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1. Module 1. Hazardous substances and the law

   Many everyday products at work can harm health: cleaning chemicals, oven cleaners, descalers, disinfectants, dusts, fumes and even flour dust. This course explains how to recognise them and work with them safely.

   What you will learn

   • Explain what a hazardous substance is.
   • Name the ways substances enter the body.
   • Describe what the COSHH rules require.

   Key points

   • Hazardous substances include chemicals, dusts, fumes and biological agents.
   • They enter the body by breathing in, skin contact, swallowing, cuts and the eyes.
   • Employers must assess and control the risks, and train staff.
   • Use the controls and PPE, and report symptoms and faults.

   Based on: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended; GB CLP Regulation (classification, labelling and packaging); HSE EH40 Workplace exposure limits; Health and Safety Executive guidance.

2. Module 2. Labels, pictograms and safety data sheets

   Every hazardous product tells you its dangers, if you know how to read it. Labels and safety data sheets are your main sources of information.

   What you will learn

   • Recognise the hazard pictograms.
   • Read the key parts of a label.
   • Find information on a safety data sheet.

   Key points

   • Learn the pictograms, especially corrosion, exclamation mark, health hazard, skull and crossbones, and flame.
   • "Danger" means a more severe hazard than "Warning".
   • Read the hazard and precautionary statements before use.
   • Check the safety data sheet for first aid, spills, storage and PPE.

   Based on: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended; GB CLP Regulation (classification, labelling and packaging); HSE EH40 Workplace exposure limits; Health and Safety Executive guidance.

3. Module 3. Controlling exposure

   The best way to protect people is to remove the hazard. When that is not possible, a series of controls reduces exposure, with PPE as the last line of defence.

   What you will learn

   • Apply the hierarchy of control.
   • Use PPE correctly.
   • Store and handle chemicals safely.

   Key points

   • Eliminate and substitute first; PPE is the last line of defence.
   • Use the right PPE, check it and look after it.
   • Store chemicals labelled, closed, low down and away from food, with incompatibles apart.
   • Never mix chemicals, and protect your skin from dermatitis.

   Based on: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended; GB CLP Regulation (classification, labelling and packaging); HSE EH40 Workplace exposure limits; Health and Safety Executive guidance.

4. Module 4. Spills, accidents and health checks

   Even with good controls, accidents happen. Knowing what to do quickly limits the harm.

   What you will learn

   • Deal with a small chemical spill safely.
   • Give first aid for chemical splashes and exposure.
   • Explain health surveillance and when to report symptoms.

   Key points

   • For small spills: warn, check the SDS, PPE, contain, clean, report.
   • Rinse eyes and skin with water for at least 15 minutes and get medical help.
   • Do not make someone vomit if they swallowed a chemical; have the label ready.
   • Take part in health surveillance, and report symptoms early.

   Based on: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended; GB CLP Regulation (classification, labelling and packaging); HSE EH40 Workplace exposure limits; Health and Safety Executive guidance.

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.