INF2 - B. POISONS

Question 1

what law shows the substances that can only be sold by pharmaceutical chemists or chemists and druggists

Answer 1

The poisons list as part of The pharmacy act 1868

Question 2

what is the most recent legislation

Answer 2

the control of explosive precursors and poisons regulations 2023

Question 3

how are pharmacists involved with poisons

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

what 3 legislations are poisons and chemicals classified and regulated under

Answer 4

1. the poisons act 1972: lists regulated and reportable substances in groups
2. deregulation act 2015
3. the control of explosive precursors and poisons regulations 2023

Question 5

what are explosives precursors

Answer 5

chemicals which have the potential for use home-made explosives (used in acts of terrorism, home-made bombs)

Question 6

what are poisons

Answer 6

chemicals and substance which have the potential top illicit harm to others or yourself

Question 7

where are regulated substances listed

Answer 7

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

Question 8

examples of part 1: regulated explosives precursors

Answer 8

• hydrogen peroxide over 12% (used as an antiseptic, mouthwash - pharmacies can sell <12%)
• nitric acid over 3%
• sulfuric acid over 15%

Question 9

examples of part 2: regulated poisons

Answer 9

• arsenic (rat poisons, insecticides)
• barium salts (chemistry experiments)
• hydrogen cyanide (metal cleaning)=-09

Question 10

where are reportable substances listed

Answer 10

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

Question 11

examples of part 3: reportable explosive precursors

Answer 11

• acetone (report if buying large quantity)
• calcium nitrate
• magnesium powders

*a lot are in cleaning products, report if buying large quantities

Question 12

examples of part 4: reportable poisons

Answer 12

• ammonia 10% w/w
• formaldehyde 5% w/w
• nicotine
• potassium hydroxide

*in medicines, cleaning products

Question 13

what substances/mixtures are exempt from control

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

what is required from businesses and professional users buying regulated substances

Answer 14

• 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)

Question 15

what must the product label for regulated substances say

Answer 15

• ‘acquisition, possession or use by the general public is restricted’
• contain labels under the classification, labelling and packaging regulation

Question 16

what does a record need to be made for

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

where should poisons be stored

Answer 17

• 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

Question 18

how to suspect suspicious requests

Answer 18

• purchaser unsure what substance is for or how its used
• large quantities or repeat requests
• reluctant to provide ID
• pays with crash

Question 19

enforcement

Answer 19

• duty of GPhC to enforce compliance with poisons act 1972 by registered pharmacists and pharmacies
• police can enter and search premises under poisons act

Question 20

botox and dermal fillers

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

what are the 2 offences that the ‘Botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers (children) act 2021’ states

Answer 21

1. offence to administer to someone under 18 botulinium toxin or SC, sub mucous or intradermal injection of filler for a cosmetic purpose
2. 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)