Chemicals and COSHH Flashcards
What is COSHH legislation?
Control of substances hazardous to health
This requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health, and protect everyone using the workplace from exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, including staff and anyone else using the premises.
When selling a chemical, what should the pharmacist consider?
Is the customer known to the pharmacy.
What and how much is being requested
What is the purpose of the purchase
Does the purpose imply further legal implications
Is the pharmacy the most appropriate place to locate the chemical
Is there are more appropriate commercial alternative avalible
Is there any suspicion of inappropriate or illicit activity, and does a chemical suspicious activity report need to be submitted to the serious organised crime agency
In addition, packaging and labelling regulations for chemicals, also known as CHIP regulations, and control of substances hazardous to health, COSHH regulations should be considered.
What is hazard and risk?
Hazard is the danger something presents
Risk is the likelihood of harm in a particular circumstance
What can substances hazardous to health include, and how can the be identified?
Chemicals, products containing chemicals, fumes, dusts, vapours, mists, nanotechnology, gases and biological agents ie germs.
The packaging should have hazard symbols on it
What different ways are there for hazardous products to cause damage?
If inhaled, injected, swallowed or when in contact with skin.
What substances are not covered by COSHH?
Lead,asbestos, or radioactive substances as they are covered by other legislation.
How should risk be evaluated?
COSHH required that a risk assessment be carried out by a competent person.
It should assess risk associated with areas, processes and particular substances.
It should consider where the substance is stored, how it is used, what legislation covers it, any guidliness that should be followed, handling precautions, what to do if spillage occurs, first aid procedures, maximum exposure limited etc.
Does a risk assessment have to be written?
If there are ,five or more employees it must be written down, but it is good practice to do so in all cases.
How MUST employers prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous substances?
They must find out what the hazards are, and decide how to prevent harm to health ie a risk assessment
They must provide control methods to reduce hard to health, and monitored use of control method to make sure they are used.
They must make sure all control methods are in good working order, and provide information, instructions and training for employees and others
They must provide monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases.
They must plan for emergencies.
It is not suffieient to just put things in place, the employer must also monitor carefully to ensure the control methods are being adhered to and are effective in protecting all individuals health.
What are CLP regulations?
classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures
Applied to substances - pure chemicals
Mixtures - preparations
Medicines are exempt as they are covered by HMR
Covers cover classification,labelling and packaging of chemicals when sold or splied to ensure that the chemicals are packaged safely and that the packaging and labelling inform the user of associated hazards.
Helps pharmacists to identify hazards and inform customers.
Must be labelled with
Appropriate hazard statements
Any appropriate precautionary statements
A pictograms advising of category of hazard
What is a hazard statement?
A praise that describes the nature of the hazard, ie
Toxic if swallowed
Causes serious eye damage
Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
What is a precautionary statement?
A phrase that describes recommended measure to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous substance due to its use or disposal ie
Wear eye protection
Do not eat drink or smoke when using this product
Avoid release into the environment
In case of inadequate ventilation use respiratory protection
Which is more severe hazard, danger, or warning?
Danger is more severe
Warming is less severe
