The document discusses the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, which aim to protect workers from risks to their health from hazardous substances. It explains that COSHH is a legal requirement to enforce safety standards and reduce accidents involving chemicals. It also contains a case study of a school cook who developed severe asthma from exposure to flour dust without proper controls or ventilation, forcing her into early retirement. The document seeks to promote awareness of COSHH and the safe use of chemicals through training.

1. C.O.S.H.H
Stage 2
Promoting the Safe
Use of Chemicals in Cleaning
C.O.S.H.H Awareness Training
By
Power Hygiene

2. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Aim of COSHH?
To protect people against risks to their health, whether immediate or delayed, from
substances hazardous to health arising from a work activity.
COSHH is a legal objective and requirement.
It is there to enforce and raise safety standards in the workplace.
It is there to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents involving chemicals and
other hazardous substances.
COSHH is based on identifying the hazard of a substance and then determining the
risk…
What is C.O.S.H.H?

3. Summary
A 46-year-old school cook developed breathing problems after working with flour in
the school kitchen. The room was small with poor ventilation.
Her breathing problems became so severe that she could hardly walk. She had to
sleep sitting up.
Her daily job included dough making in a large mixer. There were no controls for the
flour dust.
HSE investigation
The cook contacted her union, which supported her with a compensation claim on
the basis that decent working conditions were not provided.
The council admitted that it had not taken sufficient action over the problem
despite repeated complaints. HSE was not involved.
Effects
The cook became severely asthmatic. She had to retire early on health grounds, and
the courts eventually awarded her £200,000 in damages.
But the money will not bring back her health. While she was able to move out of
town, she rarely leaves the house. She faces a very restricted lifestyle.
Details From Health & Safety Executive
Case Studies
School cook can hardly Walk

4. What’s Wrong Here

5. What information must you have before using a
hazardous substance?
a) Name of the chemical supplier
b) PPE to be worn
c) Date the substance was made
d) All of the above
COSHH Quiz Answers

6. Answer is
b) PPE to be worn
COSHH Quiz Answers

7. How can chemicals cause harm? (Choose TWO answers)
a) Ingestion
b) Dilution
c) Inhalation
d) Explosion
COSHH Quiz Answers

8. Answer Is
a) Ingestion
c) Inhalation
COSHH Quiz Answers

9. PPE should always be the first control measure when
choosing chemicals.
a) True
b) False
COSHH Quiz Answers

10. Answer Is
b) False
COSHH Quiz Answers

11. What should you do if your PPE is damaged?
(choose TWO answers)
a) Use it anyway
b) Tell your Manager
c) Buy your own
d) Do not use until it has been replaced
COSHH Quiz Answers

12. Answer Is
b) Tell your Manager
d) Do not use until it has been replaced
COSHH Quiz Answers

13. Which of these are types of hazardous classifications
used on chemicals? (Choose THREE answers)
a) Irritant
b) Toxic
c) Corrosive
d) Viagra
COSHH Quiz Answers

14. Answer Is
a) Irritant
b) Toxic
c) Corrosive
COSHH Quiz Answers

15. Which of the following are commonly used PPE?
a) Snorkel, paper apron and rubber gloves
b) Rubber gloves, goggles and rubber apron
c) Dust mask, paper apron and flip flops
d) Paper gloves, goggles and rubber apron
COSHH Quiz Answers

16. Answer Is
b) Rubber gloves, goggles and rubber apron
COSHH Quiz Answers

17. It is only ok to mix chemicals if it says so on the label?
a) True
b) False
COSHH Quiz Answers

18. Answer Is
a) True
COSHH Quiz Answers

19. Where should chemicals be stored?
a) In the pub
b) In electrical cupboards
c) In a locked cupboard
d) In the fridge
COSHH Quiz Answers

20. Answers is
c) In a locked cupboard
COSHH Quiz Answers

21. What should you do if there is a chemical spillage?
(Choose TWO answers)
a) Cordon off the area until the cleaners arrive
b) Clear the spillage immediately using the correct PPE
c) Ensure the floor is left clean and dry
d) Cover the area with salt
COSHH Quiz Answers

22. Answer Is
b) Clear the spillage immediately using the correct PPE
c) Ensure the floor is left clean and dry
COSHH Quiz Answers

23. We need a strong product to properly and effectively clean the oven, so we cannot
mitigate or reduce the hazard of the task. However, we can manage the risk better,
By ensuring we wear gloves to protect our skin and goggles to protect the eyes we
reduce the risk of suffering harm.
If not…..This may happen
COSHH is all about identifying the hazards and managing the risks…
Hazards and Risks?

24. Everyone!
COSHH is everyone’s responsibility. We are all responsible for complying with
COSHH. Which falls under the scope of the Health and Safety at Work act.
Ignorance of the law is no defence and should your actions (or inaction) cause an
accident you could be charged with anything from negligence to manslaughter.
Therefore, it is important that you fully understand your responsibility – not only
to ensure your safety and your colleagues safety, but also to avoid falling foul of
the law.
This may all sound rather alarming. Thankfully, it is really very, very simple to stay
legal and stay safe…
C.O.S.H.H – Who is Responsible?

25. Question
What is the difference between a Sanitise and
Disinfectant?
What is the difference between a Bleach and Descaler?
If you have to dilute a product into a 5 Litre Bucket and
the rate was 1:40, how much product would you need?
Using The Right Products!

26. Correct Dosing & Dilution

27. Dosing

28. Hazard Symbols
Irritant

29. Hazard Symbols
Corrosive

30. Hazard Symbols
Toxic

31. Hazard Symbols
Highly Flammable

32. Hazard Symbols
 Explosive
Explosive
Oxidising
Dangerous for the
Environment

33. Eyes
Rinse immediately with plenty of water, holding the eyelids open and seek medical
advice immediately if corrosive, irritant or caustic products, for all other
classifications seek medical advice if effects persist.
Inhalation
Remove from source of vapour or spray mist and seek medical advice.
Skin
Wash thoroughly, (for corrosive, irritant or caustic products seek medical advice)
Ingestion
Remove product from mouth, Never induce vomiting, if conscious give plenty of water or
milk to drink and seek medical advice..
First Aid
“accidents can happen –take the correct actions immediately.”

34. ALWAYS treat all chemicals with respect - familiarity can breed complacency.
AVOID personal contact with chemicals. Protect the skin and eyes. Avoid swallowing / inhaling.
ALWAYS wear protective equipment. Use eye protection, gloves, protective workwear, etc.
ALWAYS obey instructions supplied with the chemicals - Refer to labels & safety literature.
ALWAYS replace closures on containers.
ALWAYS store chemicals correctly.
ALWAYS ensure that safe systems of work are implemented whenever chemicals are handled.
ALWAYS know the emergency first aid procedures.
Pay attention to the particular hazards of individual chemicals. eg corrosives.
The Golden Rules of Chemical
Safety

35.  mix chemicals unless specialised knowledge is available.
 Leave chemicals in unmarked containers
 Put chemicals into other incorrect containers
 Leave chemicals unattended
 Deviate from manufacturer’s instructions
 Use chemicals you are not trained to use
 Use any chemicals other than those approved
 Store chemicals other than those approved
 Issue chemicals to unauthorised persons
 Indulge in horseplay.
 Smoke, eat or drink near chemicals: use only designated areas.
C.O.S.H.H
DO NOTs

36. C.O.S.H.H
Promoting the Safe
Use of Chemicals in Cleaning
C.O.S.H.H Awareness Training
By
Power Hygiene