Induction Manual

• Overview
• COSHH
• RIDDOR
• Infection Control
• MRSA
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Risk Incident Reporting
• Training and Complaint Handling
• Handling Violence and Aggression
• Fire Procedures
• Fire Safety
• Manual Handling
• Lone Worker Training
• Ionising Radiation
• Calidicott Principles
• Health and Safety
• Clinical Governance
• Data Protection
• Good Medical Practice
• Useful Contacts

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) requires employers to control exposures to hazardous substances to protect both employees and others who may be exposed from work activities.

Hazardous substances are anything that can harm your health when you work with them if they are not properly controlled e.g. by using adequate ventilation. They are found in nearly all work places e.g. factories, shops, mines, farms and offices. They can include:

• Substances used directly in work activities e.g. glues, paints, cleaning agents
• Substances generated during work activities e.g. fumes from soldering and welding
• Naturally occurring substances e.g. grain dust, blood, bacteria

For the vast majority of commercial chemicals, the presence (or not) of a warning label will indicate whether COSHH is relevant. For example, household washing up liquid doesn't have a warning label but bleach does - so COSHH applies to bleach but not washing up liquid when used at work. Remember that asbestos and lead are covered by separate laws.

In the interest of health and safety, it is your responsibility to adhere to local trust policies and procedures.

Further guidance can be found on the Health & Safety Executive web site at http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

Leaflets giving guidance on hazardous chemicals, labelling, transportation, packaging and COSHH can also be found on the Health & Safety Executive web site at
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/chindex.htm

Source of reference - The Health & Safety Executive