health in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. This policy provides clear procedures to identify, assess, and control risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace to protect service users, employees, and visitors from harm.

This policy ensures compliance with:

• COSHH Regulations 2002 – Requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent harm.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Places a duty on employers to provide a safe working environment.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Mandates that care providers maintain a safe environment.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Requires care settings to manage hazardous substances safely.
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Regulates the disposal of hazardous waste and chemicals.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, cleaning staff, and managers handling hazardous substances.
• Service users who may come into contact with hazardous substances.
• Visitors, contractors, and external professionals who may access hazardous materials.

It covers:

• Identification of hazardous substances.
• Risk assessment procedures.
• Safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Staff training and emergency procedures.

3. Identification of Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances in a domiciliary care setting may include:

• Cleaning agents and disinfectants (e.g., bleach, ammonia, surface sanitisers).
• Medical substances (e.g., cytotoxic drugs, oxygen therapy).
• Personal care products (e.g., alcohol-based hand sanitisers, nail polish remover).
• Pesticides and insecticides used for infection control.
• Waste materials, bodily fluids, and infectious agents.

4. Risk Assessment Procedures

4.1 COSHH Risk Assessments

• A COSHH risk assessment must be carried out before using any hazardous substance.
• Risk assessments should identify:
  • The hazardous properties of the substance.
  • Potential routes of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion).
  • Control measures required to prevent harm.
  • Emergency procedures in case of exposure.
• Assessments must be reviewed annually or sooner if substances change or new risks emerge.

4.2 Assessing Service User Risks

• If hazardous substances are used in a service user’s home, a risk assessment must be completed.
• Alternative, less hazardous products should be used where possible.
• Service users must be informed of potential risks and provided with safety advice.

5. Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal of Hazardous Substances

5.1 Handling and Use of Hazardous Substances

• Only trained staff should handle hazardous substances.
• Manufacturer’s instructions and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be followed at all times.
• Decanting chemicals into unlabelled containers is strictly prohibited.
• Hand hygiene procedures must be followed after handling hazardous substances.

5.2 Storage of Hazardous Substances

• Hazardous substances must be stored:
  • In a designated, locked storage area away from service users.
  • In their original containers with labels intact.
  • Away from heat sources, food, or medical supplies.
• Inventory checks must be conducted monthly to ensure substances are stored safely.

5.3 Disposal of Hazardous Substances

• Expired or unwanted substances must be disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Chemical waste must never be poured down drains or mixed with other substances.
• Sharps and medical waste must be disposed of in approved clinical waste containers.
• PPE must be discarded in designated hazardous waste bins after use.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Staff handling hazardous substances must wear appropriate PPE as identified in risk assessments, including:
  • Gloves when handling cleaning agents or bodily fluids.
  • Face masks and eye protection when using strong disinfectants.
  • Aprons to prevent contamination of clothing.
• PPE must be:
  • Used correctly and not shared between staff.
  • Disposed of after each use following infection control guidelines.

7. Staff Training and Competency

• All employees must complete COSHH training during induction and receive annual refresher training.
• Training must cover:
  • Identifying hazardous substances.
  • Correct handling and storage procedures.
  • Using PPE effectively.
  • Emergency procedures for exposure incidents.
• Competency assessments will be conducted regularly to ensure staff compliance.

8. Emergency Procedures for Exposure Incidents

8.1 What to Do in Case of Exposure

If a staff member or service user is exposed to a hazardous substance:

1. Move to a safe area and assess the severity of the exposure.
2. Follow first aid procedures:
   • Skin contact – Wash with water and remove contaminated clothing.
   • Eye exposure – Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
   • Inhalation – Move to fresh air and seek medical attention if breathing is affected.
   • Ingestion – Seek emergency medical help immediately.
3. Report the incident to the Registered Manager and complete an Incident Report Form.

8.2 Spill Management

• Minor spills should be cleaned using appropriate PPE and absorbent materials.
• Major spills must be reported immediately and cleaned by trained personnel.
• Chemical spill kits must be available on-site for emergency use.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

• The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring all COSHH procedures are followed.
• Quarterly safety audits will be conducted to assess compliance with COSHH regulations.
• Service user feedback will be used to ensure safe management of hazardous substances.
• CIW inspections will assess the effectiveness of COSHH management.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).
• Safe and Secure Business Premises Policy (DCW42).

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative changes, CIW regulations, or operational needs.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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