Control Of Substances Hazardous To Health Policy

INTRODUCTION

Hazardous substances can be brought into the premises for use in various activities and processes and can also be generated as a result of a process or activity. Exposure to hazardous substances can result in short and long term ill-health and injury, and even to fatalities. (See Guidance).

It is our policy to:

• Ensure that those responsible for managing work likely to result in exposure to hazardous substances are adequately trained and competent.
• Ensure no new substances are introduced into our work activities without approval of a designated manager, and before an assessment of the risk is carried out.
• Maintain records of all hazardous substances used or created on the premises and keep manufacturers safety data sheets, where appropriate.
• Assess the risks to health from exposure to hazardous substances, and determine the control measures needed.
• Record the assessments, and review them periodically or when changes occur.
• Introduce effective control measures to ensure exposure to substances hazardous to health is eliminated or reduced to the lowest possible level.
• Monitor exposure to hazardous substances, and undertake an appropriate form of health surveillance, where necessary.
• Inform, instruct and train employees about the risks and the precautions to be taken to protect themselves from the harmful effects of hazardous substances.
• Maintain in effective working order, all plant and equipment provided to control exposure to hazardous substances, and fulfil our legal duties in relation to statutory examinations, where required.