HEALTH & SAFETY
CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Ra No.:
Date:
Version No.:
Review Date:
Authorised by:
STEP 1 – ENTER INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTIVITY/TASK, ITS LOCATION AND THE PEOPLE COMPLETING THE RISK ASSESSMENT
Location name:
Building No.:
Room No.:
Chemical (Manufacturer’s name and product name):
Yes
Is the chemical a dangerous good?
If “yes” list the dangerous goods class:
No
Assessed by:
Is the chemical a hazardous substance?
Hydrofluoric acid solution 48%
Yes
Date:
8 sub-risk 6.1
No
If “yes” list the hazard statement:
H330, H310, H330, H314
Is the chemical a scheduled poison?
Yes
HSR/Employee representative:
If “yes” list the poison schedule:
No
Schedule 7 if the solution is <0.1% HF
Description of work/activities/use:
Usedin laboratory to dissolve sedimentary rock
Are there any licencing/permit requirements?
Yes
No
If “yes” provide details:
Health surveillance requirements (list “nil” if not required):
Poisons Permit. Local area permit to use HF
Possibly spirometry testing
A current MSDS/SDS is available
Yes
Exposure route of chemical:
Inhalation
Skin (absorption)
Eye
Ingestion
Injection
Other – Specify:
Workplace conditions (Describe layout and physical conditions - including access and egress):
Laboratory with fume hoods. Two access doors. Restricted access. Emergency shower and eye wash.
What are the storage requirements?
What are the waste/disposal requirements?
Store in a cabinet that meet the requirements of AS 3780 The storage and handling of corrosive
substances
Use the University waste procedure and the preferred hazardous waste contractor
List systems of work for the activity/task:
Chemical management training
● Training
● Inspections
HF handling and use SOP – training and instruction on use
● SOPs
● Existing controls
Bimonthly workplace inspections – include chemical storage and use
● Emergency situations
Is there past experience with the chemical that may assist in the assessment?
Chemical management training
● Existing controls
● SOPs
● Standards
AS 3780: The storage and handling of corrosive substances
● Industry standards
● Incidents & near-hits
● Legislation & Codes
Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 OHS Act 2004. OHS Regulations 2007
● Training
● Incident Investigation
● Guidance material
University of Melbourne chemical management guidance material.
safety.unimelb.edu.au
AS 224.1-10 Safety in laboratories
Chemical Risk Management Procedure
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 1
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.
First aid and emergency requirements
Burns and eye module for first aid kit
● Additional first aid kit contents
● Special first aid requirements (eg oxygen)
Vermiculite or Attapulgite absorbent material
● Emergency eyewash
● Emergency shower
University of Melbourne local area emergency procedures (see last page)
● Spill kit
safety.unimelb.edu.au
● Neutralising agent
● Restrict access
Sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium anhydrous as neutralisers
Local area first aid procedures (see last page) Calcium gluconate gel
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 2
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.
STEP 2: SELECT A RISK RATING METHOD
TWO VARIABLE RISK MATRIX
THREE VARIABLE RISK CALCULATOR
(1) Definitions of likelihood labels
(1) Definitions of exposure variables
Likelihood (Probability)
Level
Descriptor
Description
Exposure
E
Expected to occur
Continuously or many times daily
10
6
A
Almost certain
The event will occur on an annual basis
Once a year or more
Frequently: Approximately once daily
B
Likely
The event has occurred several times or
more in your career
Once every three years
Occasionally: Once a week to once a month
3
Infrequently: Once a month to once a year
2
C
Possible
The event might occur once in your career
Once every 10 years
Rarely: Has been known to occur
1
D
Unlikely
The event does occur somewhere from time Once every 30 years
to time
Very rarely: Not known to have occurred
0.5
E
Rare
Heard of something like the event occurring
elsewhere
(2) Definitions of likelihood variables
Once every 100 years
(2) Definitions of consequence labels
Severity level
Consequences
V Catastrophe
One or more fatalities and/or severe irreversible disability to one or more
people
IV Major
Extensive injury or impairment to one or more persons
III Moderate
Short term disability to one or more persons
II Insignificant
Medical treatment and/or lost injury time <2 weeks
I Negligible
First aid treatment or no treatment required
Likelihood
L
Almost certain: The most likely outcome if the event occurs
10
Likely: Not unusual, perhaps 50-50 chance
6
Unusual but possible: (e.g. 1 in 10)
3
Remotely possible: A possible coincidence (e.g. 1 in 100)
1
Conceivable: Has never happened in years of exposure, but possible (eg 1 in 1,000) 0.5
Practically impossible: Not to knowledge ever happened anywhere (e.g. 1 in
10,000)
0. 1
(3) Definitions of consequence variables
(3) Risk rating matrix
Likelihood
Consequence label
label
I
II
III
IV
V
A
Medium
High
High
Very high
Very high
B
Medium
Medium
High
High
Very high
C
Low
Medium
High
High
High
D
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
High
E
Low
Low
Medium
Medium
High
Consequences
C
Catastrophe: Multiple fatalities
100
Disaster: Fatality
50
Very serious: Permanent disability/ill health
25
Serious: Non-permanent injury or ill health
15
Important: Medical attention needed
5
Noticeable: Minor cuts and bruises or sickness
1
(4) Risk score calculator
Risk Score = E x L x C
safety.unimelb.edu.au
Risk score
Risk rating
> 600
Very high
300 - 599
High
90 - 299
Medium
< 90
Low
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 3
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.
STEP 3 – REVIEW CHEMICAL PROCESS
For each stage of the chemical risk assessment:
Hierarchy of Control (Control Type)

Review the prompts/examples for each route of exposure for each category;
El – Elimination

Determine and record a raw risk score by referencing the two variable risk matrix or the three variable risk calculator;
S – Substitution

In the comments box, describe the route of exposure and any other information (if applicable);
En – Engineering

Specify the risk control type for each current or proposed risk control;
Sh – Shielding

Provide a control description for each current or proposed risk control;
A – Administrative T – Training

Where proposed risk control(s) have been identified complete a Health & Safety Action Plan;
M – Monitoring

Determine the residual risk score referencing the same two variable risk matrix or three variable risk calculator used to determine the raw
risk score.
P – PPE
Category
Raw
Risk Score
Storage
Is – Isolation
G – Guarding
In – Inspection
H – Health Monitoring
For information devising appropriate controls, refer to: Guide to
Chemical Risk Hierarchy of Control.
Comments (when/where the exposure is present)
Control Type
Control Description
(Current and Proposed)
Residual
Risk Score
1 x 1 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
En
Keep container tightly closed. Store in original
container.
Low
● Inhalation
● Skin (absorption
= 50
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
Is
● Eye
● Ingestion
Low
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
In
● Injection
● Other
and fatality
A
Chemical burns to eyes
If unable to store in original container – HF must be
stored in polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, wax, lead
or platinum containe rs.
Store in a cabinet that meets the requirements of AS
3780
Severe lung irritant
Regular scheduled inspections
2 x 1 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
En
Use as per standard operating procedures
● Skin (absorption
= 300
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
A
Handle only in a fume hood designated for HF
● Eye
● Ingestion
High
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
T
Chemical management training
● Injection
● Other
and fatality
P
Wear appropriate eye and face protection, protective
clothing and gloves as per MSDS/SDS
Handling
● Inhalation
Chemical burns to eyes
Low
Other PPE as determined by activity/use and MSDS/SDS
(see last page for details of commonly used PPE)
Severe lung irritant
Decanting/Mixing
2 x 3 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
E
Purchase very small quantities to elimnate decanting
● Inhalation
● Skin (absorption
= 300
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
En
● Eye
● Ingestion
High
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
Is
Where stock solutions being made etc. procdures and
controls as per “Applying/Using”
● Injection
● Other
and fatality
A
Chemical burns to eyes
T
Severe lung irritant
P
Medium
Fatal if ingeted
safety.unimelb.edu.au
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 4
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.
Category
Raw
Risk Score
Comments (when/where the exposure is present)
Control Type
Control Description
(Current and Proposed)
Residual
Risk Score
Medium
Applying/Using
6 x 3 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
En
Use as per standard operating procedures
● Inhalation
● Skin (absorption
= 900
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
In
Use in a fume hood designated for HF use
● Eye
● Ingestion
Very high
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
Is
Chemical management training.
and fatality
A
Chemical burns to eyes
T
HF must be used in polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon,
wax, lead or platinum containers.
Severe lung irritant
P
● Injection
● Other
Fatal if ingeted
Wear appropriate eye and face protection, protective
clothing and gloves (nitrile or neoprene) as per
MSDS/SDS
Other PPE as determined by activity/use and MSDS (see
last page for details of commonly used PPE)
Use in bunded area
Regualr scheduled inspections
Restricted access
1 x 1 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
Is
● Skin (absorption
= 50
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
A
Have appropriate spill kit and cleanup equipment
available
● Eye
● Ingestion
Low
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
T
SOP for cleaning up spills/leaks
● Injection
● Other
and fatality
P
Wear appropriate eye and face protection, protective
clothing and gloves (nitrile or neoprene) as per
emergency procedures
Spill/Leak
● Inhalation
Chemical burns to eyes
Severe lung irritant
Low
Know local emergency procedures and evacuation
routes
Fatal if ingeted
Know the location of first aid kits and the local first aid
providers
Use undamaged original container or containers
appropriate to hold the chemical
HF container in bunding
Disposal
1 x 1 x 50
Skin and eye absorption – by interfering with body
A
● Inhalation
● Skin (absorption
= 50
calcium metabolism, the concentrated acid may also
Is
Use the University of Melbourne preferred hazardous
waste contractor
● Eye
● Ingestion
Low
cause systemic toxicity and eventual cardiac arrest
T
Store in dedicated area prior to disposal
● Injection
● Other
and fatality
Chemical burns to eyes
Low
Local area emergency procedures
Restricted access
Severe lung irritant
safety.unimelb.edu.au
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 5
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.
STEP 4 – IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSULTATION PROCESS
Determine the person responsible for reviewing and implementing the risk assessment including the identified controls. Ensure a Health & Safety Action Plan has been completed, reviewed and signed off where
proposed controls have been identified.
Obtain the authorisation of the management representative.
Ensure the HSR (if applicable) has been consulted. Ensure the employees undertaking the activity have been consulted.
Record below the names of the persons consulted.
Management representative
HSR/Employee representative
Employee(s)
Employee(s)
Employee(s)
Employee(s)
Person Responsible for implementation or escalation
Extra writing room - use this page to enter extended comments or descriptions
Review:
Review risk assessment every 3 years.
Review employee chemical procedures during workplace inspections.
Review risk assessment where there is an incident with the chemical or new information becomes available.
Review risk assessment when the MSDS/SDS is updated/reissued.
Emergency and First Aid procedures
Ensure that general first aid procedures and resources are in place and available.
First aid risk assessment and procedures that take into account the risks associated with the chemical and possible adverse outcomes. Calium gluconate gel for dermal contact
University of Melbourne and local area emergency procedures.
Spill kits – vermiculite or attapulgite. Sodium hydrogen hydrogen carbonate or sodium anhydrous as neutraliser.
PPE
Respiratory protection: AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
Safety Glasses: AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye protection. Eye and face protectors for occupational applications
Gloves: AS/NZS 2161.1 Occupational protective glove. Selection, use and maintenance
Boots: AS/NZS 2210.1-9 (series) Occupational protective footwear or sturdy footwear as per local area requirements
To eliminate injuries always use the chemical in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and for its intended purpose only.
All chemical users must have demonstrated competency and be familiar with the risk assessment and any SOPs prior to use of the chemical.
For use in conjunction with the OHS risk management procedure and the Chemical risk management procedure.
For further information, refer to http://safety.unimelb.edu.au/tools/risk/ or contact your Local Health & Safety contact.
safety.unimelb.edu.au
HEALTH & SAFETY: CHEMICAL RISK ASSESSMENT FORM – HYDROFLUORIC ACID 6
Template date: June 2015 Version: 1.0 Authorised by: Associate Director, Health & Safety Next Review: June 2018
© The University of Melbourne – Uncontrolled when printed.