RISK ASSESSMENT
SCHOOL:
DESIGN YOUR OWN…Separation challenge
As this is a student-designed experiment, possible risks will have to be assessed for each design.
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
Sawdust from nontreated plantation
pine
No
Extreme
May cause SENSITISATION
by inhalation and skin contact
Cumulative effects may result
following exposure.
Possible CANCER-causing
agent
Avoid exposure; obtain
special instructions before
use.
To clean the floor and all
objects contaminated by this
material, use water and
detergent.
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.
Iron filings
No
Moderate
Inhalation may produce
health damage.
Cumulative effects may result
following exposure.
May produce discomfort of
the eyes and respiratory
system
Do not breathe dust.
Avoid contact with skin.
Wear eye/face protection
Use only in well-ventilated
areas.
Keep container in a wellventilated place.
In case of contact with eyes,
rinse with plenty of water and
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
Matches
Yes
Extreme
Flammable
Harmful if swallowed
Toxic by inhalation
Keep locked up.
Do not breathe dust.
Avoid contact with skin.
MSDS
date
Reactant or
product name and
concentration
Dangerous
good
Hazard
level
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
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
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.
Use only in well-ventilated
areas.
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
Avoid release to the
environment.
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.
MSDS
date
NON-HAZARDOUS substance as classified by NOHSC
Washed sand
None
Low
None under normal
operating conditions
Avoid generating and breathing
dust.
Cooking salt—solid
None
Moderate
Cumulative effects may
result following exposure.
May produce discomfort of
the eyes, respiratory tract
and skin
Do not breathe dust.
Avoid contact with skin.
Wear eye/face protection.
In case of contact with eyes,
rinse with plenty of water and
contact a Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
Other hazards and possible risks
Do not use sawdust that contains MDF or treated pine particles.
Minimise risks by using the smallest amount possible.
Risk of burns from matches, Bunsen flame and hot equipment
Risk of fire if matches are dropped in the paper bin
Risk of burns from hot liquid and equipment
Risk of hot salt spitting and splattering
Protective measures
Lab coat
Safety glasses
Gloves
Yes
Yes
Yes
Fume cupboard
Other
Student clean up and disposal of wastes
Avoid generating and breathing dust during cleanup.
To clean the work bench and all objects contaminated by these materials, use water and detergent.
Return all waste to the lab technician.
Students to be given a container for matches
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.
Harmful to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment
Recycle wherever possible.
Avoid generating and breathing dust during clean up.
****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.