Every day we are exposed to various chemicals during the course of our work, and mostly these have no effect on our every day lives. There are however some chemicals that we need to make sure are used, stored and controlled to allow their safe and effective use. Certain chemicals have physical properties such as being flammable or harmful to the aquatic environment, and as such, require additional control measures. Fortunately, ill health caused by substances at work is preventable. Many of the substances that we use within the university can cause harm to our health, but used properly, they almost never do.
In order to ensure that we can protect staff, students and anyone else who comes into contact with our operations involving the use of chemicals it is important that we follow some basic steps. By carrying out a COSHH Assessment we can identify the substance, the hazards and risks associated, the required control measures and any identified by-products that can be created and how to deal with those.
Guidance on how to carry out an assessment, the assessment template and guidance on how to store hazardous and dangerous substances in stockrooms, workshops and laboratories:
As part of research studies carried out at RGU the use of biological hazards exist and as such require to be managed correctly. Where this is the case the COSHH Assessment Bio-hazard template will require to be completed.
There is also a duty under the Dangerous Substances Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) to ensure that we use, manage and store chemicals which have an increased risk of Flammability, oxidising or have explosive properties. The guidance note provides the necessary information and guidance on how to ensure compliance.
The risks presented by Legionella are subject to detailed Health and Safety Executive guidance and are managed via the application of the RGU Legionella and Water Hygiene Policy.