The Health and Safety Service has published a new guidance document, COSHH Management – Info Sheet 85, to support schools in managing hazardous substances safely and in line with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) requirements.
This guidance sets out clear, practical expectations for schools, including:
- identifying hazardous substances on site
- completing proportionate COSHH risk assessments
- maintaining up to date Safety Data Sheets
- safe purchasing, storage and handling arrangements
- training and supervision of staff
It also includes a simple checklist and frequently asked questions to help schools apply the guidance in practice.
Schools should ensure that appropriate COSHH arrangements are in place and that staff understand their responsibilities. To complete COSHH Risk Assessments use the F08 form and focus on how substances are used, who may be at risk, and whether safer alternatives can be used.
The guidance is available in Guidance for schools.
Learn more:
HS08 Hazardous Substances Policy
HS08 Hazardous Substances Guidance
F08 COSHH Risk Assessment form
