Curriculum activity risk assessment
Chemical hazards in the curriculum
Activity Scope
This document provides a risk management process for activities that involve
student use of hazardous chemicals in the curriculum. Hazardous chemicals
may be used in a range of curriculum areas including but not limited to:
 Agricultural Studies: chemicals which are used in horticulture and animal
husbandry, veterinary products, fertilisers, scheduled poisons, and a range of
other industrial hazardous chemicals.
 Art: which includes reactants and waste generated from art processes (e.g.
paints, glues, acids and kiln fumes)
 Home Economics: chemicals including LPG, detergents, cleaning agents, sterilising agents and propellants.
 HPE: activities that may use solvents, disinfectants, cleaning agents and compressed gases.
 Industrial Technology and Design (ITD): solvents, welding fumes, paints, primers, adhesives and MDF dust.
 Marine and Outdoor Education: including the use of reagents, fuels, lubricants and compressed gases.
 Science: including laboratory reagents and biological materials, gases, reaction materials and waste products.
All processes involving the use of designated hazardous chemicals in the curriculum require risk assessment and
must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). The use of non-hazardous chemicals which pose no
exposure risk may be assessed as part of the normal planning process.
This activity risk assessment template is a guideline and can be used to manage the:
 use, preparation, decanting, mixing and application of chemicals
 generation of hazardous substances and materials during curriculum activities including reactants, chemical waste
products, dust and fumes, and
 clean-up of apparatus, equipment, plant and machinery used during chemical processes.
Chemical users should consider the following questions as a starting point when using chemicals in the curriculum:
 Which students will be involved?
 Where will the students be?
 What will the students be doing?
 Who will be leading the activity?
 What will the students be using?
 What is the level of chemical exposure?
The risk assessment of chemical activities is dependent on the physical risks (e.g. toxicity) and health risk (injury and
illness) associated with a chemical. Because these risks for a chemical are clearly defined in a safety data sheet, a
chemical assessment results in a risk conclusion rather than a risk level, as is determined in non-chemical activities.
Comparison
The result of this process means means that there can only be an indicative relationship between the CARA risk levels
of low, medium, high or extreme risk conclusions 1 to 4.
Chemical Risk Assessment
Conclusion
CARA Risk Level
1
2
3
4
Low-Medium
Medium-High
Extreme
DO NOT
PROCEED
For further information about completing risk assessments for school curriculum activities, refer to the Managing Risks in
School Curriculum Activities procedure. For information on chemical risk management, refer to the guideline for
Managing Risks with Chemicals in Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) Workplaces.
This risk assessment may be used in conjunction with other supporting documentation (e.g. the safety data sheet for the
designated chemical/chemical concentration, experimental instructions and standard operating procedures). As such, it
is not a requirement to complete all fields. All documents referred to must be referenced in the relevant field and
attached before submission for approval.
Once your chemical curriculum risk assessment has been completed, print up to and including section F, attach any
relevant documentation, sign and submit it to the appropriate officer for approval as per Section D.
Date Modified: 19 September 2012
Implementation Date: 19 September 2012
Due for Review: 1 July 2013
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Procedure Register at http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/ to ensure you have the most current version of this
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Health & Safety, File #125212
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Page 1 of 8
Chemical hazards in the curriculum risk assessment
Chemical use activity
Note: Use this Chemical Use Risk Assessment for curriculum activities which involve the use of hazardous chemicals. You must adhere to all Safety Data Sheet
recommendations, any identified control measures and operating procedures listed. The use of this template for the risk management of non-hazardous chemical
usage is optional.
A
Activity description
Complete each section below. If you attach related documentation, please enter “see attachment #” and number your attachments accordingly. All activities must take
place in the presence of a registered teacher with appropriate demonstrated ability. This teacher is required to take overall responsibility for the activity.
School risk
assessment
reference
Activity Description:
Location of Activity:
Start Date:
Finish Date:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Teachers/Leaders:
A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) less than five years old is available for the substance(s) and has been reviewed. All actions indicated by the SDS for the
control of hazards and risks associated with the substance will be complied with:
Yes
No – do not proceed until you have reviewed the SDS and implemented the specified risk control measures
Minimum Teacher/Leader Qualifications: The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to
raise their qualification level above the minimum listed. Teachers and activity leaders must have a demonstrated competency relevant to the curriculum area and the
hazardous chemicals to be used. Personnel may demonstrate their competency to conduct this chemical activity through one or more of the following:
Specific knowledge of this activity and any associated hazards and risks
Demonstrated ability and/or expertise to undertake this activity
Experience (i.e. previous involvement and familiarity) in undertaking this activity
Number of students (approx):
Possession of documented qualifications and expertise related to this activity
Supervision ratio:
Supervision type:
General
Group
Individual
Related Documentation (e.g. Safety Data Sheets, Safe Operating Procedures, Experiment Instructions, Chemical or Equipment Risk Assessments):
Risk Assessment prepared by (Name):
Is the product (stock, decanted or diluted) labelled in accordance with
regulations and is the labelling securely attached?
Position:
YES
Date:
No – do not proceed until a suitable labelling has been
securely attached to the container
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Chemical Use Activity — Page 2 of 8
Chemical Hazard Identification
List the chemicals that will be used in the activity. Identify the volumes and concentrations that will be used. Record any key hazard information from the appropriate
product safety data sheet. If you have existing risk assessment documentation for the concentration being used, complete columns 1 to 4 and enter ‘see attached risk
assessment’ in column 5. Go to section B. If you do not have a prepared chemical risk assessment for the concentration listed, complete columns 1-6.
Injection
Ingestion
Inhalation
5. Hazards from safety data sheet
(i.e. flammable, corrosive, irritant.
Include reaction products/waste generated)
Skin
6. Exposure Route
No risk of
exposure
Eyes
4.
Approximate
Quantity
(e.g. 500 mL)
3. Is the
concentration
hazardous?*
1. Name of substances used
2.
Concentration
required
Substances to be used (List ALL substances, expected products and waste products)
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Waste disposal method:
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Chemical Use Activity — Page 3 of 8
B
Exposure Hazards
Determine the level of exposure to the chemical. People exposed to the hazards associated with the chemical must be consulted and advised of the risk management
process. Consider the level of exposure during storage, handling, use and disposal processes. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for chemical information. If you have
attached an existing chemical risk assessment, go to B2.
B1 Did you identify any routes of entry as an exposure risk in section A?
No, there are no exposure risks -go to C
YES, there are exposure risks (indicate below)
B2 Who is exposed to the chemical/process?
Technical staff
Teaching staff
Cleaning staff
Emergency personnel
Visitors
Volunteers
Students
[Other]
What is the duration of the exposure for the activity (how long will it take)?
What is the frequency of exposure for the activity (how many times will you do the activity or use the chemical)?
Have any health problems been reported as a result of previous usage or storage?
No
YES. Details:
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Chemical Use Activity — Page 4 of 8
C
Chemical Activity Safety Control Measures
(refer to guidance notes A and B)
What plant and equipment will be used in this activity in addition to the identified chemicals? (attach an existing protocol or equipment/apparatus lists)
Hazard/risk
Controls
Physical Chemical Hazards

Environmental hazards

Students
 Instructions

Equipment Materials

Safety Management
 First aid
 Spills/Contamination
 Fire
 Supervision

Is personal protective equipment
required as described in the SDS?
Is it necessary to provide ventilation
(general, mechanical or cross
ventilation) when undertaking this
activity?
Gloves
Type:
Hearing protection
Type:
Protective
clothing
Type:
Respiratory protection
Type:
Eye Protection
Type:
Hygiene control
Type:
Face protection
Type:
Other:
Type:
No.
YES
Type:
Other:
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Chemical Use Activity — Page 5 of 8
D
Risk Assessment Conclusions
(refer to guidance note C)
Overall Risk Level Conclusion
Conclusion
1
Risks are not significant now, and not
likely to increase in the future (i.e. risks
are low)
Action Required/Approval
 Comply with all requirements of the label and current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Manage and document through your regular planning processes and/or person(s) using
the chemicals should approve and sign the risk assessment.
Select 1 if you are using a concentration less than which is considered hazardous, or no precautions are required and it is unlikely that the use of the chemical(s) will adversely affect the health of persons at the workplace
and the risk is not likely to increase in the future, e.g. you are using concentrations that are too small to constitute a risk, even if controls fail, or the operation strictly conforms to the information on the label and in the SDS.
Conclusion
2
Risks are significant but effectively
controlled, and could increase in the
future (i.e. medium to high risk)
 Comply with all requirements of the label and current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Implement the identified controls to minimise the chances of higher exposure
occurring.
 Determine and implement additional measures for regaining control if a high risk
event occurs despite the precautions already taken. Parental consent may be
required.
 Document controls in planning documents and/or complete this Chemical Use
Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment.
 The Principal or delegated head of program (i.e. DP, HOD, HOSES) to review and
approve the risk assessment.
Select 2 if you are satisfied that adequate controls are in place. Select where serious health effects could result if the control measures fail or deteriorate. This usually results from the use of toxic hazardous chemicals
or where the potential exposure is high. Risks, while presently adequately controlled, could increase in the future.
Conclusion
3
Risks significant now and not effectively
controlled (extreme risk)
 The activity must not proceed. Alternatives to undertaking the activity must be found.
 Obtain additional information or expert advice to reach a conclusion of 1 or 2.
 Comply with all requirements of the current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Implement sufficient controls to ensure the safe use of the material.
 The Principal is required to review and approve the revised risk assessment prior to
conducting this activity.
Select 3 if the use of a chemical is likely to constitute a significant risk and further investigation may be necessary before proceeding (e.g. there have been persistent or widespread complaints of illness, discomfort,
irritation or excessive odour, hazardous chemicals may be splashed, control measures are broken, defective or badly maintained, for example, a poorly maintained extraction system which no longer draws a hazardous
chemical away from the work area).
Conclusion
4
Uncertain about risks
There is not enough information, or there is uncertainty
about degree or extent of exposure.
DO NOT PROCEED.
 The activity must not proceed. Alternatives to undertaking the activity must be found.
 Obtain additional information or expert advice to reach a conclusion of 1 or 2.
 In the meanwhile, implement work practices to ensure safety.
Select 4 if no SDS is available, if labelling is inadequate, if the level of exposure cannot be estimated with confidence or further investigation is necessary. Obtain additional information from other sources, such as
suppliers, occupational health and safety consultants and industry or trade associations..
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document.
Chemical Use Activity — Page 6 of 8
E
Assessment Approval
The actions/approvals for the risk assessment identified in Section D must be adhered to.
Submission for approval:
In completing this request, the activity leader acknowledges that they have reviewed the appropriate Safe Operating Procedure(s), Plant
and Equipment Risk Assessment(s), SDS, Hazardous Substances Risk Assessments and relevant Policy and Procedure modules; and have the appropriate level of
experience to undertake the activity safely.
Indicate those involved in the preparation of this risk assessment:
Submitted by:
Date:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
The risk assessment is therefore:
Approved as submitted
Approved with the following conditions:
Not Approved for the following reasons:
By:
F
Designation:
Signed:
Date:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Monitor and Review (To be completed during and/or after the activity.)
Yes
No
Are the control measures still effective?
Have there been any changes?
Are further actions required?
If you have identified any improvements or additional actions or changes above, complete the Risk Control Plan below:
Actions
Responsible Person
Target Date
Review Date
(dd/mm/yyyy)
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Action Completed
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document.
Chemical Use Activity — Page 7 of 8
Disclaimer:
This document is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools.
Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this document or information in this document by persons or organisations other than the
State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this document or any information in this document
are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular
circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this
document or the information in this document to a user’s particular circumstances.
To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation,
liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this
document or any information in this document.
Links in this document to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently
verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy,
currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.
Important Links
Code of Practice - Hazardous Chemicals
Code of Practice 2003
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/hazardouschemicals-cop-2003.pdf
Code of Practice – How to Manage Work
Health and Safety Risks 2011
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/
WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/633/How_to_Manage_Work_Health_
and_Safety_Risks.pdf
Code of Practice - Labelling of Workplace
Hazardous Chemicals 2011
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/labelling-workplacehazardous-chemicals-cop-2011.pdf
Code of Practice - Managing risks of
Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
2012
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/hazardouschemicals-cop-2003.pdf
Creating Healthier Workplaces website:
Risk Management
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/managing/risk.html
Electrical Safety
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/hazards/electrical.html
First Aid
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pages/First-Aid.aspx
Health and Safety Incident Recording,
Notification and Management
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pages/Health-and-SafetyIncident-Recording,-Notification-and-Management.aspx
Infection Control Guideline
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Procedure
Attachments/Infection Control/guideline.doc
Management of Prescribed Contagious
Conditions
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/community/Pages/Management-ofPrescribed-Contagious-Conditions.aspx
Managing Risks with Chemicals in
Department of Education, Training and
Employment (DETE) Workplaces
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/corp/hr/workplace/Pages/Managing-Risks-withChemicals-in-Department-of-Education,-Training-and-Employment(DETE)-Workplaces.aspx
Managing Risks in School Curriculum
Activities
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/education/management/Pages/Managing-Risksin-School-Curriculum-Activities.aspx
Safety and Hazard Alerts
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/alerts.html
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSA11.p
df
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For further support with risk management training and advice:
1.
2.
Contact trained staff such as your:

Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO)

Workplace Health and Safety Representative (WHSR)

Regional Senior Health and Safety Consultant
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/hscontacts.html
Visit the Risk Management page on the Creating Healthier Workplaces website
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/managing/risk.html
Uncontrolled copy. Refer to the Department of Education, Training and Employment Policy and Procedure Register at
http://ppr.det.qld.gov.au/ to ensure you have the most current version of this document.
Chemical Use Activity — Page 8 of 8