UCD RISK ASSESSMENT – UCDC15
USE AND HANDLING OF IRRITANTS HARMFUL AGENTS AND SENSITISERS (GENERAL)
Important Note
This document is a general risk assessment for the use of irritants, harmful agents and sensitisers. It should be
reviewed fully by users of such material prior to use of such chemicals for the first time and in the event that it is
not sufficient to control the risk posed by a specific chemical then the user should include additional risk control
measures and more specific information on the chemical in question in Part B below or the chemical user can
complete a new risk assessment using the UCD Chemical Agents Risk Assessment Template.
In respect of known carcinogens or mutagens a specific risk assessment must be conducted.
Refer to the UCD Chemical Safety Manual for further information.
Introduction
Harmful agents can cause damage to the health of persons exposed to them. They do not quite represent as
significant a health hazard as toxic chemicals. Irritant chemicals can cause inflammation of the skin or mucous
membranes following any exposure. As with harmful chemicals they do not represent as significant a risk to
health as toxic chemicals. Some harmful and irritant chemicals may also be sensitisers. Sensitising agents are
chemical agents that are capable of that causing a substantial proportion of exposed persons to develop an
allergic reaction after repeated exposure to the chemical. In some persons the allergic response can be quite
severe. Some chemicals can cause respiratory sensitisation following inhalation leading to asthma. Once
sensitised even minimal exposure can cause a severe allergic response. Other chemicals can cause skin
sensitisation following contact with the skin. Once sensitised minimal contact can cause an allergic response
including severe dermatitis
Persons At Risk
All persons working with the chemical agents are at risk of developing an adverse reaction in the event of an
exposure. In the event that sensitising agents are used and sensitised individuals are exposed they may be at
risk of developing a sensitised reaction.
Date Of Assessment
Risk Assessment
01/08/2010
Completed By
UCD Safety Office
Probability Rating
Outcome Rating
Risk Rating
Likely
Harmful
Moderate Risk
Measures Required To Reduce Risk
1. Persons working with irritants, harmful agents and sensitisers should refer to UCDC1 Handling And Use Of
Chemical Agents (General) Risk Assessment for general details on the safe handling and use of chemicals.
2. Users should also refer to any other UCD Chemical Agent Risk Assessment that may be of relevance.
3. When sensitisers are in use in a lab the user must inform all their co-workers of there use and ensure that no
co-workers are sensitised to the agent in question.
4. Respiratory sensitisers should always be used in a fume hood whenever possible.
5. When using skin sensitisers appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn so as to ensure no
direct skin contact.
6. As with all chemical agents users should strive to ensure minimal exposure to these agents through the
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UCD Safety Office
UCD RISK ASSESSMENT – UCDC15
USE AND HANDLING OF IRRITANTS HARMFUL AGENTS AND SENSITISERS (GENERAL)
implementation of safe systems of work and risk reduction measures.
Residual risk
(when all control
measures have been
implemented)
Residual risk
acceptable
Probability Rating
Outcome Rating
Risk Rating
Unlikely
Very Harmful
Acceptable Risk
Yes
Rev. 0 Issued 01/08/2007
Revision History
Rev. 1 Issued 01/08/2010 - Update of introduction to refer to new risk
assessment template.
Rev 1
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UCD Safety Office
UCD RISK ASSESSMENT – UCDC15
USE AND HANDLING OF IRRITANTS HARMFUL AGENTS AND SENSITISERS (GENERAL)
Part B: Additional Information For Named Chemicals
Chemical Name
Details Of Use (e.g.. location, amount used, process concerned, etc)
Additional Risk Control Measures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Residual Risk Rating
Chemical Name
Residual risk acceptable
Details Of Use (e.g.. location, amount used, process concerned, etc)
Additional Risk Control Measures
1.
2.
3.
4.
Residual Risk Rating
Residual risk acceptable
Insert copied sheets as required.
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UCD Safety Office