Hazardous Substances in your Workplace.

Hazardous substances found in a health and social care environment may include:

• Cleaning materials
• Disinfectants
• Body fluids (blood, vomit, sputum, urine, faeces)
• Medication
• Clinical waste such as dressings
• Contaminated bed linen

How Hazardous Substances can enter the body

These substances can enter the body through inhalation (breathing in), ingestion (swallowing), injection (needle stick) or absorption (through skin). For all products you use, read the hazard information found on the label; this will inform you about the hazards of use and help you to keep yourself and others safe.

Some hazardous substances should only be handled when the staff member is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).   Active risk assesses any activity where an individual may come into contact with a hazardous substance. The risk assessment details the measures which need to be taken to protect a person, and the protective clothing that needs to be worn. Risk assessments and the risk management plan can be found in the individuals person centred support plan.

If you have any concerns about hazardous substances or go to carry out a task and realise that no risk assessment has been provided, or that it is incorrect, you should contact your line manager immediately.

You must always work within agreed ways to protect your own health and wellbeing as well as those around you.

Use to answer question 13.6a of the Care Certificate