Importance of a Chemical Risk Assessment and some Guidelines
Guest Post
It’s easy to smirk at this world of healthy and safety we’ve found ourselves in, or feel that the minefield of regulations only exist to hinder us. But there are few of us that wouldn’t gasp if we went to work in an environment within the chemical industry 50, even 20 years ago. So put aside the little voice saying ‘it’s health and safety gorn mad!’ and remember what a huge leap forward it really is. In this article we’ll look at how to perform a thorough chemical risk assessment and guidelines on how to produce an effective one.
What are Risk Assessments and Why do we do Them?
This may seem like a silly question but it’s all too easy for both employees and employers to loose sight of the importance of risk assessments, and feel they are just another impediment by the authorities. In reality of course a properly done risk assessment helps the company as well as protecting the employees. When the day to day risks to your employees have been identified safeguarding processed can be implemented, not only does this mean your employees know that their safety is a priority, but it takes away the financial risks to the company of expensive claims, insurance claim issues and accident or injury absences.
A well carried out risk assessment starts by identifying hazardous agents, then mapping out control measures so a clear process is in place when working with these agents.
What are ‘Hazardous Agents’?
Hazardous agents are:
• Mixtures and substances produced by the process within the company, including any waste products
• Substances used for processing, or stored within the workplace (e.g. raw materials, solvents, cleaning agents, glues, resins, paints);
• Substances generated by work activity (e.g. solvent fumes from painting)
A hazardous chemical is not only defined as hazardous because of what it contains; how they are used within the work place must also be taken into account. For example most of us wouldn’t classify water as a hazardous chemical however if it is used at boiling point, or as steam the company’s control measures must include safeguarding processes to prevent harm.
Where to Start with your Risk Assessment
Start with the basics when thinking about your risk assessment: what are the risks in the work place? What needs to put in place to avoid them? How do you make sure these safety measures are implemented? Once you’ve got these bullet points clear you can focus on your actual risk assessment document, it is a legal requirement that this is in writing and sufficiently detailed, so it’s worth giving some thought to. A risk assessment document should answer all these questions:
- What substances are your employees exposed to? Make sure you consider this carefully; it could be more extensive than you first thought. Make sure everybody who comes in contact with them is considered, it may not just be those whose job it is to handle the.
- What harm could these substances cause? This needs to be thoroughly researched, either from the labels on the substances or safety data sheets available online.
- What activities do employees undertake with these substances that puts them at risk?
- What risks need to be controlled? This involves trying to measure the risk to your staff, so are exposures to chemicals likely or would it be only be due to a malfunction or accident. Also is there a threat of fire or explosion that needs to be taken into account.
Complete an Informed Risk Assessment
A risk assessment is only worth the time and care if it is thorough and carefully compiled, so take the time to consider all aspects of the business and your employees rather than thinking of it as a chore. A well completed risk assessment can turn a catastrophic accident into a near miss so never underestimate its importance. For more information on risk assessment and chemical guidelines visit bibra – toxicology advice & consulting
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