MANAGEMENT
S TAY I N G H A Z A R D W I S E
Feeling Under the COSHH? COSHH is one of those acronyms which is more well known than what it stands for - Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended). JO MARCHANT explains what you need to know when it comes to staying safe
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et’s start with what substances are considered to be ‘hazardous to health’. COSHH covers chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, vapours, mists, dusts, nanotechnology, gas and asphyxiating gases, biological agents (germs), and germs that cause diseases. Hazardous substances most likely to be found in schools include acids and caustic substances, disinfectants, glues, solvents, and paints. Schools need to ensure that students, staff and visitors (which includes contractors) aren’t exposed to health hazards by how they use substances hazardous to health. Set out below are some examples of best practice and what to consider when using these substances. CHEMICALS It’s easy to forget that chemicals in schools are used the most by your cleaners rather than your Science staff. It’s important, therefore, to ensure that your cleaners (whether in-house or contract cleaners) have received suitable and sufficient training in the storage and use of chemicals. They should be stored in a locked cupboard during the school day in a suitable location. The school should also ensure that safety data sheets, for each chemical, are easily accessible by cleaners as these detail how they should be stored, handled and transported, and what action should be taken if a person comes into direct contact with the chemical. TOP TIP: If you suffer from that frustrating issue of cleaners leaving their cleaning chemicals in classrooms after their shift, I find that taking a photo of it in situ and e-mailing it to their supervisor usually solves the problem!
28 Summer Term 2025: Issue 3
PRODUCTS CONTAINING CHEMICALS Glue sticks look quite innocuous, but they do contain chemicals, as do other adhesives used in Art. To ensure all such products are used safely, carry out an audit of where these products are used and by whom. Then ensure that the relevant staff have received COSHH training. Staff should also be aware of the need for appropriate ventilation of learning spaces when such products are being used. FUMES, VAPOUR AND MISTS Fume cupboards are designed to capture and remove air-borne hazardous substances generated during science experiments to limit the risk of exposure to people. Science staff using fume cupboards must be trained in their safe operation, including checking that it is working as required. Fume cupboards must be inspected and tested every 14 months to ensure that they remain in good working order.