Poisons, spirits and chemicals Flashcards
Which act for poisons?
The poisons Act 1972
amended by Deregulation Act 2015 as a response to terrorism within UK
‘Regulated’ and ‘reportable’ substances
Regulated substances
Regulated explosives precursor is a substance listed in Part 1 of Schedule 1A
Regulated poison’ is a substance listed in Part 2 of Schedule 1A
Reportable substances
Reportable explosives precursor is a substance listed in Part 3 of Schedule 1A.
Reportable poison’ is a substance listed in Part 4 of Schedule 1A
Exemptions - poisons
Medicinal product
Human Medicines Regulations 2012
Ingredients for medicinal products
Veterinary medicinal product
Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013
Inspection and Enforcement
GPhC enforce the Poisons Act 1972
GPhC investigations
Penalties include terms of imprisonment and/or fines
Sale and Supply of Regulated Substances
Must have either a valid:
Explosives precursors and poisons (EPP) licence
Recognised non-GB licence
Associated photographic identity document
The licence will specify, which activities are permitted
Processing, formulating, storing, treating or mixing
When can we supply regulated substances?
lawful retail pharmacy business
supply is made on premises
under the supervision of (or by) a pharmacist
how to record the supply?
signed by purchaser
date of the supply
name and address of the member of the purchaser
name and quantity of the regulated poison supplied
purpose(s) required
Storage of poisons in retail premises:
- in cupboard or drawer reserved for POISONS only
- no customers access
- stored on shelf - no food or drink kept
What would suspicious transactions look like? Red flags:
- unclear intended use of substance
- unfamiliar with intended use
- buy substances in quantities, combinations or concentrations (uncommon fro private use)
- unwilling to provide proof of identity or address
- unusual method of payment; large amout of cash
Denatured alcohol
unsuitable for drinking - adding denaturant
Completely Denatured Alcohol (CDA)
- can be used for heating, lighting, cleaning and general domestic use
- obtained from DIY shops
- no licence or authorisation is required
- no restrictions
Industrial Denatured Alcohol (IDA)
- used in manufacture of hand gel/ hand sanitisers
- not used fro heating, lighting
receiving IDA by HMRC
- stocks; kept under lock and key
- responsible
Production and Distribution of Denatured Alcohol
A licence issued by HMRC
Distributors must ‘make entry’ of their premises with HMRC
Can supply CDA to anyone
Can supply IDA to authorised persons with an authorisation
Supply of IDA by a Pharmacist
A pharmacist, who is an authorised user of IDA may supply IDA:
to another authorised user
in quantities of less than 20 litres at any one time;
the pharmacist must hold a copy of that user’s authorisation to receive IDA;
- no limit
Records - denatured alcohol
Purchases of production materials
Imports (including details of the country of origin)
Class of denatured alcohol held in containers
Quantities of alcohols, denaturants, markers, dyes and denatured alcohol held
Results of stocktakes and action taken to investigate deficiencies
Exports and sales of denatured alcohol
Chemicals - regulated by?
the GB Classification,
Labelling and Packaging Regulation (GB CLP)
‘Ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment’
Rely on the classification and labelling information from the manufacturer
If altered, you become responsible for classifying, labelling and packaging
internationally agreed system of chemicals classification and labelling.
Globally Harmonised System of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Exemptions - chemicals
GB CLP does not apply to the following chemicals:
Radioactive substances
Substances subject to customs supervision
Non-isolated intermediates
Substances for scientific research and development
Waste
Medicinal products
Veterinary medicinal products
Cosmetic products
Medical devices
Food or feeding stuffs
Classification of chemicals: before placing on market
When classifying a chemical, there are criteria for:
physical hazards (e.g. being corrosive);
health hazards (e.g. carcinogenicity, skin irritation etc.); and
environmental hazards (e.g. harmful to the aquatic environment, etc.).
Labelling of Chemicals
Name, address and telephone number of the supplier(s)
Quantity (unless the quantity is elsewhere)
Product identifiers
Substance name and an identification number
Hazard Pictograms
slide 25 - learn
Addition Labelling Requirements
- signal word; ‘danger’ / ‘warning’
- description; extremely flammable gas/ corrosive to metels / toxic if swallowed
- precautionary statements to prevent potential hazards; ‘keep container tightly closed’/ ‘do not eat
Supplemental Information
Explosive when dry (this is a physical property)
Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking (this is a health property)
Packaging of Chemicals
packaging must be:
- designed where contents cannot escape
- susceptible to damage by contents
- must be strong and solid
- must not have shape or design to attract children
Safety Data Sheets
Distributors (such as pharmacies), must pass information to their customers.
Purchasers of chemicals must receive a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
COSHH
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- protect employees, that may be exposed to substances in workplace
- risk assessment is made of substances used and procedures operate in workplace
What is the Regulation of Drug Precursors??
- prevent unauthorised possession or trade of drug precursors
- cover 28 chemical substances which are divided into 3 catogries
what are the 3 catogries of drug precursors:
Category 1 covers the most common substances
E.g., piperonal (flavouring and perfumes), can be used to produce methamphetamine;
Category 2 covers less common substances and pre-precursors,
E.g., acetic anhydride (photographic chemical), can be to produce heroin
Category 3 covers chemicals that can have different types of uses in the manufacturing process
E.g., feedstock, solvents or impurities removers
