COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) is UK legislation that requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace to prevent ill health, including assessing risks, implementing control measures, and providing training. Whilst all substances that are kept in our offices are low risk we still need to ensure that we are aware of the risks and are using them, and storing them correctly.
Each office therefore needs to:
- Create a physical folder which is stored with cleaning materials and should contain:
- COSHH risk assessment (including date written it was shared with the team)
- COSHH assessments for any product stored in the office e.g. disinfectant spray. (please note that the brand may be different, this is ok) - COSHH Assessments
- Upload all of above to your office documents in staff database
- Ensure eyewash is part of the first aid kit in office (we recommend buying the ‘pods’ rather than big bottle)
- Share information with team (could be by sending a clear message on office slack channel or as part of team meeting):
- Headlines of how to handle products safely e.g. handle with care, keep in original packaging, let know if causing dry skin etc.
- Where paperwork, including risk assessments, can be found in the office
- To let you know, and complete a hazard / incident / first aid form on the staff database if needed