Introduction to Poisons Flashcards
What is the purpose of The Poisons Act, 1972?
This legislation reduces the risks associated with allowing sales of chemicals that can be used to cause harm while still allowing those with a legitimate need for the chemicals to continue their activities.
Does not just apply to poisons, but also to explosives precursors.
What classifications are under the poisons act?
Schedule 1A to the Act lists these in 4 parts:
- Part 1 - Regulated explosives precursor (EPs).
- Part 2 - Regulated poison.
- Part 3 - Reportable explosives precursor (EPs).
- Part 4 - Reportable poison.
Give examples of part 1 regulated EPs:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Nitromethane
- Nitric acid
- Potassium chlorate
- Potassium perchlorate
- Sodium chlorate
- Sodium perchlorate
Give examples of part 2 regulated poisons:
- Hydrogen Cyanide (metal cleaning, electroplating).
- Lead acetates (painting, soldering, target shooting, pottery).
- Oxalic acid over 10% w/w (stain removal, leather tanning, bee keeping and general
- purpose cleaning).
- Barium salts other than sulphates, carbonates and silicofluoride (chemistry experiments).
Give examples of part 3 reportable EPs:
- Acetone
- Ammonium nitrate in concentration of 16% by weight of nitrogen in relation to ammonium nitrate or higher.
- Calcium nitrate
- Calcium ammonium nitrate
- Hexamine
- Potassium nitrate
- Sodium nitrate
- Sulphuric acid
Give examples of part 4 reportable poisons:
- Ammonia > 10% w/w
- Formaldehyde > 5% w/w
- Hydrochloric acid > 10% w/w
- Alkali metal fluorides – e.g. potassium fluoride, sodium fluoride
- Potassium hydroxide > 17% of total caustic alkalinity
- Sodium hydroxide > 12% of total caustic alkalinity
What substances not controlled by the poisons act?
Medicinal products for human or veterinary use.
Any substances contained in a ‘specific object’ – i.e. something that is “given a special shape, surface or design that determines its function to a greater degree than does its chemical composition” or things that produce heat, light, sound, gas or smoke like fireworks or smoke bombs.
Can you supply a regulated substance?
It is an offence to supply a regulated substance (i.e. a regulated explosives precursor (part 1) or regulated poison (Part 2)) to a member of the general public without first verifying that the member of the general public has a licence, or a recognised non-GB licence, to acquire, possess and use that substance.
How should you refuse a sale?
You must refuse to sell any regulated substance to any member of the general public who is unable to produce a valid EPP licence.
- Explain briefly why you cannot sell.
- Direct the customer to the gov.uk website for an application form for an EPP licence.
- Be positive in your refusal.
- Have a firm tone of voice, be confident and use direct eye contact - the law is on your side and you are doing the right thing.
- Remind them that their actions may be caught on CCTV.
If the situation gets worse:
- Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into any arguments.
- Don’t use confrontational body language and keep a safe distance, preferably using a counter or till point as a barrier.
- Call for support if necessary.
- Tell the customer that you are just complying with the law and they are not being singled out.
- The rules are the same for everyone.
- Tell them that their behaviour is unacceptable and ask them to leave the premises in a clear and calm voice.
- If all else fails, advise them that you will have no option but to call the police.
- If this does not work call the police.
What should you do when making a sale?
- Ask to see the customer’s licence and associated photographic ID.
- Compare the photograph on the ID to the customer in front of you.
- Verify the photographic ID reference against the ID reference on the front page of the licence.
Check the product being purchased is allowed as part of the licence conditions:
- The substance is listed on the licence.
- The concentration requested is permitted on the licence.
- The quantity requested is permitted on the licence.
Record the transaction details in the table on the back of the licence.
Sales to the public may only be made from a registered pharmacy, either by or under
the supervision of a pharmacist.
There are additional record keeping requirements – a record must be kept in the
poisons register.
How should the sales of part 2 (regulated) poisons be recorded?
The record must state:
- The date of the supply.
- The name and address of the member of the general public.
- The name and quantity of the regulated poison supplied.
- The purposes for which it is stated by the member of the general public to be required
- the signature of the purchaser.
How should the sales of part 3 and 4 (reportable) substances be recorded?
Sales do not require the purchaser to hold a Home Office licence.
Can be supplied if the request is not suspicious and after consideration of whether appropriate commercial alternatives and sellers are available.
What is a denatured alcohol?
A denatured alcohol is an alcohol which has been made unsuitable for drinking through the addition of denaturants.
What are the three classes of denatured alcohol?
Completely denatured alcohol (CDA).
Industrial denatured alcohol (IDA).
Trade specific denatured alcohol (TSDA).
What are completely denatured alcohols (CDA) used for?
- CDA is suitable for heating, lighting and general domestic use. It is often used in the
home as a solvent to remove paint etc. - CDA is often purple in colour (due to the addition of an organic dye, methyl violet note that the addition of this colorant is no longer mandatory, however).
- CDA is subject to very few controls.
