Risk Assessment
The identification of hazards, the evaluation of their risks and the putting in place of control measures to secure the health and safety of employees is a major element for managing health and safety under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
The Chemical Agent Regulations point out the specific requirements necessary to complete a Chemical Agents risk assessment of the chemical agents used in the work place.
The Risk Assessment steps:
- Identify the hazards.
- Consider who might be affected and how they might be harmed.
- Evaluate the risks and take precautions.
- Document and implement your findings.
- Update and review.
The first step in risk assessment is to identify the hazards. When recording all potential chemical hazards, look beyond the obvious. As well as considering the use of chemical agents, look at chemicals or substances that may be produced by a process, for example welding fumes etc. Evaluate the correct storage and the quantities of chemicals being stored as well as waste disposal. Consider all materials, preparations/mixtures. Besides chemical agents, consider also, for example, items like glues, materials used by maintenance such as oils, gardening materials, water treatment and cleaning materials.
The second step is to consider who (groups of employees) might be affected and how the material/chemical might harm them. The safety data sheet, which should be provided with each material is a primary source of health and safety information. Take account of occupational exposure limits where they exist.
The third step is evaluating the risks and deciding on precautions. Apply the principles below in the following order:
- Eliminate the substance or substitute a less hazardous chemical
- Prevent exposure, for example, by containment and use of local exhaust ventilation (Engineering controls)
- Organise work to reduce the number of employees that might be exposed
- As a back up or final resort, issue personal protective equipment
- Provide welfare facilities (first-aid and washing facilities to remove contamination)
The fourth step is to document and implement your findings. Write down your findings and discuss them with your employees. Consultation with your employees is necessary at every step and especially when implementing the findings of risk assessment. At this point it is worthwhile drawing up an action plan, detailing who is responsible, for what action and when will it be carried out.
As no workplace remains the same, the fifth step is to review and update your risk assessment, if necessary. When changes such as new employees, machinery, equipment or materials occur in the workplace it is necessary to review the risk assessment. Change in work patterns such as overtime or shift work, the needs of pregnant/nursing employees and those with special needs must also be included.