Refer to the Group's policy and procedure on Substance Misuse under the HR section of the intranet.

Substances which fall within the scope of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) require a formal COSHH assessment to be completed. Within Hastoe the use of hazardous substances will be kept to a minimum.

Employees and Line Managers should familiarise themselves with the Group's COSHH Policy and Procedure.

On occasions employees may come across discarded needles within some of the residential properties. Employees must follow control measures identified within their risk assessment.

Where sharps are identified within our managed estate offices, bio hazard kits are available in order to collect the discarded needle(s). On other estates which do not have Estate Officers or Caretakers trained to remove sharps, the local authority must be contacted to arrange collection. Employees dealing with sharps must ensure that appropriate PPE is worn such as needle stick gloves and safety shoes.

On no account should employees put themselves at risk of a needle stick injury by picking up a discarded needle without the use of suitable equipment.

Occupational driving is defined as driving a vehicle while at work or on Group business, this could be a group vehicle or a private vehicle.

Employees and Line Managers should familiarise themselves with the Group's Occupational Driving Policy and Procedure.

Anyone who is regularly and frequently exposed to high levels of vibration can suffer permanent injury through the use of power tools and ride on machinery. The majority of employees will not use such items, in general this type of equipment will be used by our Estate Officers and Caretakers.

Relevant line managers and staff must read and understand the HAV & WBV policy and procedure located on the intranet. Where there is a risk of HAV or WBV, this must be addressed in the individual employee's risk assessment.