Safe Handling of Chemical and Hazardous Substances in Hospitality
Overview
Employers have a responsibility to train staff on health and safety when they start employment even if they have completed previous training. All countries have legislation covering the safe handling of hazardous substances and the UK has the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (C.O.S.H.H ) regulations. The module will also meet requirements of international regulations. From the benchmark set in this module, employers can add specific procedures as required during job training.
A common misconception is that COSHH only covers chemicals but in fact there are 3 main categories of hazardous substances that apply to hospitality: chemicals and products containing chemicals, substances that create dust, fibres and fumes and biological hazards.
This module explores the importance of maintaining a safe working environment. It addresses risks across all three categories, identifies warning symbols, and provides guidance on the safe use of cleaning products. Topics include personal protective equipment (PPE), the safe handling of blood and human waste, including the sharps procedure, as well as strategies for working with dust, fibres, and fumes. We also discuss skin reactions, ways to minimise risks, the utilisation of data sheets and risk assessments, and the initial emergency actions to take in the event of an accident.
We would strongly advise undertaking the additional modules Safe Lifting, Carrying and Moving in Hospitality (UK Manual Handling regulations) along with the General Safety in Hospitality modules
Key benefits of this module:
- Understand the responsibility to work safely
- Understand the impact of the 3 key areas that apply to hospitality has on their work practice and environment
- Understand how harm can be cause
- Be confident to recognise warning symbols on products and the potential risks
- Take action to minimise risk when using chemical products including use of PPE
- Know how dust, fibres and fumes may affect the working environment and take action to minimise risk
- Understand the risk of biological hazards in the workplace particularly Legionnaires Disease and human discharges
- Recognise dermatitis reactions
- Understand how to use risk assessments and data sheets
- Know the actions to take in example COSHH accidents
Format
The course is delivered fully online and is split into four highly interactive sections. Learners will engage with videos, case studies, questions, and activities that use real hospitality situations and finish with a quiz to ensure points are remembered and understood. The module may be completed in short sections over a period of time or all at one go! In addition, there are links to websites and documents that can be used to research further learning.
Sections include:
- Hazardous substances and your responsibilities
- Risks, symbols and examples
- Working safely with hazardous substances
- Being health and accident aware!
Aims of the Course
By completing this training, learners will be able to:
- Identify the risks of hazardous products and state your key responsibilities
- Identify safe practices when working with hazardous substances and why they are important to follow
- Identify how hazardous substances can affect your health and state actions to take in case of an accident
Accreditation
This module is accredited by the Institute of Hospitality with CPD points
Who Should Take This Course?
This training is designed for all staff working in any type of venue in Hospitality including attached Health Clubs and Spas.
It is best placed during induction for new starters but can be used as a refresher for existing staff or as a stand alone module any time. The module will also contribute to the off the job training hours for team members undertaking a Level 2 apprenticeship.
Test
At the end of the course, learners complete a 36 question quiz in the same style as the learning activities (drag-and-drop, single choice, multiple choice). The pass mark is 80%, with unlimited retakes available. Certificates are available instantly upon passing.
Post-Module Action Plan
Completing training doesn’t always mean that action and change happens! Learners can download our unique actions plans from within the module and complete. A series of questions asks learners to apply the information in the module to their workplace to identify the specific procedures they should follow and identify areas where they need further information or training. Managers can use the action plans to discuss with individuals and organise additional information and training to ensure all the team are confident with the Safety procedures.