Annex H Appendix 6
To Loughborough University Estates Services Health and Safety Policy
Cooling Tower, Boiler and Heating Systems Treatment Chemicals.
1. The chemicals that are generally employed in water treatment for cooling
towers, boilers, heating systems and the like can be hazardous, especially
in their concentrated for, if not handled and used correctly.
2. Only staff who have received suitable training and guidance shall handle
or transport water treatment chemicals. Generally, all such work has been
allocated to specialist chemical suppliers and contractors but Estates staff
involved in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of cooling towers,
boilers and heating systems must be competent and have sufficient
knowledge of the chemicals contained therein.
3. A written COSHH Assessment, prepared by suitably qualified staff, who
have been trained in the handling and use of the specific chemicals being
used and taking into account all details contained within the individual
Suppliers ‘Product Data Sheet(s)’ must be completed prior to taking any
water treatment chemical into use.
4. Water treatment chemicals may only be stored within the designated area
in the Main Boiler house pump room. Only chemicals in use, in their
specific containers may be kept at the dosing points. All containers shall
be situated within bunds to prevent against leaks entering drainage
systems.
5. No chemicals shall be disposed of through drainage systems without
written permission, regardless of the type of system.
6. Staff shall wear suitable protective clothing at all times when handling or
transporting chemicals.
7. All staff handling water treatment chemicals must be aware of the
following: a. The risks to health and safety created by exposure to the
substances in use.
b. The precautions to be taken to remove or reduce the risks of
exposure
c. The requirements contained within the relevant Risk Assessments,
COSHH Assessments and Suppliers Product Data Sheets.
d. The procedures to be adopted in the event of spillage and disposal.
(See Appendix 1).
e. The safe use and care of any personal protective equipment being
used.
f. The safe operation and maintenance of any associated measuring
or dosing equipment