011 – COSHH Guidance
Guidance No: COSHH
Guidance
Issue Date and Version
Number: To be added
Page:
1 of 10
Review Date:
Related Policies:
To be added (or sooner if there is a change
in legislation or to reflect best practice)
Name
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Position
Contact Number
Head Teacher
To be added
Introduction
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations are in place to protect
people from substances that can be hazardous to health.
Substances not assessed or authorised must not be brought into or used in any school.
Definitions
Where they are applicable in a school, the COSHH regulations cover the delivery, handling,
storage, use and disposal of substances that can cause ill health. The substances can:
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Be used directly in work e.g. chemicals, paints or cleaning materials;
Arise from work e.g. dusts, fumes and waste products;
Occur naturally e.g. fungal spores or bacteria.
The substances can cause harm by inhalation, ingestion, absorption or injection through the
skin.
Some examples of the effects of hazardous substances include:
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Skin irritation, dermatitis or even skin cancer from frequent contact with oils.
Asthma resulting from sensitisation to paints containing isocyanides.
Being overcome by toxic fumes.
Poisoning by drinking toxic liquids from bottles thought to contain water or soft drinks.
Cancer, which can appear years after exposure to carcinogenic substances at work.
Infection from bacteria and other micro-organisms (biological agents).
Many substances are subject to control by exposure limits. These are classed as Workplace
Exposure Limits (WEL’s). Exposure is controlled by limiting the duration of use and the
concentration of the substance used. Where applicable the WEL for a substance will be
described in the hazard data sheet.
Duties
Head Teachers / Heads of Department Duties
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Assess the risks
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All processes, which use or generate substances hazardous to health, must be
assessed and a COSHH risk assessment developed.
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If the process is simple and the risk is very low, the results of the assessment (e.g.
"no significant risk") may be recorded on the COSHH assessment.
Prevent or adequately control exposure
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Ensure that control measures are used
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All employees are required to make proper use of control measures and to report
defects. Head Teachers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do
so, including providing them with suitable training, information and supervision.
Ensure that controls are maintained
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All control measures must be maintained to ensure they are kept in efficient
working order and good repair.
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Engineering controls and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) have to be
examined and, where appropriate, tested at suitable intervals.
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Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) 'annual' tests (normally arranged through the
local maintenance authority) and weekly visual checks (by users) should be
recorded.
Arrange for routine exposure monitoring (if necessary)
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The regulations all require that exposure to hazardous substances is prevented
or, if this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.
There may be a requirement for exposure of school employees to hazardous
substances to be monitored on a regular basis, normally to make sure that
control remains adequate.
Information, instruction, training and supervision
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Staff must be provided with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and
training about the nature of the substances they work with or are exposed to, the
risks created by this exposure and the precautions they should take.
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All staff must also be instructed on emergency procedures.
Ensure that appropriate actions are taken
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Any remedial actions required as a result of the assessment should be
considered and an action plan drawn up by the Head Teacher or other suitable
person, who should also monitor progress. The requirement for planning for
emergencies must not be overlooked.
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Review the assessment
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All assessments must be reviewed to ensure they are still valid. All assessments
must be reviewed at least once in every 5 years. If there are no changes to the
process and it is a low risk one, a review must be undertaken every 5 years. If
there are changes to the process or if there is reason to believe it is no longer
valid, a review must be undertaken immediately. For substances which are more
toxic, review must be carried out more frequently than every 5 years, to ensure
that the controls remain adequate.
o
The criteria for review are as follows:
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Change of Head Teacher
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An initial review should take place shortly after implementation of any control
measures introduced as a result of the assessment to check their
effectiveness (timescales will vary according to the risk – higher risks will
require shorter timescales).
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Should an accident or incident occur, or if there is any ill health which could
have been linked to the process.
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When there has been a significant change in the task procedure, technology,
substances or process,
Employees Duties
All staff have a duty to comply with the regulations in relation to COSHH. Some employees
have regular contact with chemicals and substances, examples would be site agents, cleaners
and design & technology (D&T) staff.
D&T staff are specifically trained in the safe use and storage of chemicals, but also can obtain
further information through CLEAPSS.
D&T staff must also clearly brief all students in the safe use of chemicals and substances used
for teaching purposes, prior to commencement of a class.
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Personal Hygiene
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Staffs are not to eat, drink or smoke in any place which they have reason to
believe to be contaminated by chemicals. They must practice a high standard of
personal hygiene utilising facilities provided for washing.
Wear, in a proper manner, any PPE provided. Store PPE when it is not in use in
the storage locations provided. PPE records should be maintained and PPE
should be replaced when necessary.
Competence
o
Those who complete COSHH assessments should have received some basic
health and safety training, and have an understanding of the chemicals being
used. A material safety data sheet (MSDS) which is typically provided with the
chemical should be used to assist in the development of the COSHH
assessment.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
These are provided by the manufacturer or supplier of the substance at the time of
purchase. All the information needed for a COSHH assessment will be included in the data
sheet and can be transferred to the risk assessment form.
Suppliers must provide safety data sheets for dangerous chemicals to the recipient of the
chemicals, but only if the chemicals are to be used in connection with work. Safety data sheets
do not have to be provided when dangerous chemicals are sold through shops for use by the
public, as long as enough information is given in another form, for example on the package.
Safety data sheets are important to make the school safe and to protect the environment. More
specifically, a safety data sheet contains information to help you write a risk assessment as
required by COSHH.
The safety data sheet itself is not an assessment. However, it will describe the hazards of a
chemical, helping you to assess the probability of those hazards (i.e. the risk) arising in the
school. It will not take into account local working conditions or the health, age and experience of
those using the substances.
Categories of Danger
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Highly Flammable (F)
Extremely flammable (F+)
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Toxic (T)
Very toxic (T+)
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Corrosive (C)
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Harmful (Xn)
Irritant (Xi)
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Sensitising by inhalation (Xn)
Sensitising by skin contact (Xi)
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Dangerous to the environment (N)
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Explosive (E)
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Oxidising (O)
Risk Phrases
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R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
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R8
R9
R10
R11
R12
R13
R14
R15
R16
Explosive when dry.
Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source 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.
Extremely flammable liquefied gas
Reacts violently with water.
Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
Explosive when mixed with oxidizing substances.
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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
R42
R43
R44
R45
R46
R47
R48
R49
R50
R51
R52
R53
R54
R55
R56
R57
R58
R59
R60
R61
R62
R63
R64
R65
R66
R67
R68
Spontaneously flammable in air.
In use, may form inflammable/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 acid 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 the eyes.
May cause sensitisation by inhalation.
May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.
May cause cancer.
May cause heritable genetic damage.
May cause birth defects
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 to the ozone layer.
May impair fertility.
May cause harm to the unborn child.
Risk of impaired fertility.
Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
May cause harm to breastfed 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.
Safety Phrases
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S1
S2
Keep locked up.
Keep out of the reach of children.
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S3
Keep in a cool place.
S4
Keep away from living quarters.
S5
Keep contents under ... (there follows the name of a liquid).
S6
Keep under ... (there follows the name of an inert gas).
S7
Keep container tightly closed.
S8
Keep container dry.
S9
Keep container in a well-ventilated place.
S12
Do not keep the container sealed.
S13
Keep away from food, drink and animal foodstuffs.
S14
Keep away from ... (a list of incompatible materials will follow).
S15
Keep away from heat.
S16
Keep away from sources of ignition.
S17
Keep away from combustible material.
S18
Handle and open container with care.
S20
When using, do not eat or drink.
S21
When using do not smoke.
S22
Do not breathe dust.
S23
Do not breathe vapour.
S24
Avoid contact with skin.
S25
Avoid contact with eyes.
S26
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical advice.
S27
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
S28
After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of soap-suds.
S29
Do not empty into drains.
S30
Never add water to this product.
S33
Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
S35
This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way.
S36
Wear suitable protective clothing.
S37
Wear suitable gloves.
S38
In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
S39
Wear eye / face protection.
S40
To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use .... (there
follows suitable cleaning material).
S41
In case of fire and / or explosion do not breathe fumes.
S42
During fumigation / spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment.
S43
In case of fire use ... (there follows the type of fire-fighting equipment to be used.)
S45
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the
label whenever possible.)
S46
If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.
S47
Keep at temperature not exceeding...
S48
To be kept wet with (there follows a material name).
S49
Keep only in the original container.
S50
Do not mix with ...
S51
Use only in well ventilated areas.
S52
Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas.
S53
Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.
S56
Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special waste collection
point.
S57
Use appropriate container to avoid environmental contamination.
S59
Refer to manufacturer / supplier for information on recovery / recycling.
S60
This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
S61
Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions / safety data sheets.
S62
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; seek medical advice immediately and show
this container or label.
COSHH Assessment
This is the process by which the assessor (someone trained and familiar in the activities and
substances used) will identify and list all the substances used in the workplace and make a full
assessment as necessary. Only those substances with potential to cause harm will need
detailed assessment.
Generic assessments can be used provided the assessor checks that the conditions in the
workplace, or the way the substance is used do not differ in any significant way from the
conditions described in the generic assessment.
The assessor will also need to consider the people who might be exposed to the substance as
a generic assessment might not take into account teachers with ill health or pupils with asthma
etc.
COSHH Assessment, a step by step guide:
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Draw up a complete inventory of the substances in the school detailing how they are used
and by whom. At this point consider reducing risks by eliminating processes or substituting
substances with less harmful products.
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Decide which substances need more detailed assessment and number these as a crossreference to the full assessment.
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The inventory should be regularly reviewed and revised as necessary. Employees must be
reminded that only hazardous substances listed on the substance inventory may be
used. No hazardous substances may be introduced to the school without Head Teacher
authorisation.
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Consult the material safety data sheets. If these are not available contact the supplier who
is legally obliged to provide this information.
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Transfer the key information from the data sheet to the COSHH risk assessment form
checking that all the recommendations for safe storage and use can be met. Again
remember to take into account local conditions and individual needs.
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Many processes and substances will need to be used with ventilation systems such as local
exhaust ventilation (LEV), fume cupboards, and forced ventilation systems which ensure a
flow of fresh air and the extraction of fumes (for example, where wood work activities are
taking place for D&E classes). Where these systems are in the school check that they are
working properly and that they have been serviced and tested within the past 14 months.
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Check that the storage requirements detailed on the material safety data sheet or generic
assessment can be met. Fire resistant cabinets, vented stores or other specialist storage
may be required. Some classes of chemicals are incompatible and should be stored
separately. Flammable liquids must be stored separately from oxidising substances.
Storage containers must be maintained in a good condition. Try to minimise the amounts
stored.
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If storage areas have to be at a distance from the work areas ensure that there are safe
means of transporting substances available, e.g. trolleys, carrying baskets etc.
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Make sure that all substances are clearly labelled with standard hazard labels where
appropriate. Never decant substances into unlabelled and inappropriate containers!
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Check that adequate first aid arrangements and spillage kits are readily available.
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Where personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed ensure it is suitable, that there are
adequate supplies properly stored and maintained in good condition. Ensure that items
such as goggles and masks can be adjusted to fit the user and are kept clean. Refusal to
wear PPE should be a disciplinary offence for staff, and pupils who refuse to wear PPE
should be asked to leave the classroom.
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Finally ensure that staff, pupils and clients have been told about the assessments and
given all necessary training and information where appropriate.
Information, Instruction and Training
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Staffs, and where necessary pupils, contractors and visitors, must be given information,
instruction and training in the activities they undertake involving hazardous substances.
This information should include the results of the risk assessment and must explain the
control measures to be used in order to minimise risks.
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Staff using hazardous substances must be trained in emergency procedures and have
ready access to first aid provision.
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Staffs who carry out risk assessments must receive specific training where this is
considered necessary.
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All new staff must receive induction training that covers the use of hazardous substances
where appropriate.
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The use of hazardous substances must be restricted to trained/experienced authorised
persons who are familiar with the safe use of the substances, the hazards associated with
the processes and the safety precautions to be observed. Pupils can use substances under
the supervision of authorised persons.
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Pupils using hazardous substances must be adequately supervised and all safety rules
explained to them.
Monitoring and Review
COSHH assessments should be reviewed regularly, and if
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There is reason to suspect that the assessment is no longer valid; or
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There has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates.
If nothing changes and the process does not represent a particularly dangerous activity then
COSHH assessments should be reviewed every year.
However this may be too long if:
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There is a significant change in the way that the work is carried out; or
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There is a change in the teaching team so that the original assessor has left, or
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The result of the original assessment is no longer valid because new information has come
to light, either because of an updated Safety Data Sheet or because of the results of air
monitoring or health surveillance.
In these cases, an immediate reassessment may be warranted. Where the materials involved
are particularly toxic then more frequent reassessment may be necessary on a regular basis as
an added check to ensure that the control measures have remained adequate.
“Review” does not mean “re-assess”. It simply means checking whether:
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The process is still carried out in the same way and for the same duration as described on
the original assessment;
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The information on the current health and safety data sheet is the same as when the
assessment was carried out;
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The control measures in use are the same as those recorded previously.
The review section on the assessment form can then be signed and dated, with a comment that
there are no changes.
Disposal
All chemicals should be disposed of in a responsible manner. Check the hazard data sheet for
the manufacturer's recommendations. Try to avoid disposal problems by buying in quantities
appropriate to your needs. Chemicals for disposal should be clearly labeled and placed in a
secure, designated area until ready for collection. Do not mix chemicals for disposal.
Records That Must Be Kept
In order to ensure and demonstrate compliance with the COSHH Regulations the following
records must be kept:
Substance inventory
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Risk assessments for each work / teaching activity including any hazardous substances
in use.
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Records of the issue of personal protective equipment and any training in the use and care
of the equipment.
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Health surveillance records where these are applicable. Such records have to be kept for
40 years.
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Records of maintenance and testing of local exhaust ventilation systems. These records
have to be kept for five years.
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Records of routine testing of fume cupboards and forced ventilation systems.
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Records of the disposal of chemicals.
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Records of the routine monitoring of safe working procedures.
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Training records.
Unless otherwise stipulated it is recommended that records be kept for five years.