Exam Pass Notes

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Key Takeaways

• COSHH covers substances hazardous to health, including many chemicals, some biological agents encountered during contamination or waste handling, and certain higher-risk medicines.
• In pharmacy settings, COSHH affects not only dispensary and clinical staff but also cleaners, delivery and stockroom staff, supervisors and others who may be exposed.
• Training must be role-based: staff should know the outcome of the risk assessment and what it requires them to do in their tasks.
• Labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) give essential information; an SDS does not replace a local COSHH risk assessment.
• Spills, leaks, contaminated waste and skin exposure require local procedures, the correct equipment and timely reporting.

Hazard Identification and Information

• Read labels: warning words, pictograms and instructions show hazards and required precautions.
• Know where SDSs are kept: safety data sheets explain handling, storage and emergency measures.
• Do not guess unknown substances: escalate unlabelled or partially labelled containers rather than using them.
• Consider less obvious risks: biological contamination, waste and some medicines can present COSHH hazards as well as chemicals.

Controls and Storage

• Assess the task, not just the product: identify who could be exposed, how exposure might occur and what controls are needed.
• Use the hierarchy of control: choose safer products and processes, use containment and safe systems of work, and rely on PPE only when other controls are insufficient.
• Store safely: use labelled containers, separate incompatible materials and ensure plans for waste handling and spill response.
• Review after change or incident: update COSHH controls when staff, substances, equipment or near misses alter the risk.

PPE, Skin Protection, and Emergency Response

• PPE is not the first line: it supplements other controls rather than replacing them.
• Use the right PPE properly: ensure staff are trained in selection, correct use, removal and replacement.
• Protect skin: wet work, cleaning agents and poor glove practice can cause dermatitis or irritation; use appropriate skin care and procedures.
• Respond to spills and emergencies: protect people first, follow local procedures, use the correct kits and report the event.

Higher-Risk Pharmacy Tasks

• Risk varies by site: some staff need only basic awareness while others require detailed COSHH controls for their duties.
• Cytotoxic drugs are included: HSE classifies these as hazardous substances under COSHH.
• Indirect staff are affected too: cleaners, contractors and waste handlers may be exposed and must be considered in assessments and training.
• Managers need greater detail: they should oversee assessments, records, supervision, review and follow-up after incidents.