(Version one 1.7.98)
Policy Reference
This policy document refers to the following aims and objectives outlined in the Council's general statement of Health and Safety policy.
(a) Arrangements for ensuring so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.
(b) The provision of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of employees.
Background
Hazardous substances can cause ill-health, and can:-
(a) be used directly at work eg paints or cleaning materials
(b) arise from the work eg dusts, fumes and waste products
(c) occur naturally eg fungal spores in agriculture
Arrangements
The Highland Council will take all reasonable steps to secure the health and safety of employees and other persons affected by their work activities who are exposed to or work with hazardous substances. In particular, arrangements will be made to:-
a) Identify hazardous substances used in the workplace or which arise directly or indirectly out of work activities
b) Ensure that all operations which involve, or may involve, exposure to substances hazardous to health are assessed and appropriate control measures introduced where elimination or substitution of the substance is not possible.
c) Ensure that engineering controls are properly maintained and monitored to ensure their continued effectiveness
d) Inform all employees and others who may work in affected areas of the safe operation of all engineering controls
e) Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is normally only used as a last resort and that the appropriate assessment indicates why control cannot be achieved by other means
f) Assess the type and use of PPE and arrange for appropriate maintenance in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
g) Provide appropriate health surveillance where the need has been identified during the assessment process
h) Ensure that where health surveillance is carried out, appropriate health records are made, maintained and kept for a minimum of 40 years
i) Arrange for employees to be provided with information and training regarding the safe use of any hazardous substances they may be required to work with
j) Notify employees of the results of any monitoring or health surveillance carried out
Procedures for Dealing with Health and Safety Issues
Where an employee raises a concern regarding the use of a substance hazardous to health, the Council will:-
a) Ensure that the hazard associated with the substance has been correctly identified
b) Ensure that the assessment of the use of the substance is correct and up to date
c) Ensure that the controls in place are adequate
d) Correct any observed deficiencies in the control measures
e) Inform the employee and his or her representative where appropriate, of the results of the investigation and action taken
Information and Training
The Council will give sufficient information, instruction and training to ensure full understanding of the hazards to health posed by substances in the workplace, and the importance of control measures provided. Information will also be given to others who may be affected, such as contractors, temporary staff and visitors.
Arrangements will be made to ensure that sufficient numbers of staff are trained to carry out the necessary assessments.
Guidance
To assist in the implementation of this policy, guidance in respect of the following will be issued.
a) Legal requirements
b) Identification of hazardous substances
c) The assessment process
d) Training of assessors
Legal Reference
This policy and associated guidance outline the provisions the Council will make to discharge its duties in relation to the following statutory requirements:-
a) The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 - the duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances
b) The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, Regulation 3 - The requirement to assess risks arising from work activities
c) The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 - All requirements.