Update from the Health & Safety Team

COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’, and is a set of regulations used to protect workers from illness and injury when working with certain materials or substances. It is a criminal offence for a employer or employee to breach COSHH regulations, and they can be heavily fined. COSHH was introduced as a way to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

Hazardous or harmful substances can cause various short and long-term health problems. They can also cause fires, explosions, and can even be fatal if they are not controlled or managed efficiently. Following COSHH guidelines is vital as it encourages managers to conduct thorough risk assessments and raise awareness around any potentially harmful substances used or stored on site.

Mild effects from exposure to dangerous substances include eye or skin irritation. More severe effects include respiratory diseases and even some forms of cancer.

It’s not just managers that are responsible for complying with COSHH regulations, all staff must play their part!

Here are some examples of responsibilities we all have when it comes to COSHH:

• Complying with all instructions, training, and information supplied in relation to COSHH.

• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever necessary.

• Using facilities and control measures put in place by management.

• Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene at all times.

• Removing potentially contaminated PPE before drinking, eating, or making contact with other staff, residents, or guests.

There is a total of nine primary hazard symbols that relate to COSHH. The following information will present and explain these symbols.

TOXIC – This symbol refers to chemicals that can cause damage to health at low levels.

DANGEROUS TO THE ENVIRONMENT – This symbol refers to chemical that can present a danger to the environment. This includes weather systems, humans, plant life and wildlife.

CORROSIVE – This symbol means that a substance can cause a chemical reaction which damages or destroys other substances when it comes into contact with them.

LONG-TERM HEALTH HAZARDS – This symbol indicates the presence of a carcinogenic agent that leads to damage over time.

OXIDISING – This symbol refers to preparations or chemicals that often combust when mixed with other chemicals.

CAUTION – This symbol represents slightly less hazardous substances, but ones that still need to be handled carefully in the workplace.

FLAMMABLE PRODUCTS

EXPLOSIVE PRODUCTS

For further training on COSHH, please consult the company e-learning package which can be found on StaffNet (Welsh & Bristol services) and Grey Matter (English services). If you have any questions regarding COSHH or COSHH products, please contact the Health and Safety TeamRachael Hussey (Rachael.Hussey@iriscaregroup. co.uk) or George Cassell (George.Cassell@ iriscaregroup.co.uk) - who will be happy to help!