COSHH Policy Statement

Last Updated: May 2026  |  Company No: 16815959  |  VAT Reg No: GB375539265

Statement of Intent

Apex Pest Control Ltd is committed to protecting the health and safety of its employees, subcontractors, clients, and members of the public from risks arising from the use of hazardous substances in the course of our pest control operations.

We comply fully with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and all associated guidance. All technicians are trained in the safe handling, application, and disposal of the substances used in our work.

Scope

This COSHH Policy applies to all substances used by Apex Pest Control Ltd in the delivery of pest control services, including but not limited to:

• Professional-use insecticides and rodenticides
• Residual sprays and dusts
• Fumigants and fogging agents
• Baits and tracking powders
• Cleaning and decontamination products used in our operations

The specific products used by Apex Pest Control Ltd may change over time in line with product availability, regulatory changes, and operational requirements. This policy is therefore maintained as a general statement. Product-specific COSHH assessments and safety data sheets are held on file and made available to technicians prior to use.

General COSHH Assessments

General COSHH assessments covering our standard range of treatment products and application methods are maintained by the company. These assessments:

• Identify the hazardous substances used and the risks they present
• Define appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce exposure
• Specify the PPE required for each type of treatment
• Detail first aid procedures and emergency actions in the event of accidental exposure or spillage
• Are reviewed annually or whenever a new product or application method is introduced

All technicians are briefed on the relevant COSHH assessments for the products they use and are required to follow the control measures set out within them.

Commercial Site-Specific COSHH Reports

For all commercial pest management contracts and sites, a site-specific COSHH report is produced and maintained as part of the service documentation. This report:

• Identifies all substances used or likely to be used on that specific site
• Assesses the specific risks associated with the site environment (e.g. food production areas, public-facing premises, sensitive occupants)
• Sets out site-specific control measures and any additional precautions required
• Is made available to the client as part of their pest management records and Record of Management (ROM) documentation
• Is reviewed at each scheduled visit and updated when products, site conditions, or risk levels change

Control Measures

The following hierarchy of controls is applied when working with hazardous substances:

1. Elimination — where possible, avoid the use of hazardous substances by using non-chemical methods
2. Substitution — where chemical treatment is required, use the least hazardous effective product available
3. Engineering controls — use tamper-resistant bait stations, targeted application equipment, and containment measures to limit exposure
4. Administrative controls — follow COSHH assessments, safe working procedures, and product label instructions at all times
5. PPE — use appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in the relevant COSHH assessment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Appropriate PPE is provided to all technicians and must be worn in accordance with the relevant COSHH assessment for each product and treatment type. PPE is inspected regularly and replaced when worn, damaged, or past its recommended service life.

Storage & Transport

All hazardous substances are stored and transported in their original, correctly labelled containers. Storage complies with manufacturer instructions and applicable regulations. Substances are secured in company vehicles and are not accessible to unauthorised persons.

Spillage & Accidental Exposure

In the event of a spillage or accidental exposure to a hazardous substance:

• The technician must follow the first aid and emergency procedures detailed in the relevant product safety data sheet
• The incident must be reported to a director immediately
• The incident will be recorded in the company accident book
• Where the incident meets the RIDDOR reporting threshold, it will be reported to the HSE without delay

Training

All technicians hold relevant industry qualifications and certifications covering the safe and legal use of professional pest control products. COSHH awareness is included in onboarding and reviewed regularly. No technician is permitted to apply professional-use substances without appropriate training and certification.

Review

This COSHH Policy Statement will be reviewed annually by the directors of Apex Pest Control Ltd, or sooner following any significant incident, change in product range, or update to applicable legislation or guidance.

Director Sign-Off