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Ltd nor anyone involved in the creation of this publication accepts any responsibility for any
inaccuracies or failure to implement correctly, however caused.
Disclaimer of Endorsement
Reference to or any image of any specific commercial or non-commercial product, process
or service by company name, trade name, trade mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not
constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Highfield Products Ltd. This
should be the year in which the document was created. It can be a period of years if the
document has been created and then amended.
Where possible, the health & safety briefing should be delivered by a local representative. If
such a person is unavailable, the trainer should make themselves familiar with the client’s
protocols, procedures and facilities in order to complete this briefing themselves.
Point out the fire evacuation points and procedures as well as the location of the toilets and
when/where people are allowed to smoke. Explain that breaks are provided in which people
can smoke.
If CQ appears in the top-left corner of the slide, it is a Class Question.
If GE appears, it is a Group Exercise.
If CE appears, it is a class exercise that requires every member of the group to display a ‘card’
with a ‘tick’, a ‘cross‘ or A, B, C or D.
Employers, employees and enforcement officers all have a role to play in ensuring the risks
from hazardous substances are reduced.
Next slide is the learning outcomes.
Self-explanatory: the learning outcomes ensure that the learners meet the requirements of the
COSHH unit found on the regulated framework.
Activities in this module include:
Group exercise: What hazardous substance do you sue at home and
in the workplace?
Class question: What are employees’ duties?
Class question: How can an employer communicate information on
hazardous substances?
3 x end of module formative questions (multiple choice questions)
Group exercise
What hazardous substances do you use at home and in the workplace?
Class question: What are employees’ duties?
Class question: What are employees’ duties?
Enforcement will be carried out either by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or the
relevant local authority, depending upon the nature of the workplace.
The HSE inspectors are generally responsible for schools, factories, hospitals, etc., whilst
authorised officers from the local authority (usually Environmental Health Practitioners/Officers
EHPs/EHOs) are responsible for shops, offices and warehouses, etc.
Enforcing officers, to carry out their work effectively, are given many powers under the Health
and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Inspectors can:
• gain access to any workplace at any reasonable time
• direct that locations remain undisturbed after an accident
• ask questions and give advice
• take measurements, photographs and samples
• order removal and testing of equipment
HSE inspectors can now recover their costs, known as Fee For Intervention (FFI), where a
material breach of health and safety legislation is discovered. Fees are currently charged at
£129/hour.
In 2015 the average fee was £715.
Note – refer to current figures on FFI by checking the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/
If a contravention of legislation is discovered during an inspection (i.e. the organisation is
breaking the law) the inspector will, most commonly, give advice, usually in writing.
Case study
Fast food chain McDonalds were fined more than £20,000 by Wandsworth Council following
an incident which left one of its employees partially blinded by an acid-based cleaner.
The company was fined by the council under safety at work laws and according to
Wandsworth Council, this was the first successful prosecution against McDonalds in the UK
resulting from an accident in the workplace.
The incident took place at the McDonalds restaurant on 20th June 2008 while an employee
attempted to unblock a waste pipe. The staff member suffered severe burns to his face and
eyes and has been left with around 55% vision in his left eye.
The court heard how the worker had attempted to unblock a drain after staff at the restaurant
had noticed that a washing machine was not working. In order to remove the blockage, the
restaurant bought a corrosive chemical drain cleaner. When the first attempt at using this
sulphuric acid based cleaner failed to dislodge the blockage, the employee was given money
by a manager to buy another bottle.
When the worker poured more of the chemical into the drain, the contents blew back into his
face and into his eyes. He was given first aid before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
He sustained burns which following treatment, have left him with around 97% vision in his right
eye and only about 55% in his left eye.
Source https://ethossolution.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/mcdonalds-worker-left-partially-blind-
following-acid-eye-injury/
However, in more serious cases it may be necessary to take one of the following actions:
Serve an improvement notice on the employer/person. This notice gives a time limit in which
corrective action must be taken. (On an improvement notice this is not less than 21 days).
Improvement notices may be appealed and while the appeal is waiting to be heard a
suspension is placed on the notice.
Serve a prohibition notice on the employer/person. This notice is served when there is a
serious risk of personal injury. It may require work to cease immediately.
An appeal can be made against a prohibition notice. However, the notice will remain in force.
Prohibition notices can only be lifted by the enforcing officer.
Commence criminal proceedings against the employers, directors, managers, etc.
This is only likely if there is a serious health and safety problem or if notices have been
ignored. Penalties can be severe upon prosecution, resulting in up to two years’
imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Mark Mellard, 46, has since had two skin grafts to his left thigh, after the highly-corrosive liquid
burned through a bottle he had picked up on his way out of the DHL Debenhams warehouse
at Sherburn Industrial Estate.
York and Selby Magistrates’ Court heard John Campey had decanted the heavy-duty drain
cleaner from its container into an empty plastic Irn Bru bottle and left it next to a sink. The
court heard Mr Mellard had the bottle in his pocket when he felt it burning. He removed it and
threw it away, and rushed to the toilets where he put cold water on his leg which stopped
hurting as his nerve endings were damaged.
Class question: How can an employer communicate information on hazardous
substances?
Class exercise
Answer is A.
Use ABCD cards which are available with the presentation. Use in one of the following
ways:
In teams as a competition.
As individuals with everyone standing up; if they get it wrong they have to sit down.
Tell delegates it is a competition; you may consider a little prize.
Ask delegates to select and reveal their answer. Once all delegates have selected give them
the chance to change their mind, but use a countdown. 3-2-1 will do.
The devious will try all attempts to lead people down the wrong path; encourage this.
The main point is the trainer will see an instant response from all delegates.
Class exercise
Answer is D.
Class exercise
Answer is B.
Activities in this module includes:
Group exercise: Give an example of each that relates to your own
workplace
Group exercise: COSHH substances
Group exercise: Hazardous substances in the workplace
Group exercise: The CLP classified substances, handout 1
Group exercise: How is each substance classified as hazardous? Key
task 2
Group exercise: Routes of entry. Key task 3
3 x end of module formative questions (multiple choice questions)
Group exercise: Give an example of each that relates to your own workplace
Explain each one with examples relevant to candidates’ own workplace.
Group exercise: COSHH substances
Those chemicals which, if classified under the CLP Regulations, would be classified as gas
under pressure, explosive, oxidising, flammable, corrosive, health hazard/hazardous to
the ozone layer, acute toxicity, serious health hazard, hazardous to the environment.
Substances which have a workplace exposure limit assigned by the HSE. The full details
of workplace exposure limits can be found in a HSE publication called EH40.
Dusts in concentrations which will cause ill health; some of these dusts do have
workplace exposure limits.
Biological agents which include micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses as well as
parasites.
Any other substance which, when found in a workplace, poses a risk due to its
properties. An example of this is a gas which, when present in high concentrations, will act as
an asphyxiant.
Group exercise: Hazardous substances in the workplace
Key task 1 – using the sheet provided or flip chart paper, ask the delegates to make a list of
the hazardous substances (and their locations) that they may come into contact with whilst at
work.
Explain each one with examples relevant to candidates’ own workplace.
In 1992, at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, a mandate was made to introduce a system of
classifying and labelling chemicals to align all the different systems used throughout the world.
This is called the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
The EU CLP Regulation adopts the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of the
classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) across all EU countries, including the UK, when
the UK was an EU Member State.
As GHS is a voluntary agreement rather than a law, it must be adopted through a suitable
national or regional legal mechanism to ensure it becomes legally binding. That's what the EU
CLP Regulation does.
The EU CLP Regulation as amended, is retained in GB law. These arrangements mean that
Great Britain continues to adopt GHS, independently of the European Union.
In order for GB CLP to operate fully and effectively in Great Britain, the EU CLP Regulation
has been amended. This means there are changes to the requirements or allowances in
existing processes and procedures. The following should be noted:
the main duties to classify, label and package remain
HSE becomes the relevant GB CLP Agency overseeing GB CLP functions for substances and
mixtures placed on the GB market
the GB CLP Regulation applies to GB-based manufacturers, importers, downstream users and
distributors supplying the GB market.
Source HSE 2021
Group exercise: The CLP classified substances, refer to handout 1
In groups, ask delegates to now consider the hazardous substances identified and how each
of the substances is classified hazardous by using the appropriate symbol.
Group exercise: refer to handout 1 answers or alternatively you can use key task 2
sheet (How is each substance classified as hazardous (use the hazardous symbol)?
In groups, ask delegates to now consider the hazardous substances identified in key task 1
and how each of the substances is classified hazardous by using the appropriate symbol.
Acute toxicity- Substances and preparations which, in very low quantities, cause death or
acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Health hazard - Harmful - Substances and preparations which may cause death or acute or
chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Health hazard - Irritant - Non-corrosive substances and preparations which, through
immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membranes such as the
nostrils, may cause inflammation.
Serious Health Hazard - Carcinogenic - Substances and preparations which, if they are
inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce cancer or increase its incidence.
Serious Health Hazard - Mutagenic- Substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled
or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce heritable genetic defects or increase their
incidence.
Serious Health Hazard - Toxic for reproduction - Substances and preparations which, if
they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may produce or increase the
incidence of non-heritable adverse effects in children and/or in reproductive capacity.
Corrosive - Substances and preparations which may, on contact with living tissues, destroy
them.
Group exercise: refer to handout 1 answers or alternatively you can use key task 2
sheet (How is each substance classified as hazardous (use the hazardous symbol)?
In groups, ask delegates to now consider the hazardous substances identified in key task 1
and how each of the substances is classified hazardous by using the appropriate symbol.
Acute toxicity- Substances and preparations which, in very low quantities, cause death or
acute or chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Health hazard - Harmful - Substances and preparations which may cause death or acute or
chronic damage to health when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via the skin.
Health hazard - Irritant - Non-corrosive substances and preparations which, through
immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membranes such as the
nostrils, may cause inflammation.
Serious Health Hazard - Carcinogenic - Substances and preparations which, if they are
inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce cancer or increase its incidence.
Serious Health Hazard - Mutagenic- Substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled
or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce heritable genetic defects or increase their
incidence.
Serious Health Hazard - Toxic for reproduction - Substances and preparations which, if
they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may produce or increase the
incidence of non-heritable adverse effects in children and/or in reproductive capacity.
Corrosive - Substances and preparations which may, on contact with living tissues, destroy
them.
Group exercise: How is each substance classified as hazardous?
Refer to Key task 2
Group exercise: Routes of entry, refer to key task 3 sheet
In groups ask delegates to consider the hazardous substances identified in Key task 1 and
how they may enter the body.
Hazardous substances can enter the body via 4 routes of entry:
Inhalation
Breathing in the hazardous substance; this is the most common route of entry.
Ingestion
This is taking a hazardous substance into the body through the food route; this is often linked
to poor personal hygiene.
Absorption
The skin allows hazardous materials to pass through it and to become absorbed by the body.
Injection
Forceful breaches of the skin can allow hazardous substances to enter the body.
Examples may be ‘sharps’ injuries or materials under very high pressures breaching the skin.
Group exercise
Key task 3 – refer to key task 3 sheet
Ask the delegates to consider the hazardous substances identified in Key Task 1 and how
each substance might enter the body?
Acute exposure occurs when the effects are immediate, such as the spilling of a concentrated
acid onto the skin which leads to burns.
Chronic exposure occurs when the effects cause no immediate change, but repeated
exposure over a long period of time can lead to ill health. Some of the chronic effects may be
occupational asthma, cancers, organ damage or dermatitis, for example.
Certain chemicals cause irritation to the skin on contact; the effects of this can be dermatitis,
eczema or other types of rash.
Carcinogenic materials are known to cause cancers.
Mutagenic materials may cause genetic damage, whilst those which are toxic for
reproduction may cause birth defects.
Toxic substances or asphyxiants disrupt the body’s ability to breathe. Some materials, if
they get inside the body can cause damage to the internal organs or the processes
undertaken inside the body.
Corrosive materials burn the skin and, if swallowed, they burn the tissues inside the body.
Gases and vapours will cause damage to the lungs whereas dusts, if inhaled, may lead to
lung diseases such as emphysema or asthma.
Class exercise
Answer is B.
Use ABCD cards which are available with the presentation. Use in one of the following
ways:
In teams as a competition.
As individuals with everyone standing up; if they get it wrong they have to sit down.
Tell delegates it is a competition; you may consider a little prize.
Ask delegates to select and reveal their answer. Once all delegates have selected give them
the chance to change their mind but use a countdown; 3-2-1 will do.
The devious will try all attempts to lead people down the wrong path; encourage this.
The main point is the trainer will see an instant response from all delegates.
Class exercise
Answer is D.
Class exercise
Answer is D.
Activities in this module includes:
Group exercise: Hazards and risks
Group exercise: Identify the hazards, handout 2
Class question: Who may be at harm?
Group exercise: Hierarchy of control, handout 3
Group exercise: Record and implement
Group exercise: refer to key task 4 sheet
3 x end of module formative questions (multiple choice questions)
Group exercise: Hazards and risks
Give groups a little time to come up with a definition of hazard and risk. Put responses on a
flip chart and compare with the definition when revealed.
The above definitions are generic for hazard and risk.
The following definitions relate this to hazardous chemicals and are used specifically for
COSHH assessments:
Hazard - the potential of a hazardous substance to cause harm.
Risk – the likelihood of harm from the hazardous substance.
Make reference to the 5 steps to risk assessment identified by the HSE.
Group exercise: Identify the hazards, refer to handout 2
Use this group exercise to explore the whole range of hazards which may be found in the
workplace. Learners may need guidance to think beyond hazardous substances. Focus then
on hazardous substances.
Group exercise: refer to handout 2 answers
Use this group exercise to explore the whole range of hazards which may be found in the
workplace. Learners may need guidance to think beyond hazardous substances. Focus then
on hazardous substances.
Class question: Who may be at harm?
The easiest way is to group people, e.g. employees in the vicinity, other employees,
contractors, visitors, etc. Remember that some of the workforce may be new, inexperienced,
pregnant or have disabilities. This information will need to be taken into account as these
workers may be at particular risk.
This is often the stage of the risk assessment which takes time. Risk evaluation is making a
judgement. First of all, the assessor will have to identify what happens at present with regard
to controlling the risk. This may be existing procedures, equipment, information, instruction
and training.
If, after taking all the information into account, the risk assessor deems that the risk is not
sufficiently controlled then further control measures will be introduced.
Explain trivial to intolerable.
The COSHH Regulations require adequate control of exposure by measures other than PPE,
so far as is reasonably practicable.
The best method to prevent exposure is always to eliminate the use or production of the
hazardous substance.
In many workplaces this is not possible, therefore, an employer must consider alternatives
based on the hierarchy of control. The hierarchy is based on inherent reliability and likely
effectiveness.
A combination of control measures will often be necessary to best protect the health of
employees. The employer should give priority to those controls that contain or minimise the
release of contaminants and the spread of hazardous substances into the workplace.
Group exercise: Hierarchy of control, refer to handout 3
Measures for controlling exposure to hazardous substances include one or more of the above
control measures.
In addition to the controls above training, information and effective supervision is required, and
welfare facilities (including first-aid) and health surveillance may also be necessary.
Group exercise: refer to handout 3 answers
Group exercise: refer to handout 3 answers
Group exercise: Record and implement
Write down the results of the assessment - this is a legal requirement if there are 5 or more
staff. However, with fewer than 5 employees, although not necessary, it is useful to maintain a
permanent record.
The risk assessment will have identified controls, some of which protect all staff at all times.
However, some controls will require the workforce to take action. If this is the case, COSHH
regulations require that the employer is required to give suitable and sufficient information,
instruction and training. There are many ways this can be achieved, but employers must take
into account the complexity of the work undertaken with the hazardous substances which will
be determined by the COSHH risk assessment.
Information given must be appropriate to the risks identified, which means that it should allow
people to fulfil their role safely without making what is a scientific subject overcomplicated.
Examples of how information may be given:
• classroom training
• on-the-job training
• one-to-one coaching
• written instructions and guidance
• team meetings
• supervision events
Group exercise: refer to key task 4 sheet
In groups, ask delegates to use the hazardous substances identified in key task 1 sheet to
identify the following information from their organisation’s own COSHH Risk Assessment
(suggested answers have been provided).
It is important that the employer monitors the working environment to ensure that the levels of
hazardous substances are not causing an increased risk to workers.
The employer is responsible for ensuring that monitoring and health surveillance are put in
place and implemented whenever necessary. The employee is to follow all procedures in
place.
Records for general monitoring are kept for 5 years and for 40 years if the records relate to an
identifiable individual.
Take the opportunity to explain some of the health surveillance activities:
• pre-employment screening
• hearing tests
• lung function tests
• skin tests
• blood tests
Risk assessments must be reviewed whenever they are no longer valid. This may have
been caused by a change of staff, an incident, a change of law or a change of process. Risk
assessments must be reviewed periodically. Again, this will be indicated by the risk level
identified on the risk assessment.
Intolerable – Work should not be undertaken.
Substantial – Take urgent steps to reduce the risk; review in a month.
Moderate – Take steps to reduce risk; review in 3 months.
Tolerable – Monitor the situation; review in 6 months.
Trivial - Not normally the level for hazardous substances; records not normally required.
Class question
Ask the delegates what information they would require in order to deal with an accident
involving the four categories.
Actions to be taken in case of fire
This will include the type of equipment needed, the required clothing to be worn and the
evacuation procedures.
Disposal instructions
This will include details of how the material is disposed of, what type of waste it is, whether it
is disposed of by specialist companies and how safe it is in drains.
Actions to be taken in case of spillage or leakage
This is often a simple question of containment or dilution, depending on the substance, as well
as the action to be taken if the material enters the drains.
First-aid actions to be taken
This details the actions to be taken following the routes of entry and what to do if the
substance is inhaled, ingested or contaminates the skin.
Class question: answers
Class exercise
Answer is C.
Use ABCD cards which are available with the presentation. Use in one of the following
ways:
In teams as a competition.
As individuals with everyone standing up; if they get it wrong, they have to sit down.
Tell delegates it is a competition; you may consider a little prize.
Ask delegates to select and reveal their answer. Once all delegates have selected give them
the chance to change their mind but use a countdown; 3-2-1 will do.
The devious will try all attempts to lead people down the wrong path; encourage this.
The main point is the trainer will see an instant response from all delegates.
Class exercise
Answer is A.
Class exercise
Answer is B.
Any questions?
