Poisons, spirits and chemicals

Question 1

Which act for poisons?

Answer 1

The poisons Act 1972

amended by Deregulation Act 2015 as a response to terrorism within UK

‘Regulated’ and ‘reportable’ substances

Question 2

Regulated substances

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Reportable substances

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Exemptions - poisons

Answer 4

Medicinal product
Human Medicines Regulations 2012
Ingredients for medicinal products
Veterinary medicinal product
Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013

Question 5

Inspection and Enforcement

Answer 5

GPhC enforce the Poisons Act 1972
GPhC investigations
Penalties include terms of imprisonment and/or fines

Question 6

Sale and Supply of Regulated Substances

Answer 6

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

Question 7

When can we supply regulated substances?

Answer 7

lawful retail pharmacy business
supply is made on premises
under the supervision of (or by) a pharmacist

Question 8

how to record the supply?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Storage of poisons in retail premises:

Answer 9

• in cupboard or drawer reserved for POISONS only
• no customers access
• stored on shelf - no food or drink kept

Question 10

What would suspicious transactions look like? Red flags:

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

Denatured alcohol

Answer 11

unsuitable for drinking - adding denaturant

Question 12

Completely Denatured Alcohol (CDA)

Answer 12

• can be used for heating, lighting, cleaning and general domestic use
• obtained from DIY shops
• no licence or authorisation is required
• no restrictions

Question 13

Industrial Denatured Alcohol (IDA)

Answer 13

• used in manufacture of hand gel/ hand sanitisers
• not used fro heating, lighting

receiving IDA by HMRC
- stocks; kept under lock and key
- responsible

Question 14

Production and Distribution of Denatured Alcohol

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Supply of IDA by a Pharmacist

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Records - denatured alcohol

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Chemicals - regulated by?

Answer 17

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).

Question 18

Exemptions - chemicals

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Classification of chemicals: before placing on market

Answer 19

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.).

Question 20

Labelling of Chemicals

Answer 20

Name, address and telephone number of the supplier(s)

Quantity (unless the quantity is elsewhere)

Product identifiers

Substance name and an identification number

Question 21

Hazard Pictograms

Answer 21

slide 25 - learn

Question 22

Addition Labelling Requirements

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

Supplemental Information

Answer 23

Explosive when dry (this is a physical property)
Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking (this is a health property)

Question 24

Packaging of Chemicals

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Safety Data Sheets

Answer 25

Distributors (such as pharmacies), must pass information to their customers.

Purchasers of chemicals must receive a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Question 26

COSHH

Answer 26

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

Question 27

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

Answer 27

• protect employees, that may be exposed to substances in workplace
• risk assessment is made of substances used and procedures operate in workplace

Question 28

What is the Regulation of Drug Precursors??

Answer 28

• prevent unauthorised possession or trade of drug precursors
• cover 28 chemical substances which are divided into 3 catogries

Question 29

what are the 3 catogries of drug precursors:

Answer 29

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