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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that all hazardous substances at {{org_field_name}} are managed safely and in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, CQC Fundamental Standards, and Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. The aim is to protect people we support, staff, and visitors from the risks associated with hazardous substances by implementing safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, cleaners, maintenance personnel, and any contractors handling hazardous substances within {{org_field_name}}. It covers all aspects of identifying, assessing, handling, storing, using, and disposing of hazardous substances in a way that minimises risk and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

3. Related Policies

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (CH16)
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (CH17)
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CH18)
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures Policy (CH20)
• Medication Management and Administration Policy (CH21)

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring the safe use, storage, and disposal of all substances that could pose a risk to health. Hazardous substances are clearly identified, assessed for risk, and managed to prevent harm to people we support, staff, and the environment. We ensure that staff are fully trained in COSHH regulations, risk assessments, and emergency procedures.

5. Identifying Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances include:

• Cleaning agents (e.g., disinfectants, bleaches, and detergents).
• Clinical waste (e.g., contaminated dressings, bodily fluids, and sharps).
• Pesticides and pest control substances.
• Chemical-based medication disposal substances.
• Hazardous fumes or vapours from specific processes.
• Asbestos and hazardous building materials (if applicable).

6. COSHH Risk Assessments

• A COSHH risk assessment must be carried out before any hazardous substance is used.
• Risk assessments must include:
  • Identification of the substance and its hazards.
  • Routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact).
  • Potential effects on health.
  • Safe handling and storage guidelines.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
  • Emergency and first-aid measures.
• Risk assessments must be reviewed annually or when new substances are introduced.

7. Safe Storage and Handling of Hazardous Substances

• All hazardous substances must be kept in a locked, designated storage area.
• Storage areas must be well-ventilated, dry, and free from heat sources.
• Hazardous substances must be kept in original containers with clear labels and safety data sheets.
• Staff must always use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per COSHH assessments.
• Substances must be handled with minimal risk—avoid inhaling vapours and prevent skin contact.
• Flammable substances must be stored in fire-resistant cabinets and handled away from open flames or heat sources.

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safe Use

• PPE must be available and used correctly by staff handling hazardous substances.
• This may include gloves, aprons, masks, eye protection, and respirators, depending on the substance and risk level.
• Staff must be trained on correct PPE selection, use, and disposal.
• Contaminated PPE must be disposed of immediately and appropriately.

9. Spill Management and Emergency Procedures

• All hazardous substance spills must be dealt with immediately to prevent exposure.
• A spill kit must be available in storage areas and include absorbent materials, gloves, eye protection, and disposable bags.
• Staff must follow the spill response procedure, including:
  • Evacuating the area if required.
  • Wearing appropriate PPE.
  • Containing and cleaning the spill safely.
  • Disposing of materials in accordance with hazardous waste regulations.
  • Reporting the spill to the Registered Manager or Health and Safety Lead.

10. Disposal of Hazardous Substances

• Clinical waste (e.g., dressings, used PPE, contaminated materials) must be disposed of in yellow clinical waste bags and collected by licensed waste carriers.
• Sharps (e.g., needles and syringes) must be placed in designated sharps disposal bins.
• Chemical waste (e.g., expired or unused cleaning products) must be disposed of following manufacturer and local authority guidelines.
• Medication disposal must comply with the Medication Management and Administration Policy (CH21).

11. Training and Staff Responsibilities

• Registered Manager:
  • Oversees COSHH compliance and risk assessments.
  • Ensures that all hazardous substances are logged and stored safely.
  • Investigates and reports COSHH-related incidents.
• All Staff:
  • Must complete COSHH training as part of induction and annual refresher courses.
  • Follow COSHH risk assessment guidance when handling hazardous substances.
  • Report any safety concerns, spills, or incidents immediately.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance Teams:
  • Must ensure all cleaning chemicals and hazardous materials are used and stored safely.
  • Must label and record all substances used within {{org_field_name}}.

12. Incident Reporting and Compliance Monitoring

• Any exposure to hazardous substances must be reported immediately, recorded, and investigated.
• Regular audits must be conducted to ensure compliance with COSHH regulations.
• Non-compliance with COSHH standards will result in corrective actions, additional training, or disciplinary measures.

13. Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

• COSHH procedures will be reviewed annually or sooner if new regulations or substances are introduced.
• Feedback from staff and audit findings will be used to improve safety procedures.
• External inspections (e.g., CQC, HSE) will be used to enhance COSHH management.

14. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if changes in CQC regulations, COSHH legislation, or operational needs require an update.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.