Name: Spearhead Healthcare
Address: Irvine, North Ayrshire
Telephone: 0345 180 1800

Key Takeaways

What is COSHH training?
Who needs to have COSHH training?
What does COSHH training involve?
COSHH Symbols
COSHH Employer and Employee Requirements

What is COSHH training?

COSHH training stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’ training and is a set of regulations that are in place to protect care workers from hazards and ill health when working with substances that are hazardous.

Hazardous substances that are under the COSHH umbrella are liquid, solids, dust, vapours, fumes, mists and gases, plus any viruses or bacteria. These substances are classed as hazardous as they may affect and harm your skin, nose, lungs, mouth, genes, internal organs, eyes or central nervous system. It also applies to any substances that have a risk of injury with combustion or explosion.

The COSHH training is to avoid any problems in the work place concerning these substances, whether these substances are being used, created or manufactured in the job role. Regarding the health and social care industry, it’s likely training will be given on how to use these substances without injury or harm, as there are materials used to clean care homes and keep residents safe from illness.

Who Needs to Have COSHH Training?

People who work with hazardous substances need to have COSHH training. In terms of health and social care, cleaning staff will need to be given COSHH training to cover cleaning substances and any other harmful substances they may need to use in the day-to-day working.

Employers must make sure their care nurses are properly trained on COSHH procedures, including supervision in some instances of using substances that fall under the COSHH umbrella. It’s important for cleaning staff to understand the risks when using substances in their work, so control measures can be put in place correctly.

What Does COSHH Training Involve?

COSHH training covers everything from:

Substances names that are hazardous
Risks from said substances
Precautions that need to be taken when using these substances
Which PPE to use
Workplace exposure limits
Health surveillance if anyone is exposed to substances
Emergency procedures after exposure

Within the training, employers must explain and demonstrate these procedures to give cleaning staff a full explanation of what to do when using these substances and if an injury or risk occurs. There are also safety data sheets for each cleaning chemical product which may help when referring to different symbols and substances.

COSHH Symbols and Meanings

There are 9 symbols that fall into the COSHH substances.

COSHH Symbols

Dangerous to the environment - Can harm wildlife, water systems, wildlife and people.
Toxic - Can cause damage in very small doses/exposures.
Oxidising - Will react with other chemicals and cause combustion.
Corrosive - Can damage materials and substances via chemical reactions.
Long term health hazards - Presence of cancer causing agents, or a substance that can cause long term chronic health issues.
Warning - Less harmful than other substances but should still be handled with care.

Employee Requirements in COSHH Training

Employees are required to follow the COSHH training in the health and social care industry to ensure they aren’t harmed and others in their care aren’t harmed either. The employee requirements include:

Following all procedures to stop incidents or overexposure.
Wearing the correct PPE or clothing when handing substances, whilst also storing any PPE correctly.
Helping fellow care staff to follow safety procedures and supporting fellow cleaners if they need help when working with substances.
Reporting any incidents quickly and efficiently.
Attend any medical check-ups for staff or residents.
Use all correct cleaning equipment that is in line with official procedures.
Keep up to date with training and procedure changes.

Employer Requirements in COSHH Training

It’s not just employees who have to follow the COSHH training and regulations, there are procedures in place for employers to follow, so their team have the most up-to-date information regarding COSHH.

Providing PPE for staff when necessary.
Provide staff with information and training.
Implement control measures that are up-to-date.
Carry out a COSHH Risk Assessment.
Supervise staff when necessary.
Check that use of hazardous substances doesn’t exceed the Workplace Exposure Limit.
Have first-aid kits and any medical equipment for exposure on site.
Ensuring all accidents are recorded in an accident book.

Why Is COSHH Training Important?

COSHH training is important to keep your staff and residents safe. Giving your employees the tools to be able to handle any issues with substances and follow correct procedures ensures safety amongst the team and protects residents from any harmful exposures. Accidents happen in the workplace, but by having up to date COSHH training these accidents can be minimised and then followed up with the correct procedures.

Prefer to Quickly Talk to Our Advisors about your PPE needs?

Not to worry! We understand that people can be busy when looking after a care facility.

Our team of specialists are available to discuss your requirements. Give us a quick call or contact us online today for a chat, and we can give advice and produce you a quick quote.

Call us: 0345 180 1800

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