Hampshire Shared Lives Scheme- Policy and Procedure 24
Shared Lives Guidance
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
The Hampshire Shared Lives Scheme will always promote the health and safety of
everyone working or involved in a Shared Lives arrangement. Understanding the
importance of legislation and health and safety guidelines are crucial in promoting and
maintain good practices.
Legislation about the Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health states clearly how to
ensure that everyone not only understands how to identify hazardous substances that can
put a person’s health at risk, but also how to control exposure and reduce risk.
Everyone has a responsibility to follow guidance provided when using hazardous materials
and follow instructions given to ensure their own and others safety.
What is a Hazardous Substance?
This is usually determined by any danger that is specified for a particular substance. It is a
requirement by law that manufacturers must label their products with the required warning
signs and dangers associated with the product.
This will include information about the levels of danger and risk. For example:
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Very Toxic
Toxic
Harmful
Corrosive
Irritant
It is important to be aware that most household products used on a daily basis can, if not
used properly, can be hazardous to a person’s health.
Reading instructions for use and following manufactures’ guidelines is very important and
will ensure that safety is maintained and any risk reduced.
In a Shared Lives arrangement it is vital that Shared Lives Carers, Managers and service
users understand hazardous substances and of the risks and dangers involved.
How will this happen?
The Hampshire Shared Lives Scheme provides information that ensures Shared Lives
Carers, Managers and volunteers are aware of current legislation about the control of
hazardous substances and how to use them safely.
This includes:
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Understanding which substances may be dangerous and the importance of avoiding
their use if possible.
Raising awareness about hazardous and dangerous substances
How to recognise the warning labels on containers and their different meanings
June 2014
Hampshire Shared Lives Scheme- Policy and Procedure 24
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How to identify and address the risks within Shared Lives arrangements.
How to take action to reduce those risks identified
Know how to deal with hazardous substances if their use is necessary
The importance of explaining the warning labels and dangers to people who are in
Shared Lives arrangements who may not understand the risks involved.
In addition, as part of the monitoring procedures in a Shared Lives arrangement Shared
Lives managers will need to ensure that correct procedures are being followed and that
Shared Lives Carers have the advice and guidance needed to ensure safe practices in their
homes. This will include ensuring that:
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Safe storage is in line with manufacturers’ guidelines
Instructions written on packaging for safe storage are followed
Hazardous materials/ substances are kept in a locked or secure cupboard out of the
reach of children and anyone who may not understand danger and risk.
Use of protective equipment eg gloves, clothing, masks is understood and guidelines
followed.
They understand that they must follow instructions given from manufacturers on how to
deal with spillages or accidental exposure.
The Control of Substances Harmful to Health is everyone’s responsibility and advice should
always be sought from the scheme or other appropriate professionals if there is uncertainty
or additional advice and guidance is required.
Within the Scheme office(s) the Scheme Manager or other nominated person will take
responsibility for ensuring that COSHH Regulations and relevant Approved Codes of
Practice are followed. This will include completing and updating COSHH risk assessments
when necessary and informing workers about them. If hazardous chemicals are in use, the
manufacturers’ safety data sheets will be obtained and stored in a COSHH file and workers
will know where to find the file.
June 2014