| This is a beneficial guide to help employers and | | | | can cause skin or eye damage. Good hand |
| workers comply with CoSHH Regulations. The | | | | washing facilities should be available on site. It is |
| article highlights the importance of following | | | | vital that hands are kept clean to avoid cross |
| stringent procedures when using and storing | | | | contamination. Hands must be washed and dried |
| chemicals. | | | | thoroughly, and then cream applied. |
| There are certain simple procedures which need | | | | Employees should have easy access to personal |
| to be adhered to in order to prevent an adverse | | | | protective equipment (PPE), which may include |
| reaction. For example, exposing your hands to | | | | items such as protective gloves, aprons and eye |
| water for long periods can lead to dermatitis. | | | | protection. Follow any instructions given on |
| There are also certain cleaning products which can | | | | product labels and if necessary ask your Safety |
| cause skin allergies and asthma. Some corrosive | | | | Clothing Supplier to help you get the right PPE. |
| cleaning products can cause skin burns and eye | | | | Your respiratory protective equipment (RPE) |
| damage. | | | | supplier ought to be contacted should RPE be |
| In order to avoid ill health, it is necessary to follow | | | | required as a result of a spillage. It is advised that |
| good working procedures. Contact with chemicals | | | | single use nitrile protective gloves are used, and |
| should be kept to a mimimum and leaks and | | | | are thrown away every time they are taken off. |
| spillages should be reduced. A spill clean-up kit | | | | If latex gloves are used, they must only be 'low |
| must be provided close by. It is important that all | | | | protein, powder free' gloves. |
| cleaning products are stored safely. | | | | It is imperative that certain chemicals are |
| Another important point is to ensure that the | | | | segregated to prevent a reaction. Always |
| store area is kept well ventilated at all times. The | | | | separate solid and liquid products, flammable and |
| storage area must also be kept clean and | | | | non flammable liquids, acids and alkalis and wastes. |
| organised. Any spillages must be cleaned up | | | | Chemical products should be kept to a minimum |
| immediately and any liquids must be absorbed in | | | | and stored in a cool dark place where spills can be |
| granules. Any spillages should then be moved to a | | | | contained. All chemicals should be stored in |
| marked secure container with a lid. Hazardous | | | | containers with lids. The labels on the containers in |
| waste should then be disposed of by a specialist | | | | storage should face forward and be easy to pour |
| contractor. | | | | from so as they don't spill or trap liquid in the rim. |
| Only workers who have been trained in the use | | | | Any heavy items and corrosive chemicals should |
| of chemical products should have access to them | | | | be stored on lower shelves. Solid chemicals should |
| and they must ensure that the storage container | | | | preferably be bought in tablet form, or |
| remains locked. A first aid plan must be in place | | | | alternatively stored in a container with a wide |
| for workers who have contact with products that | | | | neck which makes it easier to spoon out granules. |