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How to Safely Handle

The document outlines the importance of safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous substances in the workplace to prevent health risks, with over 13,000 deaths annually in the UK attributed to such exposures. It details the classifications of hazardous substances, legal requirements under COSHH, and the responsibilities of both employees and employers regarding safety measures. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for proper training, the use of spill kits, and adherence to disposal regulations to mitigate environmental contamination.

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0 views

How to Safely Handle

The document outlines the importance of safely handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous substances in the workplace to prevent health risks, with over 13,000 deaths annually in the UK attributed to such exposures. It details the classifications of hazardous substances, legal requirements under COSHH, and the responsibilities of both employees and employers regarding safety measures. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for proper training, the use of spill kits, and adherence to disposal regulations to mitigate environmental contamination.

Uploaded by

waynelenon104
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Safely Handle, Store & Dispose of

Hazardous Substances at Work


Last Updated: 27th June 2022

Over 13,000 deaths a year in the UK are the result of exposure to hazardous
substances in the workplace, according to recent figures from the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE). In order to reduce this number, it is critical for
employees to know how to use hazardous substances correctly, how to store
them and how to dispose of hazardous substances in the workplace. In the event
of an incident, spill kit training for hazardous substances can help to prevent
injuries.

This article will give you a broad overview of what hazardous substances are,
and how to handle, store and dispose of them correctly.

What are Hazardous Substances?


A hazardous substance is any chemical that can cause harm, as defined by the
HSE. This definition includes substances that are flammable, explosive, toxic and
can oxidise. Hazardous substances are usually grouped into four classifications:

 Biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses


 Natural substances, including flour, grain or dust
 Substances produced by work tasks, for example, soldering fumes or
wood dust
 Chemicals produced or used in the workplace, such as cleaning agents,
solvents or adhesives
COSHH Training
Our COSHH Training course provides essential awareness to trainees to help
them identify the dangers and adopt safe working practices whilst working with
hazardous substances, as well as, comply with the law.

Where Can You Find Information About


Hazardous Substances?
Under the UK REACH Regulation suppliers and manufacturers of hazardous
substances must supply safety data sheets (SDS) for any substance identified as
dangerous under the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC. Safety data
sheets include information such as what the properties of the substance are, as
well as the health, physical and environmental hazards.

SDS also include information about required protective measures and


precautions necessary for storing, handling and transporting the substance.

What are the Legal Requirements for Hazardous Substances?

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)


provide the legal framework for what employers are required to do in respect to
the hazardous substances they store, transport or use. COSHH requires
employers to take steps to control substances that are hazardous to health. This
legislation covers substances such as:

 Chemicals
 Products Containing Chemicals
 Fumes
 Dust
 Vapours
 Mists
 Nanotechnology
 Gases And Asphyxiating Gases
 Biological Agents
 Germs That Cause Diseases
Lead, asbestos and radioactive substances each have their own specific
regulations and so are not covered under COSHH.

What Are the Duties of a Person Handling the Hazardous


Substance?

COSHH provides guidelines for both employees and employers. Under COSHH,
any employee that handles a hazardous substance must:

 Use any and all control measures provided


 Abide by all regulations and follow relevant procedures
 Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
 Store PPE and any equipment properly
 Report any defects with equipment or any spills, breakages, or accidents
 If required, participate in medical check-ups
 Use cleaning and showering facilities at work
 Attend all health and safety instruction or training sessions

COSHH requires employers to:

 Protect workers from hazardous substances by implementing control


measures
 Ensure risk assessments and checks are carried out regularly
 Provide sufficient information, instruction, and training
 Provide adequate PPE
 Ensure employees handling hazardous materials are supervised
 Develop procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies

How Do You Handle Chemicals Safely?


To handle chemicals in a safe and responsible manner, an employee should
firstly know as much as they can about the chemical in question. They should
read any labels and follow all instructions given by the manufacturer on the SDS.

Do safety data sheets come with every hazardous substance supplied? The
answer is yes, all hazardous substances in the UK must come with a safety data
sheet.

However, a safety data sheet is not a risk assessment. Any time a chemical is to
be used it should be assessed according to COSHH guidelines. After a risk
assessment has been completed, effective control measures must be
implemented. These measures can include the use of appropriate PPE or having
adequate ventilation in the work area, for example.

Store Hazardous Substances Appropriately

All hazardous substances should be stored in sturdy, corrosion-resistant (where


applicable) containers that are clearly labelled. Hazardous substances should
never be stored in bottles or containers that are designed for another purpose,
such as food and drink containers.

Large containers or heavy containers should never be kept above shoulder


height. Any incompatible substances, such as acids and bases, must be kept
separately. Chemicals should bever be kept under sinks as water leaks may
cause toxic reactions.

Storage shelves should be fit for purpose and easily accessible. Appropriate
storage must be used. For instance, flammable solvent cabinets, fridges or
freezers, or cabinets with forced ventilation.

Take Special Precautions with Acids & Bases

Why is it important to practice safe handling of acids and bases? Acids and
bases are used in many workplaces. Many of these substances are highly
corrosive and can also be flammable. If certain acids and bases are mixed, they
can produce violent chemical reactions that can result in the release of toxic gas.
Acids and bases should always be handled with care and stored separately.

Dispose of Hazardous Substances Properly

When disposing of a hazardous substance, care must be taken to not


contaminate working areas or pollute the environment. The disposal of
hazardous substances in the workplace is regulated by COSHH,
the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Special Waste Regulation Act
1996. Failure to dispose of hazardous substances in a responsible and legal
manner can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment.

Many commonly used chemicals, such as cleaning agents, will have detailed
instructions from the manufacturer on how to dispose of them correctly. A
business or organisation may also use an authorised waste carrier to collect and
dispose of any hazardous substances.

Before collection, any hazardous substances that are to be disposed of must be


stored correctly and clearly labelled. A detailed description of all substances must
be completed and given to the waste carrier.

The Importance of Spill Kits in the Workplace

Any workplace that uses hazardous substances should have procedures in place
to deal with accidents or spills. If a spill occurs, then the hazardous substance
must be controlled, rendered harmless and disposed of correctly. A spill kit is a
set of equipment specifically put together to clean up hazardous substances.

Spill kits should always be easily accessible, have their contents regularly
checked and updated and be situated near any area where a spill may be likely
to occur.

Spill kits often contain items such as:

 Instructions on use
 Absorbent materials such as specially designed pads, socks, or pillows.
 Material to prevent the spread of the spill
 Bags for waste disposal
 Neutralising substances
 Appropriate PPE

How to Find Training for Handling Hazardous Substances

You can ensure that your workplace stays safe by participating in the appropriate
health and safety training. Human Focus offers hazardous substances online
training that covers COSHH health and safety regulations and teaches trainees
how to handle hazardous substances safely.

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