Coshh Within The Field Of Education

Schools and colleges contain a number of hazardous substances which present risks to staff and pupils

. As such, control measures should be put in place. CoSHH regulations stipulate that employers control substances that can harm workers' and students health.

An inventory must be completed initially, which identifies all hazardous substances used and material safety data sheets should be obtained for each substance (safety data sheets should be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier to assist with the assessment). Hazardous substances found in schools frequently come from laboratories, practical workshops and print rooms etc. Cleaners and caretakers store rooms are also likely to contain hazardous substances.

The first requirement to control the use and/or generation of hazardous substances is to carry out a CoSHH risk assessment.

Any process which may expose staff and children to hazardous substances should not be carried out until a CoSHH risk assessment has been done and risks have been identified and control measures put in place to eliminate, or adequately control exposure. The Headteacher/Principal should always be informed first before implementing any major procedural changes.

Equipment used to control risk should be properly maintained. This could include local exhaust ventilation (LEV), fume cupboards and personal protective equipment (PPE). Schools and colleges often produce a number of hazardous substances in technical departments and workshops that require LEV or general ventilation. For example substances such as: welding fumes, wood dust and dust from grinders.

Art rooms also emit hazardous chemicals such as those produced from firing clay in kilns, as do science labs which give off chemical fumes.

All departmental staff should also be given information, instruction and training where necessary.

Smaller establishments such as primary schools will have fewer hazardous substances and so only one staff member may be responsible for carrying out risk assessments. In secondary schools and FE Colleges a departmental approach will be necessary. Each department will have the responsibility of assessing the risks associated with substances being used. It is vital in both instances that the member of staff chosen to do the risk assessment is competent and has sufficient knowledge and experience of the work activities involved and the knowledge of substances used or generated. They must also be able to determine effective control measures.

CoSHH Regulations are not just specific to craft workshops and science laboratories, but to every premise of the school or college.

by: Dale Allen

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