UCD RISK ASSESSMENT – UCDC13
USE AND HANDLING OF CARCINOGENS AND MUTAGENS (GENERAL)
Important Note
This document is a general risk assessment for the use of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals. It is
intended to provide general guidance only. Users of such chemicals must complete a specific risk
assessment for the use of named chemicals.
The University Safety Office has developed a Pro Forma Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Template to aid
persons conducting risk assessments.
Refer to the UCD Chemical Safety Manual for further information.
Introduction
The use of carcinogens and mutagens pose a serious risk to the health of users if not handled in a safe manner.
Exposure to carcinogens can lead to the development of cancers, whilst exposure to mutagens can lead to the
development of heritable genetic defects.
Both carcinogens and mutagens are broken down into three different IARC categories.
Carcinogen Classification
o
Category 1 Carcinogens: Substances known to cause cancer in humans
o
Category 2 Carcinogens: Substances that should be regarded as if they are carcinogenic to humans, for
which there is sufficient evidence, based on long-term animal studies and other relevant information, to
provide a strong presumption that human exposure may result in the development of cancer
o
Category 3 Carcinogens: substances that cause concern owing to possible carcinogenic effects but for
which available information is not adequate to make satisfactory assessments.
Category 1 and 2 carcinogens will carry Toxic (T) symbol and the Risk Phrase R45 (may cause cancer) or R49
(may cause cancer by inhalation). A Category 3 carcinogen will carry the Harmful (Xn) symbol and the Risk
Phrase R40 (limited evidence of carcinogenic effect). The use of any of these three categories of carcinogen
must be subjected to a specific risk assessment.
Mutagen Classification
o
Category 1 Mutagen: Substances known to produce heritable genetic defects
o
Category 2 Mutagen: Substances that should be regarded as if they are mutagenic to humans, for which
there is sufficient evidence, based on long-term animal studies and other relevant information, to provide a
strong presumption that human exposure may result in the development of genetic mutations
o
Category 3 Mutagen: substances that cause concern owing to possible mutagenic effects but for which
available information is not adequate to make satisfactory assessments.
Category 1 and 2 mutagens will carry Toxic (T) symbol and the Risk Phrase R46 (May cause heritable genetic
damage) or R68 (Possible risk of irreversible effects). A Category 3 mutagen will carry the Harmful (Xn) symbol
and the Risk Phrase R46 (May cause heritable genetic damage) or R68 (Possible risk of irreversible effects). The
Rev 1
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UCD Safety Office
UCD RISK ASSESSMENT – UCDC13
USE AND HANDLING OF CARCINOGENS AND MUTAGENS (GENERAL)
use of any of these three categories of mutagen must be subjected to a specific risk assessment.
Persons At Risk
All persons working with such compounds are at risk. In situations where airborne contaminants are generated
and are not adequately contained then all persons in the immediate area of the work are at significant risk.
Date Of Assessment
Risk Assessment
01/08/2010
Completed By
UCD Safety Office
Probability Rating
Outcome Rating
Risk Rating
Likely
Very Harmful
Significant Risk
Measures Required To Reduce Risk
1. The use of a carcinogen or mutagen over a less hazardous chemicals must be fully justifiable.
2. Persons working with carcinogens or mutagens should refer to UCDC1 Handling And Use Of Chemical
Agents (General) Risk Assessment for general details on the safe handling and use of chemicals.
3. Users should also refer to any other UCD Chemical Agent Risk Assessment that may be of relevance, e.g.
users of flammable liquids which are carcinogens e.g. benzene, should refer to UCDD3 Handling And Use Of
Flammable Liquids / Organic Solvents (General) Risk Assessment.
4. Zero exposure must always be the ultimate aim when working with carcinogens or mutagens.
5. Whenever possible users of such material should:
o
Replace the use of these compounds with less harmful ones
o
Reduce the amounts used to as low as possible
o
Reduce the number of persons exposed to as low a level as possible
o
Ensure such compounds are only used inside fume hoods
o
Design processes so as to minimise the generation of hazardous fumes, dusts and vapours
o
Design work processes so as to minimise the duration of use
o
Ensure the safe transport and secure storage of such compounds
o
Where possible used sealed systems for working with these agents
o
Where deemed necessary sign the use of such agents and demark the working area to restrict access
6. Persons using these types of compounds should have in place an appropriate emergency response plan to
deal with spillages.
7. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals must not work with these materials until a Pregnant Employee Risk
Assessment has been carried out (safety@ucd.ie).
8. If there is any doubt as to the effectiveness of control measures then the Safety Office should be contacted
so that occupational exposure monitoring of users can be undertaken.
Residual risk
(when all control
measures have been
implemented)
Residual risk
acceptable
Revision History
Rev 1
Probability Rating
Outcome Rating
Risk Rating
Unlikely
Very Harmful
Moderate Risk
Yes
Rev. 0 Issued 01/08/2007
Rev. 1 Issued 01/08/2010 - Update of introduction to refer to new risk assessment
template. Control measure No. 1 added.
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UCD Safety Office