COSHH Regulations in Care Homes

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations require workplaces to carefully manage exposure to substances that are harmful when inhaled, ingested, or brought into contact with bare skin or eyes. Introduced in 1988 and updated in 2002, the COSHH regulations set out employers’ responsibilities to protect their staff from exposure to harmful substances and where contact with these materials is unavoidable, to manage and minimise the risks.

Failure to comply with COSHH regulations can result in legal action, including unlimited fines and in the case of drastic violations, possibly even prison sentences.

COSHH regulations apply to a range of substances including liquids, gels, powders, gases, fumes and micro-organisms, which can potentially harm health if inhaled, swallowed or brought into contact with skin or eyes. These hazardous materials can be found in common items like cleaning products, paint, chemicals, medication, as well as bodily fluids and waste products. 

If they do enter your system, hazardous substances can have several different effects. Some effects are local and immediately visible at the direct point of contact. Some substances result in delayed effects that occur over long periods.

The regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments, implement control measures, and provide necessary training and equipment to minimise exposure to these substances.

COSHH compliance is vital in all workplaces, but the nature of care settings and medical environments means there are some specific in these workplaces:

• Cleaning agents: Bleach-based or chlorine-based products, oven cleaners, drain cleaners, washing detergent and cleaning products can all cause irritation after prolonged exposure
• Materials used in maintenance work: Maintenance work can involve the use of glue, solvents, paint, lubricants and chemicals to treat water. Dust or particles may also be released into the air during maintenance work
• Biological hazards and medicines: care home teams often deal with clinical waste and soiled bedding, clothing or other materials that have come into contact with bodily fluids. The work environment may also contain infectious pathogens. Pharmaceutical products may contain biological agents that are hazardous to health

Care homes must identify all hazardous substances present on their premises. These include cleaning products, maintenance materials, and biological substances like bacteria. Safety data sheets (SDS) provide detailed information about these substances, including potential hazards and safe handling procedures. You can download the safety data sheets for our cleaning products and disinfectants from our website – but always contact us if you have any questions. 

Risk assessments are the backbone of COSHH compliance. They involve evaluating potential risks associated with hazardous substances and determining appropriate control measures. Employers must ensure that these assessments are thorough and regularly updated to reflect any changes in the care home environment.

Control measures are essential for minimising exposure to hazardous substances. These measures include:

• Proper storage: Use COSHH-compliant storage solutions to keep hazardous substances secure and clearly labelled.
• Ventilation: Maintain good ventilation in areas where hazardous substances are used to prevent harmful fume build-up.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Ensure staff have access to gloves, masks, and other PPE to protect against exposure

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in helping care home teams comply with COSHH regulations, by providing a barrier between staff and hazardous substances. PPE also helps prevent the spread of infection and is a key aspect of meeting the required regulatory standards. 

Here's how the different types of PPE contribute to COSHH compliance in care homes:

• Gloves: Protect hands from direct contact with substances, such as cleaning products. bodily fluids and clinical waste
• Aprons: Shield clothing and skin from splashes or spills of hazardous materials
• Face masks: Prevent inhalation of harmful fumes or airborne particles
• Eye protection: Safeguard eyes from splashes of hazardous substances or infectious materials

Shop our range of gloves and PPE

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing and ordering PPE:

• Single-use vs. reusable: Some PPE items are single-use, while others can be cleaned and reused
• Proper disposal: Establish protocols for safely disposing of contaminated PPE to prevent further exposure.
• Comfort and fit: Ensure PPE fits properly and is comfortable for extended wear to encourage consistent use

By implementing a comprehensive PPE protocol, care homes can create a safer environment for both staff and residents, minimising the risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.

Staff training is vital for effective COSHH compliance. All employees should receive comprehensive training on identifying hazards, using PPE correctly, and following safe handling procedures. Regular training sessions help maintain a high level of awareness, competence and confidence among staff members.

Care homes must have clear emergency procedures for incidents involving hazardous substances. This includes steps for containment, cleanup, and providing immediate medical attention if necessary. Regular refresher training can help ensure that staff are prepared for emergencies.

Adhering to COSHH regulations is not just a legal obligation – it’s a fundamental aspect of ensuring safety in care homes. By conducting thorough risk assessments, implementing effective control measures, and providing comprehensive training, care homes can create a safer environment for both residents and staff, maintaining good levels of well-being for everyone. Regular reviews and updates to COSHH policies will help maintain compliance and adapt to any changes in the care home setting.