VTCT - Hygienic Disposal of Hazardous Substances

Hygienic Disposal of Hazardous Substances

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Unit: Health and Safety Procedures

Hygienic Disposal of Hazardous Substances

Keeping the workplace clean and tidy is essential if harm to yourself and others is to be avoided. To prevent potential hazards causing harm it is essential that all hazardous substances have an appropriate risk assessment and COSHH record sheet.

The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) record sheet should be referred to prior to handling and subsequent disposal of hazardous substances.

General and clinical waste should be dealt with following legislative and establishment rules to prevent harm to others.

Here are some examples of what you may be required to do.

Example Hazards and Actions

TYPE OF HAZARD	ACTION	DISPOSAL METHOD
Chemical substance spills	Identify the substance. If on floor, block the spill with appropriate signage to prevent a slipping accident from happening. Report spill to appropriate authority, supervisor etc.	cause chemical burns – refer to COSHH record sheet. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Always check manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
Aerosols, sprays	Can be dangerous with excessive inhalation so ensure ventilation if valve is broken. Follow correct COSHH regulation sheets and manufacturer’s instructions.	Is highly flammable and the contents are pressurised and can explode in a fire as so don’t tamper with valves when disposing of it. Can be disposed of as general waste but may require local authority checks.
All general waste	Can be disposed in a covered general waste bin.	Ensure that the bin is fitted with a tear resistant liner and replace if this is damaged.
Sharp blades and similar waste Infected waste	Ensure that anyone handling waste does not cut themselves. Follow correct COSHH regulation sheets and manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that this container is kept away from the general waste bin.	Dispose of in a safe disposal container. Disposal of blades should be in a special ‘sharps’ container. Arrange to be collected by local health authority and incinerated.

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