if you're asked the question Why do you think you’d be good at this job? you can say that you're meticulous about Health and Safety and aware of the safety obligations of both the school and you (as prospective employee) when using cleaning agents. You would also impress them by asking them if they will be doing a basic COSHH training course for the successful candidate.
in advance of the interview, read up about COSHH - here is a summary:
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, a UK law that requires employers to control substances hazardous to health to protect workers from ill health.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
COSHH is a set of regulations designed to prevent or adequately control exposure to substances hazardous to health in the workplace.
What it covers:
The regulations cover a wide range of substances, including chemicals, dusts, fumes, mists, gases, biological agents, and naturally occurring substances.
Employer responsibilities:
Employers must assess the risks associated with hazardous substances, decide on necessary precautions, prevent or control exposure, ensure control measures are used and maintained, and provide information, instruction, and training to employees.
Hierarchy of control:
The regulations emphasize a hierarchy of control measures, starting with eliminating the hazard, then substituting with a safer alternative, followed by engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally, personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort.
Examples of hazardous substances:
Common examples include cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, pesticides, dusts from natural materials, fumes from welding, and biological agents like bacteria and fungi.
Why it's important:
Exposure to hazardous substances can lead to various health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer.
COSHH risk assessment:
Employers are required to carry out COSHH risk assessments to identify hazards, assess risks, and determine appropriate control measures.
COSHH Essentials:
HSE provides COSHH Essentials which offers basic advice on controlling exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.
^COSHH training:
Training is essential for employees to understand the risks associated with hazardous substances and how to work safely.^
Where to find more information:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website provides comprehensive guidance on COSHH regulations and best practices.