Introduction

Safe systems of work are essential to protect patients and staff from acquiring infections transmitted via medical devices and other healthcare equipment that has contact with patients.

All staff must be aware of the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations (2004). These regulations require that you assess the risks from exposure to hazardous substances and adopt precautions necessary to prevent or control exposure. The Regulations also require that you obtain information, instruction and training and where necessary, monitor exposure and staff health¹.

Before undertaking any decontamination procedure, you must make a risk assessment according to the COSHH Regulations. As part of this process, you must consider what personal protective equipment is required.