COSHH Storage, Waste, Cleaning and Spill Procedure

This procedure applies where the school stores, handles, disposes of or cleans up hazardous substances or contamination from them. If these activities are not undertaken, the procedure does not apply.

Access and work arrangements

Restrict access to areas where hazardous substances are stored, handled, disposed of or cleaned up to people who need to be there.

Storage and labelling

Plan the storage of materials and use appropriate containers. Check that storage containers are correctly labelled before storage or use.

Separate incompatible materials. For example, acids and caustics must be separated.

Store dangerous materials and chemicals securely and maintain an up-to-date inventory. The current inventory is held at [hazardous substances inventory location].

Waste

Plan the storage and disposal of waste arising from hazardous substances. Use the school’s hazardous-waste disposal route: [hazardous waste disposal route].

Cleaning

Plan and organise the workplace so that it can be easily and effectively cleaned. Use smooth work surfaces where provided to allow easy cleaning.

Clean regularly using a dust-free method where appropriate: vacuum, do not sweep.

Spill response

Have the right equipment and procedures available to clear up spillages quickly and safely. Suitable spill equipment is kept at [spill equipment location].

When a spillage occurs, restrict access to people who need to be there and use the available suitable equipment and procedure to clear it up quickly and safely.

Local arrangements

The person responsible for applying this procedure is [coshh responsible role]. The local spill-response procedure is [spill response procedure reference].