|
The use of chemicals and other substances hazardous to health is usually somewhat limited in Churches and Places of worship. Items such as cleaning fluids and materials used during maintenance works are often the only substances being used, but there might still be a risk to people's safety when they are using these chemicals.
Substances can be responsible for a number of different health conditions, from skin disorders including dermatitis, asthma and other respiratory disorders and serious chemical burns to the skin, to name just a few. Some substances might become accidentally swallowed or splashed into the eyes, and this too needs to be considered.
Some substances can cause immediate effects, such as a caustic cleaning fluid on unprotected skin, which would cause chemical burns. Other substances might cause long-term ill effects, possibly occupational dermatitis, due to repeated exposure to a substance.
Those substances that are hazardous to health are usually identified with an orange warning symbol. Many have a raised warning triangle, intended as a tactile aid for those with visual impairments. These substances are usually supplied with a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which provides important information about the correct handling and use of the substance.
 One of the common safety symbols found on a hazardous substance
Material Safety Data Sheets
The Safety Data Sheet is a document that is supplied by the manufacturer or supplier of the product. The information is usually sent with the substance but is also available online in most circumstances or can be requested from a retailer. Data sheets contain some important information about the substance and how it should be handled safely, how to dispose of the substance and other essential information (including first aid treatment and fire fighting methods).
The data sheet is used in preparing an assessment, which is often called a COSHH assessment. COSHH stands for "Control of Substances Hazardous to Health".
A number of issues need to be considered in this assessment including how the substance is used, who is exposed to the substance, how much is being used and how often it is being used. Substances can enter the body in different ways, such as absorption through the skin, breathing in gases, vapours and dusts, contact with the eyes and ingestion.
Substances can easily enter the eyes or mouth accidentally. The most common cause is people failing to wash their hands after handling a substance. If the person then eats, drinks or smokes with the substance on their hands, the chemical then enters the body. Similarly, rubbing the eyes and the parts of the face near the eyes can transfer the substance into the eyes.
Some substances might also be flammable or could create an explosive atmosphere. Other substances might also have a harmful effect on the environment, and this should be considered too. The safety data sheet will include important information on the flammability and emergency procedures for the substance.
While this assessment must be in writing if there are five or more employees, it is recommended to always keep these assessments written down. This information should be made available to staff and volunteers using the substances. Additional training and instruction might be beneficial in some situations.
Precautions
The chemicals and substances that are used within a Church or Place of Worship need to be kept in a secure place, away from members of the public and out of the reach of children. It is highly recommended that this is a lockable cupboard. Additionally, all chemicals must remain in their original containers, or containers as supplied by the manufacturer.
It is preferable to prevent the use of certain substances, especially where an alternative exists that is less hazardous. For example, substitute bleach with a proprietary toilet cleaner fluid. It is also recommended that inflammable substances are avoided for reasons of fire safety, such as petrol, paraffin and bottled gas.
Certain substances might be unsuitable for use, such as those that are highly caustic or acidic. Note that many garden chemicals that are intended for "home garden use only". Similarly, avoid using anything other than detergents and sanitisers when members of the public are present.
Many safety data sheets quote safe limits for the amount of the substance that is in the air, in the form of vapours, gases and dusts (depending on the substance). These Workplace Exposure Limits (known as WELs for short) must not be exceeded and are quoted as long-term (such as over an 8 hour period) and short-term (over a 15 minute period). Information about WELs is published by the Health and Safety Executive.
One of the most common precautions that are put into place for many low-risk substances is 'Personal Protective Equipment'. It would be common to supply disposable gloves to those handling cleaning fluids, but some substances might require additional protective equipment. Further advice is found in the data sheet for the substance.
Other hazardous substances
In addition to chemicals, it is also important to consider the exposure of biological agents, such as bacteria and micro-organisms, including Legionella (the cause of legionaries disease).
Legionella and other related waterborne diseases can be caught by breathing in droplets of water that carry bacteria. It cannot be transferred from person to person. Specific areas of concern within Churches and Places of Worship are with hot and cold water systems and some types of air conditioning equipment.
The bacteria will not survive above 45 degrees Celsius and the hot water at taps should be above this level after a short period of time (usually 60 seconds). Typically boilers would be set to a temperature some 20°C warmer than this. Cold water taps should be below 20°C and care is needed to insulate pipes when they run close to hot water pipes and heating systems.
Water should be regularly run from taps that would not otherwise be used, and this could be part of the routine cleaning schedule. The system should be inspected for disused branch pipes, which should be removed or reduce to the shortest possible length. Water storage tanks might need occasional antibacterial treatment.
Air conditioning systems should be routinely serviced and cleaned, no matter of the system type. This should include the cleaning of filters and, in the case of 'wet' systems, treatment with an antibacterial substance to control the bacteria in the system. The company that performs this servicing will advise on any specific precautions you need to take such as antibacterial treatments.
|
