INF2 - B. POISONS Flashcards
what law shows the substances that can only be sold by pharmaceutical chemists or chemists and druggists
The poisons list as part of The pharmacy act 1868
what is the most recent legislation
the control of explosive precursors and poisons regulations 2023
how are pharmacists involved with poisons
- can supply regulated explosive precursors
- only pharmacists can supply regulated poisons
- may get requests for reportable explosive precursors and poisons - supply of not?
- required by law to report suspicious activity relating to poisons and chemicals
what 3 legislations are poisons and chemicals classified and regulated under
- the poisons act 1972: lists regulated and reportable substances in groups
- deregulation act 2015
- the control of explosive precursors and poisons regulations 2023
what are explosives precursors
chemicals which have the potential for use home-made explosives (used in acts of terrorism, home-made bombs)
what are poisons
chemicals and substance which have the potential top illicit harm to others or yourself
where are regulated substances listed
part 1 and 2
- tighter controls apply
- greater harm if used inappropriately or in criminal acts (in explosives or trying to poison someone)
- need a valid explosives, precursors and poisons license from home office if want to acquire, import, possess or use these chemicals and can only be supplied by pharmacist
- businesses and professionals don’t need a EPP license where the substance is being used as part of their business or profession
- need valid photo ID (passport or driving license)
- details of transaction must be entered on license
- report suspicious transactions, disappearances and thefts
examples of part 1: regulated explosives precursors
- hydrogen peroxide over 12% (used as an antiseptic, mouthwash - pharmacies can sell <12%)
- nitric acid over 3%
- sulfuric acid over 15%
examples of part 2: regulated poisons
- arsenic (rat poisons, insecticides)
- barium salts (chemistry experiments)
- hydrogen cyanide (metal cleaning)=-09
where are reportable substances listed
part 3 and 4
- less controls apply
- still harm if used inappropriately or in criminal acts (in explosives or trying to poison someone)
- don’t need a valid license from home office if want to acquire, import, possess or use these chemicals
- report suspicious transactions, disappearances and thefts
examples of part 3: reportable explosive precursors
- acetone (report if buying large quantity)
- calcium nitrate
- magnesium powders
*a lot are in cleaning products, report if buying large quantities
examples of part 4: reportable poisons
- ammonia 10% w/w
- formaldehyde 5% w/w
- nicotine
- potassium hydroxide
*in medicines, cleaning products
what substances/mixtures are exempt from control
- medicinal products
- substances used wholly or partly for a medicinal purpose
- veterinary products
- when in specific concs, substances or products eg: ammonia <10% or in refrigerators, nicotine in tobacco
what is required from businesses and professional users buying regulated substances
- name and address
- photo ID
- statement of nature of business customer’s trade, business or profession or of the public function that business customer performs ie - why do they require these chemicals
- VAT registration number (tax reg number)
what must the product label for regulated substances say
- ‘acquisition, possession or use by the general public is restricted’
- contain labels under the classification, labelling and packaging regulation
what does a record need to be made for
- part 2 poison in poisons register
date of supply
name and address of prescriber
name and quantity of regulated poison
purpose of purchase
signature of purchaser
where should poisons be stored
- cupboard or drawer reserved solely for poisons
- separate part of the premises to which customers don’t have access
- shelf reserved solely for poisons - food can’t be under
how to suspect suspicious requests
- purchaser unsure what substance is for or how its used
- large quantities or repeat requests
- reluctant to provide ID
- pays with crash
enforcement
- duty of GPhC to enforce compliance with poisons act 1972 by registered pharmacists and pharmacies
- police can enter and search premises under poisons act
botox and dermal fillers
- botulinum toxin = one of most poisonous biological substances known (neurotoxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria which affects nervous system and is how paralysis of nerves occurs)
- can administer as part of private business
what are the 2 offences that the ‘Botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers (children) act 2021’ states
- offence to administer to someone under 18 botulinium toxin or SC, sub mucous or intradermal injection of filler for a cosmetic purpose
- offence if a business owner administers these products to a someone under 18 in the course of a business
BUT
- in both cases it is a defence if a pharmacist, nurse or dentist administers the products in accordance with the directions of a medical practitioner (ie - medical use)
