Summary of Responsibilities for COSHH

2.1 Headteachers and Managers Must:

• Identify all hazardous substances used, stored, handled or generated in their area of work and compile an inventory.
• Decide whether each substance is still required or whether it can be replaced by a safer alternative. Minimise the number of hazardous substances in use at the premises.
• Consider the practicality of preventing exposure to hazardous substances.
• Ensure risk assessments are carried out for all hazardous substances.
• Check risk assessments cover the work activities concerned and are signed and dated.
• The risk assessments need to be brought to the attention of the employees who use the substances. They must also receive adequate information, instruction and training with records kept of the training.
• Ensure all hazardous substances are securely and appropriately stored.
• Ensure that all control measures, for example, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) such as fume cupboards, dust and fume extraction systems etc. are functioning adequately and that test records are up to date. LEV needs to be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months by a competent person.
• Ensure appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as identified in the risk assessment is available and that procedures for the care, maintenance and inspection of PPE are in place.
• Ensure Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and COSHH risk assessments are in place for new hazardous substances prior to purchase.
• Monitor compliance with COSHH risk assessments and re-assess when necessary (section 4.2)
• Ensure appropriate emergency procedures are in place for managing any uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance e.g. spillages.
• When disposing of hazardous substances follow the instructions in the safety data sheet data. If disposal by a licensed waste operator is required ensure that the appropriate waste transfer documentation is competed and retained. 
• Be aware of any activity by contractors/visitors involving hazards substances which may affect employees or members of the public.

2.2     Employees Must:

• Read the label on the product and refer to the SDS. Only products that are hazardous will have a label in place and require a COSHH risk assessment to be carried out.
• Read, and ensure they understand any COSHH risk assessment relating to any hazardous substances to which they or members of the public are exposed.
• Use control measures correctly when required as identified by the COSHH risk assessment.
• Report promptly to their Line Manager if they discover control measures are not in place or effective, are no longer working efficiently, or any hazardous substances for which there is no adequate assessment in place.

2.3     Contractors Working on Council Sites (including Schools) Must:

• Obtain safety data sheets for hazardous substances which they bring to site.
• Carry out COSHH risk assessments for any work activities involving hazardous substances on site.
• Prepare and follow written safe systems of work for the tasks carried out.
• Store hazardous substances securely when not in use.

This information should be available for inspection at the time the contract is arranged and copies kept in suitable places (e.g. cleaner’s storeroom/managers office).  Managers should ensure this is the case at local level as there is a potential risk to clients and employees from uncontrolled use of hazardous substances.