Appendices
Last updated:Appendix 1 - Inventory of Hazardous Substances
Appendix 1 Inventory of Hazardous Substances (Download)
Appendix 2 - Risk Assessment
COSHH Risk Assessment (Download)
Sign off Sheet of Understanding (Download)
Appendix 3 - General Precautions
These general precautions apply to all cleaning, maintenance and other proprietary substance in common use including those not formally classified as hazardous to health. For substances hazardous to health these general precautions should be supplemented by the COSHH assessment.
Before Use
- Ensure the least hazardous substance suitable for the task is used.
- Keep the number of different substances to a minimum (one descales product, one floor stripper etc).
Storage
Do
- Store products in cool, dry, well, ventilated place, some substances are affected by light, so store away from sunlight.
- In establishments with children/vulnerable adults keep substances secure (special arrangements may be needed for clients personal use items).
- Safely dispose of any unwanted substances.
- Ensure products are clearly labelled in original containers.
- Label spray bottles containing diluted product
Do not
- Re-use concentrate containers, dispose of safely.
- Decant concentrate into smaller containers.
- Remove labels from container or transfer chemicals into containers containing other labels.
- Store bagged substances directly on the floor.
- Store substances on top of one another in case of leaks and incompatible substances mixing.
Usage
Do
- Read the instructions on label and safety data sheet (if available) carefully before use.
- Avoid contact with skin – wear gloves whenever possible.
- Keep the lid on products when not in use.
- Wash splashes off immediately.
- Clear up spillages promptly following manufactures instructions.
- Make up only as much solution as you need for immediate use.
- When pouring or diluting concentrated substances wear eye protection.
- Report any health problems which may be caused by the use of substances at work to your line manger e.g. dry, sore, itchy skin; difficulty in breathing, or wheeziness.
Do Not
- Mix or use substances together unless instructions allow.
- Add any other chemical to substances containing bleach as deadly chlorine gas can be generated
- Use a product for a purpose for which it is not intended (check instructions for use).
Appendix 4 - Hazard Symbols
There are currently 2 different classification systems in use to denote hazardous and flammable substances -
- Previous system - black symbol on an orange background (Table 1)
- New – black symbol in a red diamond with white background (Table 2)
The 2 systems are not directly comparable, some symbols are different and the associated wording and explanations that go with the symbols are also different, as is the way some hazards are defined.
The previous system was replaced by the new one system the transition in 2015. In the meantime either or both systems may be in use on product labels and in hazard data sheets.