CH22-Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} adheres to the highest standards of health and safety when handling and disposing of hazardous substances. These include cleaning chemicals, clinical waste, medicines, bodily fluids, and other potentially harmful substances used within our care home.

This policy establishes clear procedures for the safe use, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances in compliance with CQC regulations, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, and other relevant health and safety laws.

By following this policy, we aim to:

Protect staff, residents, visitors, and contractors from harm caused by hazardous substances.
Minimise environmental impact by ensuring proper disposal of waste.
Ensure legal compliance and maintain a safe, hygienic, and well-managed environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees (including full-time, part-time, agency, and temporary workers).
Contractors and external service providers working at {{org_field_name}}.
People we support (residents) and visitors, who may be affected by hazardous substances in the environment.

All staff handling cleaning chemicals, clinical waste, medicines, or hazardous materials must follow this policy to ensure safe working practices.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with:

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governs the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to provide a safe working environment, including protection from hazardous substances.
CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Requires care providers to prevent avoidable harm by implementing safe handling procedures for hazardous substances.
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 – Regulates the classification and disposal of hazardous waste.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Ensures the safe disposal of waste to protect human health and the environment.
The Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989 – Governs the licensing and regulation of waste carriers and disposal sites.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Requires reporting of hazardous substance exposure incidents.

By complying with these legal and regulatory requirements, {{org_field_name}} ensures that all hazardous substances are managed safely, stored securely, and disposed of correctly.

4. Identification of Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances used or encountered in our care home include:

Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals, such as bleach, detergents, and sanitisers.
Clinical waste, including soiled dressings, sharps (needles), and bodily fluids.
Medication waste, including expired drugs, controlled medications, and used blister packs.
Biological hazards, such as blood, vomit, urine, and faecal matter.
Asbestos, lead, or other environmental hazards (if applicable).

Each hazardous substance is risk-assessed, and safety procedures are put in place to minimise exposure and prevent harm.

5. Safe Handling of Hazardous Substances

5.1 Risk Assessments and COSHH Compliance

A COSHH risk assessment is conducted for every hazardous substance used within the care home. This assessment includes:

Identifying the substance’s hazards (e.g., flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness).
Assessing the risks associated with its use and exposure.
Implementing control measures to minimise risks.
Providing staff with COSHH data sheets detailing safe handling and first-aid measures.

All risk assessments are reviewed annually or when new substances are introduced.

5.2 Safe Storage of Hazardous Substances

To prevent accidental exposure or misuse, all hazardous substances are:

Stored in locked cupboards or designated areas, away from residents and unauthorised personnel.
Clearly labelled with hazard symbols and instructions.
Kept in original containers, ensuring chemical integrity and safety.
Checked regularly to remove expired or damaged substances.

Staff are strictly prohibited from decanting chemicals into unlabelled containers, as this poses a serious safety risk.

5.3 Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All staff handling hazardous substances must wear appropriate PPE, which includes:

Gloves, to prevent skin contact with chemicals or biological hazards.
Aprons or protective clothing, to protect against splashes and contamination.
Face masks or respirators, when handling airborne substances or strong fumes.
Eye protection, if there is a risk of splashing.

PPE must be used correctly, disposed of properly, and replaced regularly to maintain safety standards.

5.4 Safe Handling and Use of Chemicals

When using hazardous substances, staff must:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and COSHH guidelines.
Dilute chemicals correctly, avoiding overuse or mixing incompatible substances (e.g., bleach and ammonia).
Ensure adequate ventilation when using strong chemicals.
Clean up spills immediately, using appropriate spill kits.
Report any accidental exposure or spillages to management.

By adhering to these safety measures, risks of chemical burns, inhalation injuries, and contamination are significantly reduced.

6. Disposal of Hazardous Substances

6.1 Disposal of Clinical Waste

Clinical waste, including soiled dressings, bodily fluids, and sharps, must be disposed of using:

Yellow biohazard bags for infectious waste.
Sharps bins for needles and syringes, which are collected by licensed waste contractors.
Sealed containers for bodily fluids and contaminated items.

All clinical waste is stored safely and securely until collection by approved waste disposal providers.

6.2 Disposal of Medication Waste

Expired or unused medication must never be flushed down sinks or toilets. Instead, we:

Return unused medications to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
Use separate bins for medication waste, preventing contamination with general waste.
Ensure that controlled drugs are disposed of according to pharmacy and CQC regulations.

Staff responsible for medication disposal are fully trained to ensure compliance.

6.3 Disposal of Cleaning Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Cleaning products and hazardous chemicals are disposed of according to manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes:

Diluting chemicals safely before disposal, where applicable.
Using hazardous waste collection services for chemicals that cannot be poured away.
Preventing chemical contamination of drains and water supplies.

Staff must never dispose of hazardous chemicals without consulting management.

7. Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

If an incident involving hazardous substances occurs:

The affected area is secured to prevent further exposure.
First aid is administered if necessary, following COSHH guidelines.
The incident is reported to management and recorded under RIDDOR if required.
Emergency services are contacted, if there is a severe chemical spill or exposure.

All incidents are reviewed to improve safety measures and prevent recurrence.

8. Training and Staff Responsibilities

All staff receive mandatory COSHH training, covering:

Identifying hazardous substances and understanding risk assessments.
Safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures.
Correct PPE usage and emergency response.
Incident reporting and regulatory compliance.

Training is refreshed annually to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes, new hazardous substances are introduced, or incidents highlight the need for updates.

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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