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Legal Files/

Chemical Safety Policy

This policy outlines the commitment of Ashley Cleaning Services Limited to ensure the safe handling, storage, and use of chemicals in compliance with UK regulations, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013.

The policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in the use of chemicals within Ashley Cleaning Services Limited.

Policy Statement Ashley Cleaning Services Limited is committed to:
- Protecting the health and safety of employees, clients, and the environment.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including COSHH, RIDDOR, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Providing training and resources to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals.

1. Purpose

This policy outlines Ashley Cleaning Services Limited’s commitment to ensuring the safe handling, storage, use, and disposal of chemicals in compliance with UK legislation, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and relevant environmental legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990.


2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in the handling, storage, or use of chemicals in any Ashley Cleaning Services Limited workplace or site.


3. Policy Statement

Ashley Cleaning Services Limited is committed to:

  • Protecting the health and safety of employees, clients, and the environment.

  • Complying with all applicable UK chemical safety and environmental regulations.

  • Providing information, training, and resources needed to handle chemicals safely.

  • Continuously improving chemical safety controls and risk management.


4. Responsibilities

Management

  • Conduct and maintain COSHH risk assessments for all hazardous substances.

  • Provide appropriate training, supervision, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Ensure chemicals are stored, labelled, and disposed of in accordance with legal requirements.

  • Monitor compliance and continually review chemical safety practices.


Employees

  • Follow safety procedures and COSHH controls strictly.

  • Use PPE correctly and report any hazards or incidents immediately.

  • Participate in training and health surveillance programs as required.


Supervisors

  • Oversee employee adherence to chemical safety policies.

  • Address safety concerns promptly and escalate serious issues.


5. COSHH Compliance

  • Risk Assessment: Identify hazardous chemicals (including cleaning agents), assess health risks, and apply effective control measures such as substitution with safer products, engineering controls (ventilation), and appropriate PPE.

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Ensure all chemicals have accessible and up-to-date SDS compliant with UK CLP regulations; employees must be trained to understand SDS.

  • Health Surveillance: Provide health monitoring for employees exposed to hazardous substances when required, maintaining confidential records per legal standards.

  • Storage and Handling: Store chemicals securely in designated, ventilated areas with clear hazard labelling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and SDS when handling chemicals.

  • Training: Deliver regular training on chemical hazards, safe handling, emergency procedures, spill response, and COSHH compliance.


6. RIDDOR Compliance

  • Report work-related injuries, diagnosed occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences involving chemicals to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR 2013.

  • Maintain accurate records of all reportable incidents and near misses for a minimum of three years to aid ongoing safety improvements.


7. Waste Disposal and Environmental Protection

  • Dispose of chemical waste strictly in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 or equivalent devolved regulations.

  • Prohibit disposal of chemicals via drains or uncontrolled methods to prevent environmental damage.

  • Use authorised, licensed waste carriers and approved disposal sites for hazardous waste.


8. Emergency Procedures

  • Train employees in spill containment, chemical incident response, and emergency evacuation.

  • Provide spill kits and containment materials at all relevant locations.

  • Regularly review and test emergency plans, updating them after any incidents.


9. Monitoring and Review

  • This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner following significant incidents, changes in legislation, or operational changes.

  • Employee feedback will be actively sought to improve chemical safety.


10. Approval


Signed: ________Craig Sorrell___________________

Date: _____02.02.2025______________________

Position: ________Director___________________



Ashley Cleaning Services Limited 1987-2025 .©

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