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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

1. Purpose

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment by effectively managing hazardous substances in compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). This policy outlines the identification, assessment, safe use, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous substances within our Supported Living service.

Our approach ensures that we protect individuals receiving support, staff, and visitors from exposure to harmful substances while maintaining compliance with CQC regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and best practice infection prevention and control guidelines.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, agency workers, contractors, and volunteers who handle, store, or use hazardous substances within our premises. It covers all cleaning products, disinfectants, medical substances, and chemicals that could pose a risk to health and safety.

3. Related Policies

• SL12 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• SL16 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
• SL19 – Fire Safety Policy
• SL17 – Good Governance Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

Our COSHH procedures align with:

• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 – Ensuring the identification and control of hazardous substances.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Placing a duty on employers to provide a safe working environment.
• The Environmental Protection Act 1990 – Covering the disposal of hazardous substances.
• CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment – Ensuring risks associated with hazardous substances are mitigated.

5. Identifying Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances in our Supported Living service may include:

• Cleaning agents and disinfectants (e.g., bleach, detergents, alcohol-based sanitizers).
• Clinical waste (e.g., bodily fluids, sharps, contaminated dressings).
• Medications and chemicals (e.g., cytotoxic drugs, oxygen cylinders, antiseptics).
• Pesticides or pest control substances.
• Personal care products (e.g., aerosols, alcohol-based gels).

All hazardous substances must be identified, assessed, and labelled clearly to prevent accidental exposure.

6. Risk Assessment and Control Measures

A COSHH risk assessment must be conducted for all hazardous substances by:

• Identifying the hazards and potential health risks.
• Determining who might be at risk (staff, individuals receiving support, visitors).
• Evaluating exposure levels and necessary precautions.
• Implementing control measures to minimise risk.
• Reviewing and updating assessments annually or following an incident.

6.1 Implementing Control Measures

To minimise exposure, we apply the following control hierarchy:

1. Substituting hazardous substances with safer alternatives where possible.
2. Using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and aprons.
3. Ensuring adequate ventilation when using hazardous chemicals.
4. Providing safe storage and handling procedures.
5. Training staff on the correct use and disposal of hazardous substances.

7. Safe Storage and Handling of Hazardous Substances

7.1 Storage Procedures

• Hazardous substances must be stored in locked cabinets with restricted access.
• Substances should be kept in original containers with clear hazard labels.
• Cleaning products must be stored separately from food and medications.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous substance must be readily accessible.

7.2 Handling Procedures

• Staff must read COSHH risk assessments before using hazardous substances.
• PPE must be worn when handling cleaning chemicals or hazardous materials.
• Spills must be cleaned immediately using approved procedures.
• Hands must be washed thoroughly after handling hazardous substances.

8. Disposal of Hazardous Substances

8.1 Waste Segregation and Disposal

• Clinical waste must be disposed of in yellow biohazard bags and collected by authorised waste disposal services.
• Sharps (e.g., needles, blades) must be placed in sharps bins and disposed of per healthcare regulations.
• Unused or expired medications must be returned to pharmacies for safe disposal.
• Cleaning substances and chemicals must not be poured down drains unless specified as safe by manufacturers.

8.2 Spill Management

• Minor spills should be cleaned using spill kits and PPE.
• Major spills involving hazardous chemicals must be reported immediately, and the area must be evacuated if necessary.
• Staff must follow emergency procedures outlined in COSHH risk assessments.

9. Staff Training and Competency

• All staff must complete COSHH training as part of their induction and annual refresher training.
• Training includes:
  • Recognising hazardous substances and reading labels.
  • Safe handling and storage procedures.
  • Using PPE effectively.
  • Emergency response to chemical exposure or spills.
  • Safe disposal of hazardous materials.
• Staff handling hazardous substances must undergo competency assessments to ensure compliance with COSHH requirements.

10. Emergency Procedures for Exposure or Incidents

10.1 First Aid Measures

• Skin contact – Wash the affected area immediately with water.
• Eye exposure – Rinse the eye thoroughly for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
• Inhalation – Move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical assistance if breathing difficulties occur.
• Ingestion – Seek medical advice immediately and do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

10.2 Reporting and Incident Documentation

• All incidents must be reported immediately to management.
• Incident reports must include:
  • The substance involved.
  • The nature of exposure.
  • Actions taken.
  • Recommendations for future prevention.
• Risk assessments must be reviewed following an incident.

11. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

• Quarterly audits will be conducted to ensure compliance with COSHH regulations.
• Staff feedback will be collected to improve COSHH training and procedures.
• Lessons learned from incidents will be integrated into training and safety protocols.
• Compliance with COSHH will be regularly reviewed during CQC inspections.

12. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• All COSHH-related records, risk assessments, and training logs must be stored securely in line with GDPR and data protection policies (SL34).
• Access to COSHH assessments will be limited to authorised personnel only.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in COSHH regulations or health and safety laws.
• Feedback from staff, CQC inspections, or regulatory bodies.
• Incident reports indicating areas for improvement.

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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}}
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