RISK ASSESSMENT
SCHOOL:
PRACTIVITY 1.12: Testing materials for flammability
Description of procedure (attach a copy of the experiment)
HAZARDOUS substance as classified by NOHSC
Reactant or
product name and
concentration
Dangerous
good
Hazard
level
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
Nitric oxide – product
of burning nylon and
polyester
Yes
High
Risk of explosion by shock,
friction, fire or other sources
of ignition
Contact with combustible
material may cause fire.
Toxic by inhalation
Cause burns
Risk of serious damage to
eyes
Risk of explosion if heated
under confinement
Cumulative effects may result
following exposure.
Vapours potentially cause
drowsiness and dizziness.
Keep locked up.
Keep away from combustible
material.
Do not breathe gas/fumes/
vapour/spray
Avoid contact with skin.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Wear suitable protective
clothing.
In case of insufficient
ventilation, wear suitable
respiratory equipment.
Wear suitable gloves.
Wear eye/face protection.
Use only in well-ventilated
areas.
Keep container in a wellventilated place.
Keep in a cool place.
To clean the floor and all
objects contaminated by this
material, use water and
detergent.
Keep container tightly closed
This material and its container
must be disposed of in a safe
way.
Keep away from food, drink
and animal feeding stuffs.
Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing.
In case of contact with eyes,
rinse with plenty of water and
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
MSDS
date
Reactant or
product name and
concentration
Dangerous
good
Hazard
level
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
In case of accident or if you
feel unwell, IMMEDIATELY
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
If swallowed, IMMEDIATELY
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
This material and its container
must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
In case of accident by
inhalation, remove casualty to
fresh air and keep at rest.
Nitrous oxide –
product of burning
nylon and polyester
Yes
High
Risk of explosion by shock,
friction, fire or other sources
of ignition
Contact with combustible
material may cause fire.
Harmful by inhalation
Irritating to eyes
Risk of explosion if heated
under confinement.
May produce discomfort of
the respiratory system and
skin
Keep away from combustible
material.
Do not breathe gas/fumes/
vapour/spray
Avoid contact with skin.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Wear suitable protective
clothing.
Wear suitable gloves.
Wear eye/face protection.
Use only in well-ventilated
areas.
Keep container in a wellventilated place.
To clean the floor and all
objects contaminated by this
material, use water and
detergent.
Keep container tightly closed
Keep away from food, drink
and animal feeding stuffs.
In case of contact with eyes,
rinse with plenty of water and
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
If swallowed, IMMEDIATELY
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
This material and its container
must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
MSDS
date
Reactant or
product name and
concentration
Dangerous
good
Hazard
level
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
In case of accident by
inhalation, remove casualty to
fresh air and keep at rest.
Matches
Yes
Extreme
Flammable
Harmful if swallowed.
Toxic by inhalation
Irritating to eyes
May cause SENSITISATION
by inhalation and skin contact
May cause CANCER
May cause heritable genetic
damage
Harmful: danger of serious
damage to health by
prolonged exposure through
inhalation
Toxic to aquatic organisms;
may cause long-term
adverse effects in the aquatic
environment
May impair fertility
May cause harm to the
unborn child
Cumulative effects may result
following exposure.
May produce discomfort of
the respiratory system and
skin
Keep locked up.
Do not breathe dust.
Avoid contact with skin.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Wear suitable protective
clothing.
In case of insufficient
ventilation, wear suitable
respiratory equipment
Use only in well-ventilated
areas.
Wear suitable gloves.
Wear eye/face protection.
Keep container in a wellventilated place
Avoid exposure; obtain
special instructions before
use.
Do not empty into drains.
To clean the floor and all
objects contaminated by this
material, use water and
detergent.
This material and its container
must be disposed of in a safe
way.
Keep away from food, drink
and animal feeding stuffs.
Take off immediately all
contaminated clothing.
In case of contact with eyes,
rinse with plenty of water and
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
Use appropriate container to
avoid environmental
contamination
This material and its container
must be disposed of as
hazardous waste.
MSDS
date
Reactant or
product name and
concentration
Dangerous
good
Hazard
level
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
MSDS
date
Avoid release to the
environment.
In case of accident by
inhalation, remove casualty to
fresh air and keep at rest
NON-HAZARDOUS substance as classified by NOHSC
Wool
No
Low
Cotton
No
Low
Other hazards and possible risks
Risk of burns from matches, Bunsen flame, burning materials and hot equipment
Risk of fire if matches and burnt materials are not dropped in the beaker of water.
Risk of breathing hazardous fumes if not carried out in a fume cupboard:

When nylon burns it may produce poisonous and corrosive fumes.

When polyester burns it burns with intense heat, producing melting, flowing, burning liquid and dense, acrid black
smoke.
Protective measures
Lab coat
Safety glasses
Gloves
Fume cupboard
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Other
Student clean up and disposal of wastes
Leave all materials in the fume cupboard for the lab technician to dispose of.
Assessor’s signature: __________________________________
Date: __________________
*****This assessment is not valid until it has been completed and signed by an assessor
approved by the school. The assessment will cease to be valid 5 years after the above date.
All teachers are to sign the following statement before conducting this experiment.
I have read this risk assessment and I understand the safety procedures and risks involved.
Teacher’s name
Teacher’s signature
Date
Disposal of waste and lab technician notes
Disposal may be subject to local laws and regulations and these should be considered first.
Recycle wherever possible.
Bury residue in an authorised landfill.
****NOTES:
 Individual schools have a legal obligation to acquire their own manufacturer’s MSDS and produce a risk
assessment relevant to their own situation.
 This risk assessment sheet is provided for your guidance only.
 Disposal of waste is subject to the laws and regulations of states, territories and local authorities.
 It is not to be assumed that products bought from supermarkets are non-hazardous.
DISCLAIMER:
These guidelines are designed to serve as a general reference only. It does not replace the school’s legal obligation to
provide a valid risk assessment to ensure the safety of the staff and students conducting this experiment. While the
Publisher has endeavoured to ensure that the material provided is free from error, the Publisher does not warrant the
accuracy, adequacy or completeness of that material or that the material is suitable for your intended use. To the fullest
extent permitted by law the Publisher disclaims all responsibility for any actions taken or not taken in relation to the material
provided.