Hazardous substances in churches

It's important to understand your wider responsibilities around hazardous substances, including legal duties and practical steps you can take to prevent harm.

• Complete, record, and revise (where necessary) a specific risk assessment to identify precautions.
• See if it’s possible to remove hazardous substances altogether. If this is not possible, take sensible precautions to reduce exposure.
• Maintain these precautions over time; some may need inspection and testing at regular intervals.
• Provide information and training to any employees and volunteers on what they need to do.

There are a few steps you can take to limit the risks:

• Choose a safer product or substance instead of a more harmful one.
• Only store minimal quantities of the products or substances.
• Store substances securely, including bleach and toilet cleaners often left by toilets.
• Store flammable substances in a flame-retardant cabinet or container, well away from ignition sources.
• Safely dispose of chemicals no longer in use or that you cannot identify. When disposing of hazardous substances, you may have to meet legal obligations or face a fine. You can find more information on how to do this properly from your local Council.
• Only use fuel containers specifically designed for storing diesel and petrol with locking caps and spouts.
• Where possible, handle any fuels in a well-ventilated area with open windows and doors.
• Use bird roosting deterrents, such as bird spikes and porcupine wire, to prevent larger birds from roosting.
• Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, etc.

Note: this list is not exhaustive

For more information about hazardous substances, download our guide.