COSHH Toolkit

Corporate Health, Safety & Wellbeing Service

C.O.S.H.H Management Toolkit

Telephone: Email Webpage:

01792 636210 healthandsafety@swansea.gov.uk www.healthsafetywellbeingswansea.co.uk

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The goal of the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service to provide you with the help you need to help yourself.�

As the most senior manager in your building or office; you need to know what your responsibilities are in relation to the substances and chemicals you have on your site and the overall management of this. To help you carry out these duties the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Service (CHSWS) are constantly reviewing and updating guidance. This toolkit has been written specifically to help you manage COSHH effectively.

It is important to remember that information held within this file is cascaded to all employees engaged with COSHH, including those that may assist with elements of the management system.

Dependent upon the needs / size of your service you may need to arrange for additional folders to be added to your COSHH Library. If these are required, then it is advised that Managers make references within the main file in order to direct employees to the relevant section of any additional folders. (Checks, Policies etc.)

The CHSWS will be pleased to help you with any queries arising from the contents of this document and relevant contacts are provided throughout this guide.

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Index

Page

1. What is COSHH?

3

2. Inventory of Products under COSHH

5

3. Material Safety Data Sheets

7

4. Risk Assessment

14

5. Control Measures

18

6. Bunding

19

7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

20

8. Emergency Procedures & Waste Management

21

9. Useful Links

24

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit 1.

What is COSHH?

C.O.S.H.H stands for the control of substances hazardous to health. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2015 stipulates the requirement to identify what substances you have and how to manage the risk of injury through a risk assessment process.

COSHH covers substances that are hazardous to health. If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance. Substances can take many forms and include: o chemicals o products containing chemicals o fumes o dusts o vapours o mists o nanotechnology o gases and asphyxiating gases and o biological agents (germs). o germs that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.

COSHH does not cover o o o

lead, asbestos or radioactive substances …….because these have their own specific regulations.

There are various methods whereby a person can become injured or unwell through exposure to substances containing various hazards. These are called routes of entry, these can be described as: o o o o o

Injection (contact with sharp elements such as needles, broken glass etc) Contact through the eyes Inhalation (breathed in through mouth and/or nose) Absorption (Through the skin) Ingestion (physical particles entering mouth)

COSHH legislation in order to reduce the risk of injury, identifies specific responsibilities for both Manager and Employee.

Employers’ responsibilities: o Assess health and safety risks o Decide on precautions to prevent ill health o Prevent control and monitor exposure o Ensure controls are used and maintained o Carry out health surveillance o Provide information, training instruction & supervision 4|Page

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Employee’s responsibilities: o Report any concerns / faults to their line manager o Ensure that risk assessments are read and understood o Control measures are used at all times stated within the risk assessment i.e. PPE, LEV.

What

What documents should I have in place to ensure that I can manage COSHH effectively?

Inventory of your substances (stock list) Material Safety Data Sheets COSHH Risk Assessments Emergency Spill Procedures / Accidental Release Cleaning Procedures Cleaning Risk Assessments Baseline Health Surveillance Records Procedure for stock level limit control Checks – LEV cleaning schedules COSHH Cupboard cleanliness checks Temperature Checks (if applicable) Emergency spill kit checks *These documents will form to create your COSHH library.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit

2.

Inventory

Before looking at risk assessing it is a good idea to set up a system whereby you are logging all of your stock. Here you can establish an overview of the types and amounts of product on site and see what is essential, what are duplicates of product type and thereby look to reduce your stock.

Reducing the amount of stock will reduce the amount of risk assessments that are required.

Inventories will prove a worthy exercise to monitor the risk assessment review and to highlight the overall risk ratings for all of the stock stored on site and their location.

Inventories should be maintained and updated as new stock arrive. Hyperlinking COSHH material data sheets and risk assessments into the inventory can help you to develop a COSHH management system, making it easier for staff to access all information and for Managers to review and update records.

Premises:

COSHH RISK ASSESSMENTS

Ref

C01 C02 C03 C04 C05 C06 C07 C08 C09 C10 C11 C12 C13 C14 C15

Title

A8 Rinse Aid A1 Dishwasher Detergent Toner Apple Fresh Bleach UHU Glue stick Jeyes C1 Tricolour Ink Cyan Ink Cartridge Yellow Ink Cartridge Black Ink Cartridge Magenta Ink Cartridge Crown Undercoat Pledge Calcium Hardness

Low

Med

High

Danger

RISK

DATE

REVIEW DATE

Recommendations / Action Required

11.07.15 11.07.15 11.07.15 11.07.15 11.05.15 11.07.15 11.07.15 11.05.15 11.07.15 11.05.15 11.05.15 11.05.15 11.07.15 11.07.15 11.07.15

11.07.16 11.07.16 11.07.16 11.07.16 11.05.16 11.07.16 11.07.16 11.05.16 11.07.16 11.05.16 11.05.16 11.05.16 11.07.16 11.07.16 11.07.16

R/A RO

TW TW TW TW DD TW PO TW TW TW TW PO TW TW TW

MSDS

R/A

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

By removing some products from your stock you have already completed step 1 of the hierarchy of control: o Elimination o Substitution o Engineered Controls o Local Controls o PPE

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Inventory Template: Ref No°

Product Title Manager’s Initials

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Risk Assessment Complete

Latest MSDS Risk Rating

Date Completed

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Date Review

for Actions /Notes

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit

3.

Material Safety Data Sheets

Before purchasing any substance a material safety data sheet (MSDS) should be obtained from the manufacturer. These can often be found within the manufacturer’s website. It is the information within these data sheets that will assist with the risk assessment process.

The MSDS does not however take into account your business, premises, individuals using and / or those that can be harmed when using the product.

The MSDS provides you with a technical breakdown of the hazards and control measures required for this product.

A COSHH Risk Assessment will cover this.

All MSDS will follow the same format: Section 1 – Identification of the substances/ mixtures and of the company/ undertaking.

Section 2 – Hazards identification Section 3 – Composition / information on ingredients Section 4 – First Aid measures Section 5 – Firefighting measures Section 6 – Accidental release measures Section 7 – Handling and storage Section 8 – Exposure controls / personal protection Section 9 – Physical and chemical properties Section 10 – Stability and reactivity Section 11 – Toxicology information Section 12 – Ecological information Section 13- Disposal considerations Section 14- Transport information Section 15 – Regulatory information Section 16 – Other Information In order to complete the risk assessment process it is essential that you understand what the MSDS is identifying.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Section 1 – Identification of the substances/ mixtures and of the company/ undertaking.

Contains information on: o Product number o Supplier contact details o Emergency contact number.

Section 2 – Hazards identification It is within this section that some data sheets will provide you with an overall risk rating for the product. Older data sheets might not have this as and you will need to look into second 3 for the risk rating.

Risks are identified as the letter R then a number that highlights the risk. Here are a number of examples of risk phrases and how they appear on the MSDS: (A full list can be found in Appendix A) o o o o

F;R11 Xi:R36 R67 Xn:R22

Irrespective of how they appear it is only the letter R and the number afterwards is what we require to carry out step 1 of the risk assessment process.

During this section it also identifies the main warning label. During the 2015 review of the COSHH regulations all warning labels have been changed to introduce health warnings such as carcinogenic, mutagenic etc. The new warning labels are now standard across the EU thereby providing consistency.

It is advised that the warning labels on the substances are checked upon delivery, new warning labels may identify a change in that substance’s ingredients, and therefore the MSDS may be out of date.

Here is an example of the new white warning labels:

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Here is an example of the older symbols that are being phased out:

Section 3 – Composition / information on ingredients Here the manufacturer provides you with a full list of ingredients that make up this particular substance. It is important to recognise the % of ingredients, some potentially hazardous chemicals may only represent 1% of the product and is therefore seen as a low risk, especially if diluted afterwards as part the task.

It is here that you would look for a risk phrase profiling if there were none identified within section 2. The highest % within that list will become the overall risk rating for that product.

Section 4 – First Aid measures This section provides a clear break down of the first aid measures required if anything were to go wrong with product.

First aid measures include Upon purchasing your products instances where the substance you may wish to purchase were to be inhaled, drank or ate, products / substances that made contact with the skin or require the same first aid entered the eye. measures, making it easier for first aiders to remember what is The MSDS within this section required of them when dealing would also provide you with with a COSHH incident. information on acute / delayed effects of using the substance.

It is important that this information is shared with your first aiders.

First aid stock must include any equipment necessary for first aid of an injured person AND actions required are shared.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Section 5 – Firefighting measures Extinguishing media that has been identified within the MSDS should be made available within the area of storage. It is the corporate stand point that we do not expect any employee to fight fires but to use only if the final exit is impeded; therefore, providing the correct extinguishing media is essential in supporting this action. Those that identify particular risks should be referenced within the Fire Risk Assessment. Areas of significant risk should be identified within the fire map which can be handed to the fire and Rescue Service if a fire were to occur.

Section 6 – Accidental Release This section will assist you in developing an emergency action plan for accidental release (spills etc.). It is important that any emergency plan is communicated to those employees that require this information and training is provided to enable them to carry their duties as identified within the action plan.

Section 7 – Handling and storage Storage parameters are identified here. Provisions should be made to review current storage arrangements to ensure that they are suitable and that resources are made available for any additional equipment / space that is required to keep the substance safe. This should be undertaken before purchasing.

Section 8 – Exposure controls / personal protection Under Regulation 7 of the COSHH regulations, it is stated that control of exposure may only be treated as adequate if any Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for that substance is not exceeded. Therefore employers have a duty to ensure each of their employees is not exposed to any concentration of substance in excess of the Workplace Exposure Limits for that substance.

The WEL value is expressed as a time weighted average (TWA) and there are two variations, the Long Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) which is the maximum exposure permitted over an 8-hour period and the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) which is the maximum exposure permitted over a 15-minute reference period.

The LTEL is designed to protect employees from concentrations of contaminant, which over a large period of time could cause long term chronic ill health effects. Whereas the STEL exposure limit relates to peak exposure incidents and is designed to protect against immediate acute ill-health effects.

The MSDS will direct you as to whether the task undertaken will need monitoring with specialist equipment for health surveillance. Overleaf is an example for air freshener:

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This is a section from a MSDS for cement. As you can see the descriptive precautions are far more in depth for cement than the air freshener, thereby giving you an idea of the seriousness of the risk posed.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit This section also identifies what Personal Protective equipment (PPE) is required for safe use. PPE is discussed in more detail within section 7 In simple terms when looking at WELs – if it states engineered controls…look for a similar product that is safer to use that doesn’t require such controls.

Section 9 – Physical and chemical properties Here you will find a breakdown of how each substance can change or alter dependent upon various conditions. Here it is important to ascertain the flashpoint (Point at which the substance catches fire), the PH Value and melting / boiling points.

These will help to distinguish if the storeroom is suitable to avoid a reaction via heat or other products. Care must be taken not to store those substances that react with temperatures next to heaters, boilers or hot water pipes within the storeroom. Bear in mind that seasonal changes can naturally increase temperatures of storerooms.

It is recommended that storerooms housing substances that can react through heat are monitored with thermometers and the temperatures regularly taken and entered into a chart, this assists in tracking if there is an increase in temperature.

Those identified as acids should be separated from those identified as alkaline. We recommend bunding is introduced within the storeroom to ensure separation and controls the risk of spillages. Bunding Is discussed further within section 6.

Section 10 – Stability and reactivity This section is a development of section 9 reinforcing: o Reactivity o Chemical stability o Hazardous reactions o Conditions to avoid o Incompatible materials o Hazardous decomposition products.

The information within this section will assist you when planning work including any substances and to also choose a compatible material for bunding/ storage.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit It is important that you recognise statements such as reactivity, oxidising and corrosive and what that means.

Reactivity -The rate at which a chemical substance tends to undergo a chemical reaction. This can include reactivity with other chemicals, oxygen, metal and even waer.

Oxidising: There are 3 methods of oxidising o The loss of electrons o The loss of hydrogen The reaction with other chemicals would be associated with these. o Gain of Oxygen Reactions where the gain of oxygen is more obvious than the gain of electrons include combustion reactions (burning) and the rusting of iron. Any item being exposed to oxygen for a set period of time will react. Therefore our storage and handling procedures need to be robust.

Corrosive- A corrosive substance is one that will destroy and damage other substances with which it comes into contact. It may attack a great variety of materials, including metals and various organic compounds, but people are mostly concerned with its effects on living tissue: it causes chemical burns on contact.

Section 11 – Toxicology information This section provides a breakdown of the toxicological effects that the substance can have on an individual. Those substances that have strict workplace exposure limits, the requirement for monitoring and those that require health surveillance will have detailed reasoning’s why within this section.

We have already established that cement is one of those substances. These are the effects as an example: 11. Toxicological information 11.1 Short Term Effects: a. Eye Contact: Cement is a severe eye irritant. Mild exposure can cause soreness.

Gross exposures or untreated mild exposures can lead to chemical burning and ulceration of the eye. b. Skin: Cement powder or any cement/water mixture may cause irritant contact dermatitis, allergic (chromium) dermatitis, and/or burns. c. Ingestion: The swallowing of small amounts of any cement/water mixtures is unlikely to cause significant reaction. Large doses may result in irritation to the gastro intestinal tract. d. Inhalation: Cement powder may cause inflammation of mucous membranes.

11.2 Chronic Effects: a. High repeated exposures in excess of the WEL have been linked with thinitis and coughing. Skin exposure has been linked to allergic (chromium) dermatitis. Allergic dermatitis more commonly arises through contact with cement/water mixtures than dry cement.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit b. Medical conditions aggravated by exposure: Inhaling respirable dust may aggravate existing respiratory system disease(s) and/or dysfunctions such as emphysema or asthma and may aggravate existing skin and/or eye conditions.

Section 12 – Ecological information Provides information on how this substance effects the environment, reviewing the dangers to aquatics, degradability and its mobility within the soil. You would only need to refer to this upon an accidental release of chemical directly into the outside environment.

Section 13- Disposal considerations Provides information on how to responsibility dispose of waste relating to this product.

Where the situations would come under normal disposal via the Local Authority you may wish to consider the following good practises: o o

Always swill out empty containers with plenty of fresh water Replace bottle caps when disposed of.

Section 14- Transport information This section provides information to those registered carriers for complying to shipping legislation. It assists to identify the dangers when transporting trough hazard identification and applying adequate shipping names. The carrier can therefore apply appropriate precautions when transporting.

Section 15 – Regulatory information Provides a list of regulatory references by which the MSDS adheres to. This may involve regulations outside of the EU. Section 16 – Other Information Provides a breakdown of Risk Phrases identified within the ingredients of the substance, from which you can ensure that appropriate controls have been arranged and are in place before arrival at site.

The section also includes information on the revision date of the MSDS and possibly the superseded date, providing you with some idea on when there is likely to be a new version if reviewed regularly.

After analysing the MSDS you are now ready to start completing the COSHH risk assessment.

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4.

Risk Assessment

The COSHH risk assessment has been developed specifically to assist Managers to identify the initial risk to their employees and to track that risk throughout the task , within your service areas. The 2 step principal is designed to identify the risk at the start of the process, saving time if that risk is not going to be accepted, thereby stopping the completion of the assessment.

Step 1 gives you clear identification of the risk for that substance in its current form.

Step 2 will assist you to identify any hazards when using, transporting and storing that substance within your service area. Prompts have been provided to help you.

Step 1

Step 2

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Step 2 cont.

Step 1 – Risk Phrase Profiling The HSE has developed a tool whereby all substances that include risk phrase numbers can be identified and assessed for its risk rating. http://coshh-tool.hse.gov.uk/ Using the Risk Phrases from section 2 or 3 of the MSDS you have an immediate risk rating. For those MSDS that require a risk phrase from section 3 (ingredients) you may note more than one phrase. You will always take the risk that is the higher.

Taking the risk phrase from section 3 is always a guide to the risk as ingredient strengths will vary, PLUS in many procedures these are often diluted with water and therefore the 17 | P a g e

COSHH Essentials does not deal with all substances. It covers liquid and solid chemicals, mixtures of chemicals, some process dust and fumes (wood and flour dust, foundry, rubber and some soldering fumes).

It doesn't cover: other process dusts and fume, pesticides or biocides and veterinary medicines, lead, asbestos or gases

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit risk is further reduced. Therefore sensible risk management is required when looking at controlling the risk, utilising existing resources where possible.

At the end of this step you decide whether the risk rating of green – Safe to Red – Dangerous is appropriate. You may wish to substitute this product for another type that identifies a lower risk. This completes step two of the hierarchy of control: By removing some products from your stock you have already completed step 1 of the hierarchy of control: o Elimination o Substitution o Engineered Controls o Local Controls o PPE Step 2 – Risk Assessment Population The risk assessment will map out all hazards associated with your service area, the method by which you operate and identifies all those that can be affected if procedures were not in place.

General Use will refer to how you would use that product and how anyone could be harmed. Using bathroom cleaner on a dementia ward would pose significant risk to those residing within the area cleaned if left out by accident for example.

Health effects would utilise not only the information presented on the MSDS but can also highlight existing medical conditions of staff who would use the substance i.e. dermatitis. The risk assessment need not name the individual but will refer to an employee who have been identified within an Occupational Health Job Hazard Profile Form and referred to occupational health. You may have issued them with a thicker grade glove and/or barrier cream to prevent the condition worsening.

Spillages and emergencies would review the risk of spills and provide a place for you to refer to your emergency planning documents. This section should also refer to the provision / or lack of communicating and testing such plans with others.

Reactivity with heat is identified within section 9 & 10 of the MSDS. Here is the opportunity to state what recent temperature checks have identified and if there is a need for additional engineered controls (Ventilation) to ensure temperatures are not exceeded. It may simply be the case that this is not an issue.

Reactivity with other chemicals is addressed, looking at how you store your chemicals, what types may react with each other, their position within the storeroom and the possible need for bunding. Section 10 of the MSDS will provide you with more detail on what reactions are possible with other substances / materials.

Storage and stock levels is important element to address when reviewing your standards of chemical safety. When reviewing the information within the MSDS the risk has only been identified for one container of that substance (5ltr container for example).

It may be that you accept the risk as being RED (Dangerous) as you have controls in 18 | P a g e

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit place for its safe use, but it is still been assessed for one container. Assuming the risk is identified as highly flammable, purchasing 30 x 5ltr containers has not increased the risk of flammability any higher than a single container if stored within the same sterile conditions. However, if anything were to occur and a fire started in that area, the effects from 30 flammable containers would be far greater i.e. lose a building rather than a room.

Reviewing controls such as setting purchasing limits for stock level control ensures that you manage not only the overall risk, but that you are able to improve accessibility in and around the storeroom and reduces the risk of manual handling injuries within this area as a result. Bunding containers can assist in maintaining stock control as they are limited to being stored within that container only.

With regards to the disposal of the empty containers you should be aware adhere always to the Local Authority arrangements for the disposal of any old or un-used chemicals that are no longer needed, you simply cannot flush them into any drainage system.

Disposing of empty containers should still comply with the recycling arrangements of the Local Authority, whereby they are rinsed through until clean. Replacing the lid after being rinsed will prevent any excess substance entering your bin area, although this should be minimal.

Within the section for manual handling, you should consider the weight and bulkiness of the product. In order to use it safely you may want to consider ordering in smaller, manageable containers. This would be safer to transport from delivery point to the storeroom, easier to place in to stores (shelving) and safer to use throughout the task (decanting). If purchasing smaller containers is not possible then suitable arrangements should be made for transportation; extra staff to assist with carrying or providing a trolley. Smaller decanting containers must be clearly identified with the product information. Bottles should be replaced when this information is no longer visible.

All stock should be stored within secure areas, away from members of the public, service users who may not register what that product is for. Storerooms should be clearly identified as COSHH cupboards and locked where possible. Items stored within kitchens, classrooms, activity rooms, should also be secure, away from children, service users etc and specific for the activity within that room.

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5.

Control Measures

Control measures should be specific to the risk. A sensible approach often requires a basic communication of the risk to staff and safe systems of work, on how to correctly use that product. As a rule of thumb: the higher the risk, the higher / more controls are required.

Controls are split into 2 categories- engineered and local controls both supported with management systems and documentation to ensure that the systems in operation are effective. ďƒ˜

Engineered controls refer to physical methods of reducing or removing the risk: Fume cupboards, COSHH Cupboards, Local Exhaust ventilation and extraction fans for example.

Remember: COSHH also includes Dust, Fumes and Vapours not just liquid.

Local exhaust ventilation systems and similar systems must be regularly maintained to ensure that they are working properly. You should also have a periodic thorough examination and test (at least every 14 months) and must keep this record for at least 5 years. In addition, you should have information on the installed LEV system to confirm it provides adequate protection, which should be kept for the life of the equipment.

Purpose of the thorough examination is to It is a check that your LEV is still working as effectively as originally intended and is helping to protect your employees’ health. To be able to tell if it is still working as it should, you should be able to provide the examiner with information about the intended or designed performance of your system e.g. hood type and position relative to the process, airflow and other measurements.

Carrying out a thorough examination and test of LEV equipment requires specialist skills and although it is possible to undertake this on your own, most businesses engage someone with specialist knowledge, experience and skills It is important that the person who undertakes the thorough examination and test is competent to do so.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit The report that they provide for you should clearly show whether this is the case and if it isn’t, the report should clearly show what is wrong and what needs to be done to correct it.

It is important that you: 1.

2.

3.

Read and understand your thorough examination and test report Ask the examiner questions if you don’t understand anything that it says Make sure you act on the recommendations in the report.

The same principal of thorough examination applies to those utilising on- tool extraction The MSDS will refer to engineered controls if warranted. Managers should look at the cost of introducing such controls, plus maintenance and inspection contracts and possibly look to purchase a lower risk product (if available). 

Local Controls refer to the provision of space constraints, separation from the work or chemical, shielding and isolation. Undertaking the work outside is also a valid control measure for the operation of some tasks. Simple as it sounds opening windows and doors when carrying out a task that might generate low risk fumes is recognised as a local control.



Management controls include the following: o Safe systems of work / procedures o Training on the awareness of control measures adopted. o Communication of risk o Temperature checks within storerooms o Storeroom checks to ensure that housekeeping standards are maintained. o Checks on stock levels. o Adjusting the time that the task is undertaken (no public within the service) is also considered as an adequate control measure.

When choosing your control measures ensure that they are specific to the risk, easy to manage and cost effective. PPE will always be your last option.

Management controls compliment any local or engineered control measure you have chosen to adopt. Management control due to the reliance on human compliance, competence and control, will rarely be used on its own for those chemicals identifying as high risk.

By identifying engineered and local control measures you have already completed steps 3 &4 of the hierarchy of control: o o o o o

Elimination Substitution Engineered Controls Local Controls PPE

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit 6.

Bunding ‌ (Control measure cont.)

Bunding has been recognised across the Authority as an essential control measure as it’s effective for: o o o o

Separation of chemicals Prevention of spills Assisting with stock control Assisting with storeroom cleanliness

Bunding should only hold one product at a time. Bunding can become a big mixing pot if multiple chemicals are stored in 1 bunding box, defeating the principals of product separation.

Bunding boxes are ideally plastic containers. Boxes should be un-penetrable and not likely to rust, therefore plastic is ideal. Bunding should hold 110% of the product, ensuring that If the whole product where to spill due to a split in the container, the bunding will not overflow.

It is beneficial to attached a COSHH Tag to the bunding, this will provide staff with a summary of the product, how to use and the first aid measures required, but also assist in identifying what bunding box id for what chemical.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit 7.

Personal Protective Equipment… (Control measure cont.)

PPE is equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work. It can include items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. It also includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Often the first control measure that we think about when choosing a product, however this should be the last. PPE requires an individual to physically handle that product, increasing the risk of an accident occurring. In order to remain safe the MSDS will identify any PPE that is required.

Managers must be aware that PPE should be selected in accordance to the product’s physical state and understanding of the task/ process that is undertaken i.e. sprays and aerosols will create a mist / fume. Dependent upon the length of the task, masks may be required to ensure the employee is safe whilst using a product.

Never allow exemptions from wearing PPE for those jobs that ‘only take a few minutes'.

Check with your supplier on what PPE is appropriate – explain the job to them. If in doubt, seek further advice from a specialist adviser.

Selection and use of PPE You should ask yourself the following questions: o Who is exposed and to what? o How long are they exposed for? o How much are they exposed to?

Masks and RPE should be selected to ensure that the filters are suitable to protect the user by ensuring that fumes / dust particles do not pass through into the respiratory system.

Filters and masks should be selected ensuring that all multi task situations are incorporated. Where there are numerous exposures to various dusts or fumes Managers should always plan to protect against the highest risk (this is normally presented in the smallest particle and will therefore require a higher graded filter / mask) When selecting and using PPE: o o o

o

Choose products which are CE marked in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 – suppliers can advise you Choose equipment that suits the user – consider the size, fit and weight of the PPE. If the users help choose it, they will be more likely to use it.

If more than one item of PPE is worn at the same time, make sure they can be used together, e.g. wearing safety glasses may disturb the seal of a respirator, causing air leaks Instruct and train people how to use it, e.g. train people to remove gloves without contaminating their skin. Tell them why it is needed, when to use it and what its limitations are.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit PPE Type:

Body Part Eyes

Hazard

PPE Option

Note

Chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation chemical drips or splash, climate or temperature

Safety spectacles, goggles, face screens, face shields, visors Industrial safety helmets, bump caps, hairnets

Make sure the eye protection chosen has the right combination of impact/dust/splash/molten metal eye protection for the task and fits the user properly

Hands

Chemicals, radiation, biological agents and prolonged immersion in water

Gloves, gloves with a cuff, gauntlets and sleeving that covers part or all of the arm

Feet & Legs Lungs

Chemical splash

Safety boots or shoes that are penetration-resistant, Filtering face pieces, respirators and powerassisted respirators (half and full masks) Fresh-air hose, compressed airline and self-contained breathing apparatus

Head & Neck

Whole Body

Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, dusts, gases and vapours

Heat, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, contaminated dust, impact or penetration, excessive wear

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Conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, aprons, chemical suits

Some safety helmets incorporate or can be fitted with specially-designed eye or hearing protection. Don't forget neck protection, e.g. scarves for use during welding. Replace head protection if it is damaged Avoid gloves when operating machines such as bench drills where the gloves might get caught.

Some materials are quickly penetrated by chemicals – take care in selection, see HSE’s skin at work website. Barrier creams are unreliable and are no substitute for proper PPE. Wearing gloves for long periods can make the skin hot and sweaty, leading to skin problems. Using separate cotton inner gloves can help prevent this Appropriate footwear should be selected for the risks identified The right type of respirator filter must be used as each is effective for only a limited range of substances. Filters have only a limited life. Where there is a shortage of oxygen or any danger of losing consciousness due to exposure to high levels of harmful fumes, only use breathing apparatus – never use a filtering cartridge. You will need to use breathing apparatus in a confined space or if there is a chance of an oxygen deficiency in the work area. If you are using respiratory protective equipment, look at HSE’s publication Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide The choice of materials includes flame-retardant, anti-static, chain mail, chemically impermeable, and high-visibility Don't forget other protection, like safety harnesses or life jackets

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Managers may adopt a clean shaven policy within their service area to ensure that that any masks purchased will fit correctly, providing an adequate seal.

Maintenance of PPE PPE must be properly looked after and stored when not in use, eg in a dry, clean cupboard. If it is reusable it must be cleaned and kept in good condition.

Think about: o o o o

using the right replacement parts which match the original, eg respirator filters keeping replacement PPE available who is responsible for maintenance and how it is to be done having a supply of appropriate disposable suits which are useful for dirty jobs where laundry costs are high, eg for visitors who need protective clothing.

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit Employees must make proper use of PPE and report its loss or destruction or any fault in it.

Monitor and review   

Check regularly that PPE is used. If it isn’t, find out why not Safety signs can be a useful reminder that PPE should be worn Take note of any changes in equipment, materials and methods – you may need to update what you provide PPE Case Study: A commercial gardener was using a petrol-driven strimmer to trim undergrowth. He hit a piece of unseen debris, which was thrown into the air and caught him in the eye. He lost the sight in that eye because he was not wearing protective goggles, which was advised in the manufacturer's written instructions for using the strimmer.

How similar accidents can be prevented Ensure those operating strimmers are trained to recognise the hazards posed by unseen debris and wear appropriate PPE, including protective goggles.

By identifying appropriate PPE you have already completed the final step of the hierarchy of control: o o o o o

Elimination Substitution Engineered Controls Local Controls PPE

8. Emergency Procedures & Waste Management Once the risk assessment has been written identifying the risks and controls have been mapped out, it is time to establish emergency procedures in relation to each product you have that may cause harm upon accidental release. Spillages can take form in not only liquid spills but also through an accidental release of gas or fume.

Staff working in and around your service area must have a plan to follow for when such releases may occur.

It is identified as best practise to obtain spill kits and store these within the storage areas. It is here where the majority of your stock is stored and where decanting probably occurs.

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Staff must also be made aware of the following: o o o o o o o

Disposal of contaminated first aid stock Location of all spill kits and how to use specialist equipment Cleaning regime for spills involving bodily fluids, including equipment.

PPE required for dealing with spills Contact details for the removal of waste products Spill kits can be as simple as Evacuation procedures if deemed a bucket of play sand or the necessary and if different than fire) use of flour in kitchens for fat Emergency Contact numbers for and oil spillages. evacuation

Where emergency procedures have been written with regards to accidental chemical release, drills should be undertaken twice yearly in line with all other emergencies (fire) Managers must also take into consideration the responsible removal of contaminants such as: o Asbestos o Batteries o Florescent tubes o Car Tyres o Solvents o Pesticides o Oils o Paints & Thinners o Equipment containing ozone depleting substances, eg fridges

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9. Useful Links General Advice HSE COSHH advice: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm HSE PPE advice: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/basics/ppe.htm HSE COSHH Publications: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/further/publications.htm HSE COSHH Essentials: http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/index.htm

Further Topic Areas Biocides: http://www.hse.gov.uk/biocides/index.htm Pesticides: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/ Detergents: http://www.hse.gov.uk/detergents/index.htm Radiation: http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ REACH: http://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/index.htm Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations COMAH: http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/index.htm Control of Major Accident Hazards LEV: http://www.hse.gov.uk/lev/index.htm Local Exhaust Ventilation) DSEAR: http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/dsear.htm Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit For more information please contact the Corporate Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team: Telephone: Email Webpage:

01792 636210 healthandsafety@swansea.gov.uk www.healthsafetywellbeingswansea.co.uk

Appendix A Risk Phrases- What do they mean?

Code

Phrase

R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 R11 R12 R14 R15 R16 R17 R18 R19 R20 R21 R22 R23 R24 R25 R26 R27 R28 R29 R30 R31 R32 R33 R34 R35 R36 R37 R38 R39 R40 R41

Explosive when dry Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds Heating may cause an explosion Explosive with or without contact with air May cause fire Contact with combustible material may cause fire Explosive when mixed with combustible material Flammable Highly flammable Extremely flammable Reacts violently with water Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances Spontaneously flammable in air In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture May form explosive peroxides Harmful by inhalation Harmful in contact with skin Harmful if swallowed Toxic by inhalation Toxic in contact with skin Toxic if swallowed Very toxic by inhalation Very toxic in contact with skin Very toxic if swallowed Contact with water liberates toxic gas.

Can become highly flammable in use Contact with acids liberates toxic gas Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas Danger of cumulative effects Causes burns Causes severe burns Irritating to eyes Irritating to respiratory system Irritating to skin Danger of very serious irreversible effects Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect Risk of serious damage to eyes

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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Toolkit R42 R43 R44 R45 R46 R48 R49 R50 R51 R52 R53 R54 R55 R56 R57 R58 R59 R60 R61 R62 R63 R64 R65 R66 R67 R68

May cause sensitisation by inhalation May cause sensitisation by skin contact Risk of explosion if heated under confinement May cause cancer May cause inheritable genetic damage Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure May cause cancer by inhalation Very toxic to aquatic organisms Toxic to aquatic organisms Harmful to aquatic organisms May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment Toxic to flora Toxic to fauna Toxic to soil organisms Toxic to bees May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment Dangerous for the ozone layer May impair fertility May cause harm to the unborn child Possible risk of impaired fertility Possible risk of harm to the unborn child May cause harm to breast-fed babies Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness Possible risk of irreversible effects

Combinations Code Combination

Statement

R14/15 R15/29 R14/15/29 R20/21 R20/22 R20/21/22 R21/22 R23/24 R23/25 R23/24/25 R24/25 R26/27 R26/28 R26/27/28 R27/28 R36/37 R36/38 R36/37/38 R37/38 R39/23 R39/24 R39/25 R39/23/24

Reacts violently with water, liberating extremely flammable gases Contact with water liberates toxic, extremely flammable gases Reacts violently with water, liberating toxic, extremely flammable gases Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed Toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Very toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed Irritating to eyes and respiratory system Irritating to eyes and skin Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin Irritating to respiratory system and skin Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation and

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R39/23/25 R39/24/25 R39/23/24/25 R39/26 R39/27 R39/28 R39/26/27 R39/26/28 R39/27/28 R39/26/27/28 R42/43 R45/46 R48/20 R48/21 R48/22 R48/20/21 R48/20/22 R48/21/22 R48/20/21/22 R48/23 R48/24 R48/25 R48/23/24 R48/23/25 R48/24/25 R48/23/24/25 R50/53 R51/53 R52/53

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in contact with skin Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation and if swallowed Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin and if swallowed Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation and in contact with skin Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation and if swallowed Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skin and if swallowed Very Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact May cause cancer and heritable genetic damage Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and in contact with skin Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and in contact with skin Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

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Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects if swallowed Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and in contact with skin Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation and if swallowed Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin and if swallowed Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed

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