Poisons and chemicals

Question 1

What is a poison

Answer 1

ο It is a substance listed in Part 1 (regulated poisons) or Part 4 (reportable poisons) of Schedule 1A unless it is excluded.
- A substance may be excluded if-
a) it is medicinal, or
b) it is contained in a specific object (this relates to explosives)
It is medicinal if it is-
a) a medicinal product as defined by regulation 2 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012
b) an investigational medicinal product as defined by regulation 2 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (Clinical Trials)
c) a substance to which part 12 or part 6 of the Human Medicines Regulations applies
d) a veterinary medicinal product as defined by regulation 2 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013

Question 2

What is the labelling policy for poisons?

Answer 2

ο CLP European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on Classification,
Labelling and
Packaging of substances and mixtures came into force on 20 January 2009 in all EU Member States, including the UK It is known by its abbreviated form, ‘the CLP Regulation’ or just plain ‘CLP’

Question 3

What does COSHH cover?

Answer 3

ο COSHH covers substances that are hazardous to health. Substances can take many forms and include:
ο chemicals
ο products containing chemicals
ο fumes
ο dusts
ο vapours
ο mists
ο nanotechnology
ο gases and asphyxiating gases and
ο biological agents (germs). If the packaging has any of the hazard symbols then it is classed as a hazardous substance.
organisms that cause diseases such as leptospirosis or legionnaires disease and germs used in laboratories.

Question 4

What are the Duties of managers/employers?

Answer 4

ο Need to create and maintain an inventory of all hazardous substances used in the Pharmacy and obtain safety data sheets from their suppliers
ο Carry out COSHH risk assessments to determine the risk posed by these substances (taking into account how they are used, stored, transported and disposed of
ο Control exposure where any substance presents a health and safety risk (e.g use of PPE, environmental monitoring – anaesthetic gases in Theatres)
ο Develop procedures for dealing with accidents such as spillages (e.g.dropped vials of chemotherapy agents)
ο Provide staff training