BS 2881:1989

Specification for cupboards for the storage of medicines in health care premises. | Status: Confirmed, Current

1 Scope This British Standard specifies requirements for cupboards of three security levels intended for the storage of Medicines at ambient temperature in health care premises. The cupboards covered are not primarily intended for the following:

1. a) the storage of Controlled Drugs subject to the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations;
2. b) the bulk storage of Medicines by pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers;
3. c) the bulk storage of Medicines in hospital, retail and other pharmacies;
4. d) the storage of Medicines in domestic premises;
5. e) the storage of Medicines that require refrigerated or other special storage conditions;
6. f) the storage of first-aid equipment and supplies.

NOTE 1 The storage of many Controlled Drugs is subject to either the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations or to an order made under Section 11 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The cupboards covered by this British Standard are Medicines cupboards but, in some circumstances, may be deemed by a police officer or Home Office Inspector to be suitable for use as part of the total provision for the storage of Controlled Drugs. In such cases Appendix C may not apply.

NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the regulations that may pertain to the use of cupboards and that are given in Appendix B.

NOTE 3 Guidance on the use, siting and installation of Medicines cupboards is given in Appendix C (see also note 1).

NOTE 4 Information that should be supplied by the purchaser is given in Appendix A.

NOTE 5 The titles of the publications referred to in this standard are listed on inside back cover.