HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE
OBUHSN-19
ISSUE 06
June 2011
Hazardous and Dangerous Substances
CONTENTS
Introduction
Page 19.1
Responsibilities
Page 19.2
COSHH
Page 19.3
DSEAR
Page 19.4
Poisons
Page 19.6
Material Storage,
Handling and Waste Disposal
Page 19.6
Training and Information
Page 19.7
Appendix 1.
Statutory Regulations and Controls
Page 19.8
Appendix 2. Guidance Literature
Page 19.9
Appendix 3. List of Scheduled Poisons
Page 19.10
Appendix 4.
Basic Safety Rules for the use
and Storage of Chemicals
Page 19.12
Appendix 5. COSHH Assessment Form
Page 19.13
Hazardous Substances
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Appendix 6. DSEAR Assessment Form
INTRODUCTION
1.
This Health and Safety Notice must be read and understood by all
appropriate employees of Oxford Brookes University. It should be
brought to the attention of members of the student body, especially
those where the use of chemicals forms an integral part of their
studies. Where appropriate, it must also be brought to the attention of
contractors' staff and visitors working at the University.
2.
The safe use, handling, disposal and storage of chemicals, hazardous
and dangerous substances at Oxford Brookes University demands a
positive and sustained realisation of the hazards involved. This
involves all materials used or generated out of or in connection with
any work activity under the control of the University (e.g. research,
student studies, general laboratory work, cleaning, maintenance, etc.).
Laboratories involve the use of a wider range of chemical substances
than do most other work places, and some of the hazards involved call
for precautions not ordinarily encountered elsewhere. Chemists, by
virtue of their professional training and work experience, should be
more aware of the hazard presented by the use of chemicals, and be
prepared to deal with substances known to be, or suspected of being,
hazardous. Many hazardous substances, some identified only by an
obscure trade-name, are widely used in other work-places not always
equipped to deal with a spill or other emergency.
3.
It is essential, therefore, before commencing any programme of work
that persons involved should be aware of and understand the potential
hazards associated with all the materials to be used. The material’s
Health and Safety Data Sheet, available from the manufacturer, gives
details of the risks associated with the materials and precautions to be
followed. Persons unfamiliar with the materials and the associated risks
must seek expert advice from their supervisor, Faculty/Directorate
Safety Advisor, Poisons and Hazardous Materials Advisor, Senior
Occupational Health Advisor or the Safety Officer. If necessary, local
rules should be devised and formally published for the use, handling,
disposal and storage of hazardous and/or unfamiliar materials.
4.
Consideration must also be given to the potential hazards associated
with any chemical reaction, as the products of a reaction may be much
more dangerous than the initial individual reagents.
5.
A proper system of labelling of containers is required to identify the
hazardous substance and indicate the nature of the hazard.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
6.
The Dean of Faculty or Director of Directorate will be responsible for
making whatever arrangements may be considered necessary to
acquaint their staff with the hazards associated with all materials to be
used, handled, stored and disposed of within their area, and to provide
such local safety rules as may be necessary. It is recommended
practice that the precautions listed in the various Regulations and
statutory provisions (APPENDIX 1) are followed.
COSHH
7.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
(COSHH) are intended to protect employees and others against
substances of any form (solid, liquid, gas, fume, vapour) which are
hazardous to health and include:7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
All those substances listed as being Very Toxic, Toxic, Harmful,
Irritant, Corrosive [(as defined in the Chemicals (Hazard
Information and Packaging) Regulations (CHIP)]
Any other substance listed in the Authorised and Approved List;
Substances with a published Workplace Exposure Limit (W.E.L.)
Hazardous micro-organisms and allergens;
All dusts;
Any other substance with a comparable hazard.
Practical guidance on the Regulations is given in some detail in The
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, Approved
Code of Practice and Guidance, published by the HSE.
COSHH Assessments
8.
No Faculty or Directorate may carry on any work liable to expose staff,
students or others to substances hazardous to their health unless a
suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks created by that work and
of the steps needed to comply with COSHH in respect of it, have been
made. The basic principles of the COSHH Regulations are:8.1
8.2
Assessment of the risk to health arising from any work activities
associated with hazardous substances. An example of the type
of form to be used to carry out an assessment is given in
appendix 5. A copy of all assessments must be sent to the
University Safety Officer;
Prevent or control of the exposure of hazardous substances.
This may be done by using an alternative non hazardous
material, or using a safer form, e.g. pellets instead of powder. If
this is not possible, use engineering controls, such as local
exhaust ventilation, to minimise the exposure. If the assessment
indicates that engineering controls will be insufficient, as a last
resort, utilise appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE),
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8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.9
8.10
such as face masks or respirators. Refer to OBUHSN-21 for
guidance regarding selection and use of PPE.
Ensure that effective control and maintenance measures are in
place for any engineering controls or PPE which are used to
limit the exposure of hazardous substances;
If the risk assessment indicates that there may be a serious risk
to health if control measures fail or that the Workplace Exposure
Limits (W.E.L.) may be exceeded, the concentration of the
hazardous substance in the breathable air must be measured. If
the concentrations are found to be higher or close to the W.E.L.
appropriate measures must taken to reduce the risk of
exposure:
Health surveillance must be carried out if there is a reasonable
likelihood that a detectable disease or adverse health effect may
occur following the exposure to a hazardous substance. Health
surveillance would usually be carried out by a member of the
University’s Occupational Health Team. Associated medical
records must be retained for forty years;
Plans and procedures must be drawn up to deal with exposure
following the accidental spillage or release of substances which
may pose a significant risk to the health of staff, visitors or those
in the neighbourhood;
Inform, instruct and train employees, students and others about
the risks and the precautions to be taken;
The assessment must be reviewed if there is reason to suspect
that it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change in
the work to which the assessment applies. All assessments
must be reviewed annually and a report submitted to the Safety
Officer.
DSEAR
9.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere
Regulations (DSEAR) are intended to protect employees and others
against the risk of fires or explosions which may be caused by
dangerous substances in the workplace. Dangerous substances
include:9.1
9.2
9.3
Substances or mixtures of substances classified as explosive,
oxidising, extremely flammable, highly flammable, or flammable
[as defined in the Chemicals (Hazard Information and
Packaging) Regulations (CHIP)],
Any kind of dust that when spread in air to form a cloud may
explode,
Any other substances which, although not covered by CHIP,
may, because of the way they are handled, create a risk of fire
and explosions, for example, high flash point materials being
handled at elevated temperatures.
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10
Examples of the types of activities covered by DSEAR include
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
11
The storage of fuel for vehicles and horticultural machinery
The use of flammable gases, such as acetylene
The use of flammable liquids in laboratories
The handling and storage of flammable wastes
The transportation of flammable materials about the workplace
DSEAR requires that
11.1
dangerous substances in the workplace are identified and that,
regardless of their amounts, risk assessments are carried out in
relation to the hazards of fire and or explosion. Guidance in the
carrying out of risk assessments can be found in the University
Safety Notice OBUHSN-36. Appendix 6 gives an example of the
type of matrix which may be used to carry out and record a
DSEAR risk assessment;.
11.2
in addition to considering routine activities, the risk assessment
take into account non-routine events such as maintenance
operations;
11.2
control measures be put in place to either remove those risks or,
where this is not possible to control them;
11.3
controls be put in place to reduce the effects of any incidents
involving dangerous substances;
11.4
.
plans and procedures be put in place to deal with accidents,
incidents and emergencies involving dangerous substances;
11.5
employees and those affected are properly informed about and
trained to control or deal with the risks from the dangerous
substances;
11.6
areas of the workplace where explosive atmospheres may occur
are identified and classified. These areas must be indicated by
the use of appropriate EX signs, which comply with The Health
and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations. Ignition
sources (from unprotected equipment, for example) are to be
avoided in these areas.
Practical guidance on the Regulations is given in some detail in Dangerous
Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations Approved Code of
Practice and Guidance published by the HSE.
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POISONS
12
Control over the acquisition and use of Poisonous Substances (see
APPENDIX 3) is governed by the Poisons Act together with the Poisons
Rules and Poisons Lists Orders which have been or may be issued and
amended from time to time under the authority of the Secretary of State,
Home Office. Whilst these relate primarily to retail pharmacies and not
directly applicable to Oxford Brookes University, they nevertheless form
useful guidelines in determining which materials justify special control.
The Dean of Faculty or Director of Directorate or an appointed Poisons
Officer will be responsible for the acquisition, safe custody, control and
use of all scheduled materials, except those drugs for which a license is
required. All such materials must be safely stored in a suitable locked
cupboard in accordance with legal requirements and local regulations.
Any person required to use scheduled materials must be sufficiently
knowledgeable to use them safely.
MATERIAL STORAGE, HANDLING AND WASTE DISPOSAL
13.
Many materials can pose problems if stored incorrectly or by virtue of
the overall quantity of material involved. It may also be important to
isolate certain materials from each other because of the possible
danger of interaction. It is important to follow the manufacturers’
instructions on methods of storage. It is important to restrict the
quantities of waste materials held within buildings and laboratories to
the minimum amount consistent with efficient working requirements
and the hazards involved.
14.
Hazardous waste must be disposed of in accordance with the
manufacturer/suppliers’ instructions. The creator of the waste will be
responsible for its safe disposal in compliance with current legalisation.
15.
The number of compressed gas cylinders held within a building should
be kept to an absolute minimum. Ideally gas cylinders should be stored
securely, out of doors, in a locked cage or similar facility, full and empty
cylinders should be segregated.
16.
Basic safety rules for the use, handling, disposal and storage of
chemicals are given in (APPENDIX 4).
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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TRAINING AND INFORMATION
17.
Specific training will be provided for appointed staff. This will enable
them to carry out effective COSHH assessments.
18.
COSHH assessments and data sheets will be made available to any
members of staff, students or others who require to see them.
19.
If further information is required reference can be made to those people
listed in paragraph 3.
Approved by:
Issued by:
.....................................
(Vice-Chancellor)
.....................................
(Safety Officer)
…………………………
(Senior Occupational
Health Advisor)
Date: ...../...../.......
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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OBUHSN-19: APPENDIX 1
STATUTORY REGULATIONS and CONTROLS
Legal Controls on the use, handling and storage of certain chemical or
hazardous substances are given by:(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974;*
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Regulations
Poisons Act 1972;***
The Poisons Rules 1982 (SI 1982/218);***
The Poisons (amendment) Rules 1989 (SI 1989/112);***
The Poisons List Order 1986 (SI 1986/9);***
The Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations
The Chemical (Hazards Information and Packaging) Regulations
Occupational Exposure Limits EH40/** (** = year);***
Approved Codes of Practice issued under Section 16 of the
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974;***
The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers
Regulations
The Control of Asbestos Regulations
Control of Lead at Work Regulations
Control of Pesticides Regulations
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere
Regulations
(Whilst every effort is made to include appropriate information on statutory regulations and controls, this list may not
however be comprehensive. Checks should be made to ascertain if there are any further amendments or additions)
LIBRARY REFERENCES
*
Indicates Individual reference in Library stock
**
Indicates Contained in Library stock within The Encyclopaedia of
Health & Safety at Work (ref 344.0465 enc)
***
Indicates Individual Reference in the Safety Office
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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OBUHSN19: APPENDIX 2
GUIDANCE LITERATURE
Further guidance may be obtained from:(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
Hazards in the Chemical Laboratory,(3rd edition 1981)
L.Bretherick;*
Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards,(3rd edition 1985)
L.Bretherick;*
COSHH: guidance for University's, Polytechnics and Colleges of
Further and Higher Education (Education Advisory Services
Committee - HSE);*
Health & Safety Guide (Committee of Polytechnic Directors);***
Health surveillance under COSHH (HSE);***
Hazard Data Sheets (BDH Limited);***
Chemical Synonyms and Trade Names, (8th edition 1978)
W.Gardner;*
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, N.Irving Sax;*
COP 3: Work with asbestos insulation, coating and insulating
board;***
COP21: Control of Asbestos at Work;***
COP29: COSHH - Control of Carcinogenic substances;***
COP30: COSHH - Control ... in fumigation operations;***
COP 2: Control of Lead at work;***
COP41: Control of substances hazardous to health in the
production of pottery;*
HSE Series of Guidance Notes (CS) on Chemical Safety;*
HSE Series of Guidance Notes (EH) on Environmental
Hygiene;*
HSE Series of Guidance Notes (MS) on Medical matters;*
COSHH: An open learning course.*
LIBRARY REFERENCES
*
**
***
Indicates Individual reference in Library stock
Indicates Contained in Library stock within The Encyclopaedia of
Health & Safety at Work (ref 344.0465 enc)
Indicates Individual Reference in the Safety Office
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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OBUHSN-19: APPENDIX 3
LIST OF SCHEDULED POISONS
Reference should be made to the current POISONS LIST ORDER
for possible amendments to this list.
THE POISONS LIST
PART I
Aluminium phosphide
Arsenic; its compounds, other than those specified in Part II of this list
Barium, salts of, other than barium sulphate and the salts of barium speafied
in Part II of this List
Bromomethane
Chloropcrin
Fluoroacetic acid; its salts; fluoroacetamide
Hydrogen cyanide; metal cyanides, other than ferrocyanides and ferricynides
Lead acetates; compounds of lead with acids from fixed oils [Magnesium
phosphide]
Mercury, compounds of, the following-nitrates of mercury; oxides of mercury;
mercuric cyanide oxides; mercuric thiocyanate; ammonium mercuric
chlorides; potassium mercuric iodides; organic compounds of mercury which
contain a methyl (CH3) group directly linked to the mercury atom
Oxalic acid
[Phenols (phenol; phenolic isomers of the following—cresols, xylenols,
monoethylphenols) except in substances containing less than sixty per cent,
weight in weight, of phenols; compounds of phenols with a metal, except in
substances containing less than the equivalent of sixty per cent, weight in
weight, of phenols]
Phosphorus, yellow
Strychnine; its salts; its quaternary compounds
Thallium, salts of
PART II
Aldicarb
AIpha-chioralose
Ammonia
Arsenic, compounds of, the following—
Calcium arsenites
Copper acetoarsenate
Copper arsenates
Copper arsenites
Lead arsenates
Barium, salts of, the following—
Barium carbonate
Barium silicofluoride
Carbofuran
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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Cycloheximide
Dinitrocresols (DNOC); their compounds with a metal or a base
Dinoseb; its compounds with a metal or a base
Dinoterb
Drazoxolon; its salts
Endosulfan
Endothal; its salts
Endrin
Fentin, compounds of
Formaldehyde
Formic acid
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrofluoric acid; alkali metal bifluorides; ammonium bifluoride; alkali metal
fluorides; ammonium fluoride; sodium silicofluoride
Mercuric chloride; mercuric iodide; organic compounds of mercury except
compounds which contain a methyl (CH3) group directly linked to the mercury
atom
Metallic oxalates
Methomyl
Nicotine; its salts; its quaternary compounds
Nitric acid
Nitrobenzene
Oxamyl
Paraquat, salts of
[Phenols (as defined in Part I of this List) in substances containing less than
sixty per cent, weight in weight, of phenols; compounds of phenols with a
metal in substances containing less than the equivalent of sixty per cent,
weight in weight, of phenols]
Phosphoric acid
Phosphorus compounds, the following—
Azinphos-methyl, chlorfenvinphos, demephion, demeton-S-methyl, demetonS-methyl sulphone, dialifos, dichlorvos, dioxathion, disulfoton, fonofos,
mecarbam, mephosfolan, methidathion, mevinphos, omethoate, oxydemetonmethyl, parathion, phenkapton, phorate, phosphainidon, pirimiphos-ethyl,
quinalphos, thiometon, thionazin, triazophos, vamidothion
Potassim hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium nitrite
Sulphuric acid
Thiofanox
Zinc phosphide
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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OBUHSN-19: APPENDIX 4
BASIC SAFETY RULES FOR THE USE, HANDLING
AND STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Be aware of possible hazards and the necessary precautions to be employed;
Store chemicals and all hazardous materials in such a way as to prevent
accidental reactions between them;
Be aware of possible dangerous reactions that may occur due to thermal or
radiation decomposition or degradation;
Where possible, use materials that are less hazardous;
The quantity of chemicals in a working area should be kept to a minimum
consistent with efficient working requirements and the hazards involved;
Work involving toxic or volatile chemicals should always be undertaken in well
ventilated facilities (e.g. fume cupboards, fume hoods and canopies, local
exhaust systems) or work areas;
Movement of hazardous materials must comply with any local rule containers
must be designed and secured to prevent spillage;
Glass bottles and containers must always be carried in approved bottle
carriers;
All containers must be clearly, correctly and durably marked or labelled with
the name or other identification of the contents and an indication of their
hazard;
Spillage of chemicals or chemical materials must be dealt with immediately
and appropriate actions taken for the appropriate safe disposal of the waste
material and the cleansing of the area;
Staff and Students must know and understand the safety rules and
requirements applicable to their work, be familiar with emergency procedures
and always be alert to unsafe conditions;
Use such personal protective equipment (PPE) as may be required to ensure
personal protection;
The type and use of PPE will be carefully assessed and maintained
according to manufacturers' instructions. Where possible, the number of
different types will be minimised to prevent mistakes with servicing or
replacement;
Hazardous waste must be disposed of in accordance with the
manufacturer/suppliers instructions and according to current waste disposal
regulations
No food or beverage may be taken into or consumed in any area where
hazardous chemicals are used, handled or stored; smoking is forbidden in all
such areas; cosmetics must not be taken into or used in such areas.
Chemicals used for domestic and cleaning purposes in kitchens and catering
areas are acceptable, although great care must be taken in their selection and
use.
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OBUHSN-19: APPENDIX 5
COSHH ASSESSMENT FORM
Name of Faculty or Directorate
Substance Name
W.E.L.
Hazard information
Flash Point
Activity or Process
Quantity used in Process
Length of Exposure
How often is the substance used
Hazard type
Daily
Gas/Vapour
Aerosol
Dust
Liquid
Solid
Other (specify)
Weekly
Monthly
Other (specify)
Open Working Environment
YES NO
Enclosed Working Environment
YES NO
Nature of the Hazard
Inhalation
Absorption
Injection
Eye Contact
Other (specify)
Control Measures in Place or Required
Health Surveillance Required
YES
NO
First Aid Requirements
Containment and Fire Fighting Actions
Fire
Spillage
Reference Data
Assessed by
Date of Assessment
Reassessment Date
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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OBUHSN-19 Appendix 6
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
DSEAR Risk Assessment Form
A risk assessment is to be carried out for substances being handled, used,
stored or created which are flammable, oxidising, explosive and are capable
of producing explosive atmospheres.
Name of product(s) ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Consult the product’s Safety Data Sheet or packaging labels to
Raw material
Yes
No
Produced Product
n.a.
Yes
No
Hazard
Explosive
Oxidising
Extremely Flammable
Highly Flammable
Flammable
Flash point <32˚C
May release gas/vapour/ dust to
give explosive atmosphere
Continue if yes answered to any of the questions above.
Note here how this material is normally used and how a failure may give
rise to a fire or explosion. Note potential sources of ignition.
Complete the risk assessment overleaf. Note measures or countermeasures
to the listed issues or concerns where they are appropriate to the materials
and processes in use. Add additional issues or concerns if necessary.
The material(s) may only be utilised if the processes used minimise the risk of
fire or explosion.
OBUHSN-19 Issue 05
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Material Name _______________________________________
Residual
Risk
Issues/Concerns
Quantity kept to minimum?
Avoidance of release or spills
Avoidance of explosive
atmospheres
Safe removal of vapours or
releases
Avoidance of adverse
conditions (e.g high
temperatures)
Limitation of number of
persons exposed
Explosion resistively of plant
or facilities.
Minimisation of fire spread
Formal procedures/safe
systems of work in place
Current Measures/
Countermeasures
Actions required
H
M
L
Implementation
Zoning of work areas as
Schedule 2 of DSEAR
EX Signage at entry point to
zones
Protection from sources of
ignition in zones
Issue and training in use of
appropriate PPE
Antistatic clothing and
footwear worn by those
working in EX area
Suitable storage of
flammable or explosive
materials
Segregation of incompatible
materials, e.g. oxidisers
Explosion relief/resistance of
storage facilities
Procedures to manage fire
and evacuation
Procedures to manage
spillages
Procedures to manage
disposal of dangerous wastes
Training and competency of
those using materials
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