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Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy

Purpose

A M Water Services Ltd uses various hazardous substances in our water infrastructure and grab operations. This policy ensures we identify, assess and control risks from hazardous substances to protect employees, contractors and others from ill health.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, directors, contractors, and visitors to A M Water Services Ltd premises and sites where hazardous substances are used, stored or produced.

This policy ensures compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, UK REACH, GB CLP and the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Workplace exposure limits are taken from HSE EH40/2005, cited undated so that a new edition does not require this policy to be reissued.

Policy Statement

We recognize that our operations involve various hazardous substances including chlorination chemicals, fuels, and construction materials that require careful management. In our water treatment activities, we regularly use sodium hypochlorite for mains chlorination, testing reagents, and dechlorination agents. Our grab lorries and plant equipment require diesel fuel, hydraulic oils, and lubricants, while construction work involves cement, adhesives, and waterproofing compounds. Therefore, we maintain a comprehensive approach to COSHH management through proper assessment, control and monitoring.

Before any hazardous substance is used on our sites, we complete a thorough COSHH assessment following our eight-step process. We identify the substance and who might be exposed, evaluate the risks, and implement appropriate controls following the hierarchy of elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative measures, and finally personal protective equipment as the last line of defence. All assessments are documented and reviewed annually or when processes change. We obtain and maintain current safety data sheets for all substances, ensuring this information is readily accessible to those who need it.

Our control measures are tailored to specific risks. For chlorination activities, only trained operatives handle chemicals, with dedicated storage areas, spill kits, eye wash stations, and appropriate PPE always available. We never permit lone working during chlorination operations and maintain clear emergency procedures. When working with cement or concrete, skin protection is mandatory with washing facilities nearby to prevent alkaline burns. For fuel management on our grab lorries, we use bunded storage, carry spill kits on all vehicles, and follow strict procedures to prevent environmental contamination.

Implementation and Monitoring

Managers and supervisors ensure COSHH assessments are completed before work begins, monitor compliance with control measures, and arrange substance-specific training for all relevant staff. We maintain comprehensive records including assessments, training certificates, exposure monitoring data where required, and health surveillance results. Regular audits verify our controls remain effective, with findings actioned promptly to maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

Directors provide adequate resources and review policy effectiveness annually. Supervisors implement controls on site, conduct toolbox talks about specific substances, and report any incidents immediately. All employees must follow safe working procedures, use control measures correctly, wear PPE as instructed, report defects or concerns promptly, and attend required training. Our designated COSHH coordinator maintains the assessment library and coordinates training requirements.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors to ensure it remains effective and continues to protect our workforce from hazardous substance exposure while maintaining legal compliance.

Signed:

Aaron Mason Director A M Water Services Ltd 1st July 2026

Where this policy is implemented

This block is portal navigation, not part of the policy. The policy wording and the Word controlled copy below are unchanged. It links the policy to the procedures that deliver it and the records that evidence it.

Local controlled copy

Word version of this controlled document (for offline / paper records):

Download POL_HSQE_08 (.docx)

The page above and the Word copy are the same policy. The Word copy carries the AMWS letterhead and the Director’s signature and is the signed original, so where the two ever differ on the approval date or the issue, the Word copy governs and the page is corrected to it.

Document control

Document Reference POL_HSQE_08
Revision 4
Issue Date 1st July 2026
Next Review 1st July 2027
Status Uncontrolled when printed