Hazardous Substances and Medication

456 Words2 Pages
Hazardous substances and medication The Controlled Substances Act The Medicines Act 1968 The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 A hazardous substance is something that may cause substantial personal injury or illness during handling or use or even swallowing. These substances may be: Cleaning detergents, medication, needles, urine, bodily waste and incontinence products. Employers must: • Ensure safe storage and disposal of substances that are harmful to health. • Check that health hazards from all substances are assessed, including laundry and the kitchen. • Ensure appropriate control measures are implemented. • Ensure staffs are trained about safe procedures and use of protective clothing. • Check that new staffs are trained before using substances. Before any substances are used in the workplace employers must undertake the following risk assessment: • What harmful effects are possible? • How should the substance be used and where should it be stored. • Are harmful fumes produced? • Can a safer substance be used? • Are precautions required I.e. protective equipment? Hazardous substances like cleaning products should always be stored in their correct containers and should be clearly labelled. They should always be used only by people who are properly trained to use these substances and trained people should use these in the correct way that they have been trained. They should be disposed of in the correct manner and using correct storage containers that they are due to be disposed in. Medication: In residential and nursing homes all medication including controlled drugs are administered by a trained nurse unless the client is self-medicating. Medication should be locked away in a cupboard at all times and the nurse in charge should be the only one with the keys. All medication that has been administered should be recorded with date, time and the

More about Hazardous Substances and Medication

Open Document