DC69-Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy is to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all employees, service users, contractors, and visitors by implementing effective measures to control exposure to hazardous substances. This policy outlines our company’s commitment to compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) and ensures that all hazardous substances used, handled, stored, and disposed of within {{org_field_name}} are managed efficiently to prevent harm.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and stakeholders who are involved in the use, storage, handling, transport, or disposal of hazardous substances within {{org_field_name}}. It includes all workplaces, service areas, storage facilities, and external sites where hazardous substances are present. It covers the identification, assessment, control, monitoring, training, and emergency response related to hazardous substances.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with the following legislation and regulations:

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) – The primary regulation governing hazardous substances, ensuring proper assessment and control measures.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, making it essential to prevent exposure to hazardous substances.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Mandates employers to conduct risk assessments and implement preventive control measures.
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP) – Ensures that hazardous substances are properly classified, labelled, and packaged for safe use.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Establishes guidelines for the safe disposal of hazardous waste, reducing environmental risks.
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) – Requires reporting of hazardous substance-related incidents to regulatory bodies to prevent recurrence.

Compliance with these regulations ensures that {{org_field_name}} follows best practices in hazardous substance management, minimising risks to health and safety.

4. Identifying Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances can be found in various forms, including chemicals, biological agents, dust, fumes, vapours, and gases. These may be present in cleaning products, maintenance materials, healthcare settings, laboratories, or industrial processes. To effectively identify hazardous substances, {{org_field_name}} undertakes the following:

Maintaining an inventory of hazardous substances used within the workplace, ensuring every substance is accounted for and properly documented.
Obtaining and reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous substances to understand their properties, risks, and recommended control measures.
Implementing clear labelling and signage in all areas where hazardous substances are stored or used, ensuring easy identification and awareness.
Conducting workplace assessments to identify exposure risks and determine necessary precautions for each hazardous substance.

These measures help us proactively manage hazardous substances and reduce potential health risks to employees and service users.

5. Risk Assessment and Control Measures

A thorough COSHH risk assessment is conducted for each hazardous substance used within {{org_field_name}}. The risk assessment includes:

Identifying hazardous substances and evaluating their potential health effects, considering factors such as toxicity, concentration, and exposure duration.
Assessing routes of exposure, including inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or accidental injection.
Evaluating workplace practices that may contribute to exposure, such as manual handling, ventilation, and work processes.
Determining control measures to minimise risks, including engineering controls, administrative measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Our control measures include:

Elimination or substitution of hazardous substances with safer alternatives whenever feasible.
Engineering controls such as extraction systems and ventilation to reduce airborne contaminants.
Administrative controls such as strict safety protocols, restricted access to hazardous materials, and clear operating procedures.
Provision of appropriate PPE, including gloves, respirators, goggles, and protective clothing, ensuring adequate protection for employees.

By implementing these measures, we minimise exposure to hazardous substances and create a safer work environment.

6. Safe Handling, Storage, and Disposal

To ensure the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances, {{org_field_name}} follows strict procedures:

All hazardous substances must be handled using appropriate PPE and in compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Storage areas must be clearly marked and ventilated, with substances segregated based on compatibility to prevent reactions.
Regular inspections of storage areas are conducted to ensure containers remain sealed, labelled, and structurally intact.
Proper disposal procedures are followed, ensuring hazardous waste is disposed of by certified waste carriers in accordance with environmental regulations.
Spill response procedures are established, with spill kits available at designated locations to manage accidental releases safely.

Adherence to these procedures helps maintain a safe and compliant workplace while protecting employees, service users, and the environment.

7. Training and Awareness

All employees handling hazardous substances receive comprehensive COSHH training, covering:

Identification of hazardous substances and associated risks.
Understanding and interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Safe handling techniques and appropriate use of PPE.
Emergency response and spill management procedures.
Correct storage and disposal practices for hazardous materials.
Legal requirements and employer/employee responsibilities under COSHH.

Annual refresher training is mandatory for all relevant employees, ensuring that safety protocols remain up to date and effectively implemented.

8. Monitoring and Health Surveillance

To protect employees from potential health effects of hazardous substances, we implement ongoing monitoring and health surveillance, including:

Regular air quality monitoring to detect airborne contaminants and ensure compliance with occupational exposure limits.
Routine health surveillance for employees exposed to high-risk substances, such as respiratory sensitisers and skin irritants.
Medical examinations and screenings where required by COSHH regulations, ensuring early detection of work-related health conditions.
Incident reporting and follow-up investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.

These monitoring activities enable early identification of health risks and reinforce our commitment to employee safety and well-being.

9. Emergency Procedures

In the event of hazardous substance exposure or a spill, {{org_field_name}} has well-defined emergency response procedures, including:

Immediate containment and isolation of hazardous spills to prevent further spread and exposure.
Evacuation protocols where necessary to safeguard individuals from potential harm.
Use of spill kits and neutralising agents to safely clean up minor spills, following standard operating procedures.
First aid and medical response for individuals exposed to hazardous substances, ensuring timely medical intervention.
Incident documentation and reporting, allowing for thorough investigation and continuous improvement of emergency procedures.

Proper emergency preparedness ensures swift and effective management of hazardous substance incidents, minimising risks to personnel and property.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring COSHH compliance, allocating necessary resources, and implementing safety policies.
Supervisors oversee the proper handling of hazardous substances, providing training and enforcing safety protocols.
Employees must follow COSHH guidelines, use PPE correctly, and report potential hazards immediately.
Health and Safety Officers monitor compliance, conduct risk assessments, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Contractors and Visitors must adhere to all COSHH policies and safety measures while on-site.

By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, we maintain accountability and foster a culture of safety in hazardous substance management.

11. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains up-to-date with current legislation and best practices. Amendments will be made as necessary to reflect changes in work activities, regulatory requirements, and new scientific developments related to hazardous substance management.

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.