| A large proportion of chemicals and substances | | | | emergency procedures include the following: |
| are capable of damaging the health of employees | | | | Which chemicals are present in the workplace and |
| at work. These substances which are hazardous | | | | where they are stored and used and how much |
| to health are defined by the Control of | | | | is utilised on a daily basis. |
| Substances Hazardous to Health | | | | What kind of accidents or emergencies could |
| Regulations(CoSHH) 2002, and it covers practically | | | | occur involving these substances? Recognise |
| all materials which are liable to cause ill health at | | | | where these incidents could occur and the effects |
| work. | | | | they could have. |
| The CoSHH Regulations (COSHH) lay down the | | | | Any special arrangements to deal with an |
| essential requirements and a step-by-step | | | | emergency situation not covered by general |
| approach for the control of hazardous substances | | | | procedures. |
| and for protecting people exposed to them in the | | | | The safety equipment and PPE (personal |
| workplace. | | | | protective equipment) to be used in case of an |
| This article specifically examines what to do when | | | | accident or emergency. Details of where the |
| CoSHH regulations have been adhered to, | | | | equipment is and who has authority to use it. |
| however an accident still occurs. | | | | The availability of first aid equipment. This can be |
| It is essential that employers have an established | | | | used until the emergency services arrive. Safety |
| emergency procedure in place to deal with | | | | data sheets give information stating any first aid |
| incidents of a serious nature. | | | | action needed to be. |
| An accident or emergency can occur when an | | | | Employees who have specific roles and duties |
| employee is exposed to a hazardous substance | | | | during an emergency should be made fully aware |
| over and above their usual daily limit. | | | | of their responsibilities. Also, other employees |
| A number of situations could result in emergency | | | | should be shown procedures to follow in case of |
| action being put into effect, such as: | | | | emergency. |
| -A serious fire could have critical health | | | | Workers need to be made aware of procedures |
| implications. | | | | relating to clearing up and the safe disposal of |
| -A serious chemical spillage which could lead to | | | | hazardous substances. |
| contact with an employees' skin. | | | | There should be frequent safety drills so that |
| -A loss of control of biological, carcinogenic or | | | | employees can practise emergency procedures. |
| mutagenic agents. | | | | There should be a suitable warning system such |
| -An emission of toxic fumes. | | | | as a continuous or intermittent ringing bell or |
| The employer will decide whether the incident | | | | warning lights. |
| requires the emergency procedure to come into | | | | Consideration for disabled employees. |
| effect. Employers also need to decide the | | | | Employers need to ensure that the emergency |
| relevant action to deal with the situation as not all | | | | procedures are reviewed and updated regularly. If |
| incidents for example require workplace | | | | circumstances should change, e.g. an intensified |
| evacuation. | | | | use of one specific hazardous chemical, then |
| In order to deal with situations that could present | | | | emergency plans should reflect this change. |
| high risk, employers need to ensure their | | | | |