DC22-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 establish clear guidelines for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances within {{org_field_name}}. Our objective is to protect service users, staff, visitors, and the environment from the risks associated with hazardous substances by ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards.

This policy outlines our procedures for identifying, managing, and safely disposing of hazardous substances, ensuring that all employees are trained and equipped to handle such materials responsibly and efficiently.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, including care workers, maintenance staff, and administrative personnel.
Service users and their families, ensuring awareness and minimisation of exposure risks.
Third-party contractors and suppliers involved in the procurement, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances.
Regulatory bodies and environmental health authorities, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

It covers:

Risk assessment and hazard identification.
Safe handling and storage practices.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
Emergency procedures for hazardous substance exposure.
Safe disposal and waste management.
Staff training and compliance monitoring.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensuring workplace safety.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Governing the safe use and disposal of hazardous substances.
Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Regulating waste management and disposal.
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 – Providing guidelines on hazardous waste classification and disposal.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensuring safe and effective care services.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensuring confidentiality in record-keeping of hazardous waste disposal.

4. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

To prevent health and environmental risks, {{org_field_name}} conducts regular risk assessments to identify hazardous substances, which may include:

Cleaning agents, disinfectants, and detergents.
Clinical waste, including sharps and bodily fluids.
Pharmaceuticals and expired medications.
PPE contaminated with biological hazards.
Chemicals used for maintenance and sanitation.

Risk control measures include:

Hazard identification labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all substances.
Assessing exposure risks for service users and employees.
Monitoring air quality and storage conditions.
Implementing appropriate handling procedures for each hazardous substance.

5. Safe Handling and Storage Practices

To minimise risks, all hazardous substances must be:

Stored in clearly labelled, secure containers.
Kept in ventilated, temperature-controlled environments.
Segregated according to hazard classification (e.g., flammables, corrosives, biological waste).
Handled only by trained personnel using appropriate PPE.
Accompanied by clear handling instructions.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Employees handling hazardous substances must wear appropriate PPE, which may include:

Gloves, masks, and protective eyewear for chemical handling.
Disposable gowns and aprons for clinical waste management.
Respiratory protection where inhalation risks exist.
Specialist footwear to prevent exposure to spills.

PPE must be inspected, maintained, and replaced regularly in line with COSHH guidelines.

7. Emergency Procedures for Hazardous Substance Exposure

In case of hazardous substance exposure, staff must follow these emergency steps:

Step 1: Immediate Action
- Remove the affected individual from the hazardous area.
- Flush exposed skin or eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Administer first aid and ensure contaminated clothing is removed safely.
Step 2: Reporting and Medical Support
- Notify the Registered Manager and Health and Safety Officer immediately.
- Seek medical assistance if exposure symptoms appear.
- Complete an Incident Report Form and log the event.
Step 3: Investigation and Prevention
- Conduct a post-incident risk assessment.
- Implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
- Provide refresher training for staff involved.

8. Safe Disposal and Waste Management

To ensure environmentally responsible hazardous waste disposal, {{org_field_name}} follows:

Classification of waste into hazardous and non-hazardous categories.
Use of dedicated disposal bins for clinical waste, sharps, and contaminated materials.
Collection and disposal by licensed hazardous waste contractors.
Strict adherence to local authority disposal regulations.
Keeping accurate disposal records for auditing and compliance.

9. Staff Training and Compliance Monitoring

To maintain high safety standards, {{org_field_name}} provides:

Mandatory COSHH training for all employees handling hazardous substances.
Regular refresher courses to update knowledge on safe practices.
Spot checks and compliance audits to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Incident reporting systems for identifying and mitigating risks.

10. Monitoring, Auditing, and Continuous Improvement

To ensure ongoing compliance and risk reduction, {{org_field_name}}:

Conducts quarterly audits on hazardous substance storage and handling.
Reviews risk assessments and incident reports.
Holds regular staff feedback sessions for continuous improvement.
Ensures updates to this policy in line with regulatory changes.

11. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

There are changes in legislation or COSHH regulations.
A significant incident occurs that necessitates policy amendments.

New hazardous substances are introduced into care environments.

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.