LO2: legalisation - COSHH (control of substances hazardous to health COSHH 2002.

Question 1

how does COSHH work?

Answer 1

COSHH stores (which is how chemical and biological hazards are kept and used to prevent harm), they are found everywhere.

Question 2

in care homes (IDENTIFY)

Answer 2

1. drugs and medicine
2. cleaning materials, disinfectants and Maintenace produces containing chemicals (e.g.: pesticides)
3. materials exposed to body fluids (e.g.: soiled bedding and incontinence pads)

Question 3

in care homes (ACTIONS):

Answer 3

1. access the health risk to the staff, residents and visitors.
2. decide on action to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances, infections and disease.

Question 4

in care homes (COSHH assessments):

Answer 4

1. established what substances (e.g., cleaning materials) and biological hazards (e.g.: hazardous waste or soiled bedding) are present and how they can cause harm
2. prevent possible exposures to hazardous substances by elimination where possible.
3. decide whether you can substitute it for something safer, e.g.: swap an irritant cleaning product for something milder.

Question 5

in a care home (IF SUBSUBSTITUTION IS NOT POSSIBLE):

Answer 5

1. handle chemical safety, following manufacture instructions
2. store produces safely (e.g.: cleaning things)
3. keep in their original containers
4. use protective equipment (e.g.: PPE)

Question 6

in a care home (TRAINING, INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS):

Answer 6

1. correct use of storage of the procedures.
2. correct procedures for cleaning up spillages.
3. procedures to check and wear protective equipment correctly.

Question 7

how do you do a COSHH example on sharps?

Answer 7

1. a needle or sharp thing can penetrate the skin.
2. it might be contaminated with blood or body fluids.
3. potential for infection.
4. dispose of sharps in correct bins.