Guide to Using a COSHH Cabinet
COSHH is the symbol for control of substances hazardous to health. With this in mind, it is
a health and safety initiative created to limit the risk posed by hazardous chemicals. COSHH guidelines, which are set out by the government’s Health and Safety Executive , applicable to substances that have been identified as corrosive, poisonous, irritant, harmful or toxic. These measures highlight using a COSHH cabinet to store hazardous substances, particularly in places such as schools or facilities for mentally disabled adults, where permitting access to such products poses an additional risk to your health and wellbeing.
With this in mind, in this blog, we run through some of the key things you need to know about COSHH cabinet usage. Read on to discover more.
A COSHH cabinet is created for the safe storage of hazardous substances. It is a lockable reinforced cabinet that offers unauthorised persons from being able to get to the dangerous chemicals stored inside. COSHH cabinets are created to be leak-proof to stop spilled substances from seeping out of the cabinet or cause contamination of the products inside.
COSHH cabinets are utilised in a variety of places, including schools, hospitals, science laboratories, factories and offices for the storage of cleaning products or other hazardous materials that are required on site.
Keys to the cabinet are often placed in the trust of employees who have the responsibility of ensuring that hazardous materials are safely put away inside the locked cabinet when they are not being used. Every workplace should have a clear and strictly enforced policy of returning substances to the COSHH cabinet after usage. A COSHH cabinet should never be left out unlocked while it is unattended, especially in environments where vulnerable people or children, mentally disabled adults or animals could access to the cabinet.
Storing Substances in a COSHH Cabinet
Substances should be kept in the COSHH cabinet in accordance with their storage instructions. Hazardous substances need to be stored in appropriate spill-proof containers and not permitted to come into contact with each other if there is a risk of a dangerous chemical reaction occurring between them. Substances which are not required or that have expired should be disposed of according to governmental regulations concerning the disposal of hazardous scenario. There are regulations governing the amounts of specific substances that can be stored in a single location. Workplace managers should use this as a reference to the national HSG51 and DSEAR 2002 health and safety guidelines to understand more about the storage of hazardous substances.
Here at Racking & Shelving, we understand how important storage is. So, if you require metal cabinets, COSHH cabinets or non-hazardous and hazardous storage lockers, we provide high quality, reliable and durable products to keep valuable, precarious or personal possessions protected and safe. If you’re thinking about secure storage cabinets for your business but aren’t sure which one will best suit your needs, get in touch with our team of experts today on 028 9442 9037.
