Hazardous Substances Non-Compliance Trends In The Healthcare Sector

1. Signage

Signage can be tricky, even if you have small quantities of hazardous substances, it is essential to display the correct signage. These four points will help guide you as to what signage will be required for your storage of hazardous substances:

1. Location exceeds the threshold for requiring Hazchem signage – use Hazchem signage.
2. Location is below but near the threshold for requiring Hazchem signage – use Hazchem signage or warning signage.
3. A cupboard that has hazardous substances in it – a small warning sign or pictogram to advise the type of substance is recommended.
4. Open shelf – it is recommended to label the shelf with the product it contains and ensure the containers are visible with the labels and pictograms to the front.

2. Secondary Containment

To avoid the common trends of non-compliance, it is important to store hazardous liquids and substances in some form of secondary containment. For toxic and corrosive substances, storage within a deep tray avoids spillages and other possible dangerous mistakes.

3. Quantities and Cabinets

In most cases, quantities of hazardous substances in the health care sector are relatively small and storage in regular cupboard or shelves in work areas is common.  When considering the correct storage location for your flammable liquids, the magic number combo we recommend staying below is 15L in containers less than 5L size.  Below this volume/size combo you don’t need a flammable liquids cabinet.  If you regularly hold more than 15L OR your container size is greater than 5L, then you need a yellow flammable liquids cabinet.

4. Labelling and Packaging

If you decant into containers on site, then correct labelling of these in use containers and ensuring they contain all of the information required is essential. By following the three steps below you can ensure your labelling and packaging are compliant.

1. Never ever store hazardous substances in containers that might be mistaken for food, or beverage!
2. Ensure containers remain fit for purpose and are in good condition – check them regularly for signs of damage and replace if they become cloudy, cracked or the lids no longer seal properly.
3. Ensure all in use-labelled containers show the hazard pictogram and statement consistent with the classification of the substance contained.

5. Documentation

When it comes to paperwork, the trends we have seen with larger hospitals and facilities are that much of the documentation and procedures that relate to hazardous substances compliance are not readily accessible.  Findings show the primary difficulties with documentation are in regards to the implemented Emergency Response Plans and the training records for the hazardous substances in use on site. The following points will help you improve the compliance of your documentation:

• Ensure that any Emergency Response Plans or flipcharts cover hazardous substance emergencies that might occur on site.
• Test your Emergency Response Plan with regards to possible hazardous substance emergencies.
• Track all records of training in terms of completion and attendance.
• Choose one way to manage your inventory and use the same template or software consistently across the facility.

6. Consistency

Consistency is key! Having one consistent method for the management of hazardous substances and compliance will simplify management control, training and will ensure the process is easier for staff moving between departments and wards throughout the facility.

By following and focusing your efforts on the six key points above, you will help improve hazardous substance management and reduce the non-compliance trends for your facility.

For additional information on hazardous substances, be sure to check out our online webinars for Keeping track of your hazardous substances and Common findings of hazardous substances trends in the health sector.

At Chemsafety, we can provide and support you with the best services in hazardous substance management – contact us now to find out more.