Introduction
The COSHH Regulations 2002 requires the Trust to evaluate and control the risks to health for all employees from the exposure to hazardous substances at work. This includes exposure to microbiological agents, dusts of any kind in substantial quantities and all chemicals hazardous to health. Cytotoxic drugs come under the requirements of COSHH as there is a duty to protect the giver of these drugs not the patient.
The Trust is required to ensure the availability of up-to-date information upon the hazards associated with all substances used and establish that suitable controls and procedures are in place to minimise risk to the workforce. Each Hazardous substance identified will require a formal COSHH assessment which must identify:-
- risk posed to the health of those exposed
- steps necessary to control exposure to those hazards
- prevention or adequate control of exposure
- that the control measures are used and maintained
- monitoring of the exposure
- health surveillance where required
- employees are properly informed and trained and supervised
The exception to the requirements of COSHH include:
- The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006
- The Control of Lead At Work Regulations 2002
- Where a substance is hazardous solely by virtue of its radioactive, explosive, or flammable properties or solely because it is at a high pressure.
- Where the risk to health is a risk to the health of a person, to whom substances is administered during their medical treatment.
Policy Details
| Download: | PDF version |
| Compiled by: | Steven Hill, Non Clinical Risk Manager |
| Ratified by: | Health and Safety Committee |
| Date Ratified: | March 2020 |
| Date Issued: | March 2020 |
| Review Date: | April 2022 |
| Target Audience: | All staff |
| Contact name: | Steven Hill, Non Clinical Risk Manager |
See also:
