Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Policy¶
| Document Reference | POL_HSQE_08 |
|---|---|
| Revision | 3 |
| Issue Date | 1st July 2025 |
| Next Review | 1st July 2026 |
| Status | Uncontrolled when printed |
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.
Legal Requirements¶
This policy ensures compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, REACH Regulations, and Environmental Protection Act 1990.
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 2025
Local controlled copy
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