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HCS32-Safe Handling of Hazardous Substances (COSHH) Policy

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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Safe Handling of Hazardous Substances (COSHH) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} meets its legal and moral obligations under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and associated health and safety laws by identifying, managing, and controlling exposure to harmful substances. We recognise that hazardous substances may pose serious risks to the health of our staff, the people we support, and others present in care environments.

As a home care provider, we are committed to ensuring that all hazardous substances used or encountered during care provision—whether for cleaning, personal care, or infection control—are handled, stored, and disposed of safely, and that staff are fully trained and competent in their use.

This policy also supports our compliance with the Health and Social Care Standards, particularly:

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff employed by or contracted to work on behalf of {{org_field_name}}, including:

It also applies to any contractors or professionals who use substances as part of their work in the homes of people we support, and includes:

The principles in this policy apply across all environments, including our own administrative premises and the private homes in which care is delivered.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that no person—whether staff or individuals we support—is placed at unnecessary risk due to exposure to hazardous substances. We aim to:

We believe that preventing harm from hazardous substances is integral to protecting human health, dignity, and the delivery of safe, high-quality care.

5. Understanding COSHH in a Home Care Setting

In a domiciliary care environment, hazardous substances are often part of routine tasks such as:

Although care is provided in someone else’s home, {{org_field_name}} remains legally and ethically responsible for ensuring that staff are supported and equipped to work safely with any hazardous substance they are likely to encounter.

6. Efficient Management of Hazardous Substances

6.1. Identification and Inventory

We maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous substances that may be used by our staff in the course of their duties. This includes:

The inventory is reviewed regularly, and a record is kept of where each product is used, by whom, and for what purpose.

Staff are expected to report any additional substances they encounter that are not on the inventory so that a risk assessment can be undertaken.

6.2. COSHH Risk Assessments

For each identified hazardous substance, we complete a COSHH risk assessment. This involves:

All risk assessments are reviewed annually or after any incident involving that substance. Staff are made aware of these risk assessments during their induction and whenever updates occur.

6.3. Safe Storage and Labelling

All hazardous substances provided by {{org_field_name}} are stored in:

In the homes of people we support, staff are encouraged to identify where products are stored and report any concerns (e.g., unlocked cleaning agents within reach of vulnerable individuals). These are then discussed with the individual and, if appropriate, their family or representative to promote safer arrangements.

We do not decant substances into unlabelled containers under any circumstances.

6.4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff are required to wear appropriate PPE when using or handling any hazardous substance. Depending on the product and task, this may include:

The need for PPE is documented in the COSHH assessment and personal care plans. It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure PPE is available and replenished, and of the staff member to use it as instructed. Staff are trained to safely remove and dispose of PPE to avoid contamination.

6.5. Training and Staff Competence

All staff receive training on COSHH as part of their induction, which includes:

Refresher training is provided annually or following a review of policy, an incident, or the introduction of a new hazardous substance.

Supervisions and team meetings are used to reinforce learning and to reflect on any challenges faced when working in people’s homes.

6.6. Spillage, Exposure and Emergency Response

In the event of a spillage, exposure, or suspected reaction to a hazardous substance, staff are required to:

We maintain an incident and accident reporting process, and any hazardous exposure is investigated with the aim of preventing recurrence. People we support and their families are informed of any incidents in a timely and respectful manner.

7. Responsibilities

Registered Manager
Holds overall responsibility for COSHH compliance, ensures risk assessments are completed, oversees training, and monitors incidents.
Maintains the inventory of hazardous substances, leads risk assessments, ensures data sheets are accessible, and monitors safe storage.

Care Staff
Must follow all COSHH-related training, use PPE as instructed, store and use substances safely, report hazards, and document any incidents involving hazardous materials.

People We Support
Are encouraged to participate in decisions about their home environment. Where cognitive impairment or vulnerability is present, we involve family members or legal representatives to ensure safe practices.

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier if:

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.

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