OHS017
Completed by: Dr. Pall Thordarson & A/Prof. Jonathan Morris
Staff/Student number:
OHS Risk assessment and control form
For additional information refer to Risk Assessment and Control Form - guide to completing the form, OHS Risk Assessment and Control Procedure, OHS Risk Rating
Procedure and the Hierarchy of Risk Controls.
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Science
Document number F10-RA-304
Risk assessment name
School/Unit: All schools and units School of Chemistry
Initial Issue date:16th August 2011
Current version: V1
Current Version
Issue date 16th August 2011
Next review date: 16th August 2013
Flash Column Chromatography (generic) using silica or alumina
Step 1: :- Identify the Activity and the location of the activity
Step 2: :- : Identify who may be at risk by the activity: A number of people
Description
of Activity
may be at risk from any activity. This may affect the risk controls needed. These people may
include fellow workers, visitors, contractors and the public. The location of the activity may
affect the number of people at risk
Flash column chromatography for the purification of synthetic
compounds using either silica or alumina.
Glass columns are used, packed with silica or alumina.
Eluting solvents can be any number of organic solvents, acids, bases or
even water.
This procedure is performed using a gentle (< 7 psi) pressure of nitrogen
gas to elute the solvent.
Persons
at Risk
Researcher, demonstrator or student performing the procedure.
Other researchers, demonstrators or students in the same
laboratory.
Visitors or contractors entering the laboratory area
PLEASE CONSULT RELEVANT SWP (F10-SWP-304) FOR THIS
PROCEDURE
Description
of Location
Research and teaching laboratories in the School of Chemistry F10
Step 3 to 7:- Identify Hazards, Risks and risk controls.
1. An activity may be divided into tasks. For each task identify the hazards and associated risks
2. List existing risk controls and determine a risk rating using the UNSW Risk Rating Procedure
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
3. Additional risk controls may be required to achieve an acceptable level of risk (Use hierarchy for risk controls).Re-rate the risk if additional risk controls used.
Hazards
Tasks
(Step 3)
Associated
risks
Risk rating with existing controls
*
Additional risk
controls required
Risk Rating with additional
controls *
(Step 5)
(Step 6)
(Step 7)
Existing risk controls
(Step 4)
C
Handling, use and
disposing of silica
or alumina for
packing column
or dry loading
sample
Using pressure to
pack or elute
column
Handling
glassware,
including
columns, vials
and solvent
reservoirs.
Fine silica or
alumina dust
Damage to
lungs from
dust – possible
harm to
respiratory
system. Long
term effects
possible
Implosion or
Explosion of
glass.
Cuts or related
physical
injuries
Sharp
edges,
cracks,
broken glass
and other
physical
injury due to
glass
Cuts or related
physical
injuries
SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column
chromatography. Appropriate training. All
handling of dry silica or alumina must be carried
out in a fume hood. Avoid breathing dust. Use
appropriate PPE including protective safety
glasses and a laboratory coat and especially
chemically compatible gloves at all times. Use of
facemask (type: AS 1716 P1 recommended,
especially for larger quantities (> 50 g).
SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column
chromatography. Appropriate training. Inspect
glassware prior to use for cracks/faults. Make
sure that column is securely clamped. Only use
in ventilated fume cupboard. Always pull fume
cupboard sash down when this is possible.
Correct use of pressured gas – use only very
gentle pressure / flow. Use gloves and other
appropriate PPE.
SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column
chromatography. Appropriate training. Inspect
columns, sample and collection vials for cracks
before use and replace if faulty. Show extra care
with adapters used to apply pressure on column
and when fitting these with tubes for nitrogen
gas. Correct use of glassware. Use gloves,
preferably leather and other appropriate PPE
such as protective safety glasses and a
laboratory coat.
L
R
4
D
M
3
D
M
2
C
M
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 2 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
C
L
R
Hazards
Tasks
(Step 3)
Associated
risks
Risk rating with existing controls
*
Additional risk
controls required
Risk Rating with additional
controls *
(Step 5)
(Step 6)
(Step 7)
Existing risk controls
(Step 4)
C
Use and disposal
of solvents to
pack and elute
column or
dissolve sample.
Use and handling
of sample(s).
Use of nitrogen
gas to run
pressurised
columns
Toxic,
flammable or
irritant
solvents and
sample(s).
Risk of
adverse
reaction. Toxic
effects. Risk of
fire. Acid or
corrosive
chemical
burns.
Nitrogen gas
replacing
oxygen in
the
atmosphere
Asphyxiation
from nitrogen
gas
SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column
chromatography. Consult MSDS for all
chemicals used and fill in the corresponding
School of Chemistry Risk assessment form.
Appropriate training. First aid on site. Wear
proper PPE, especially chemically compatible
gloves and protective eyewear. Dilute corrosive
substances if possible. Avoid ignition sources.
Carry all work out in a fume hood. Clean up
spillages immediately.
SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column
chromatography. Appropriate training. Perform
flash chromatography in a fume hood. Ensure to
close nitrogen source off immediately after use.
L
R
3
D
M
5
E
M
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 3 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
C
L
R
Step 8: :- List Emergency procedures and controls .List Emergency controls for how to deal with fires, spills or exposure to hazardous substances and/or emergency shutdown
procedures
From SWP F10-SWP-304 for flash column chromatography: Mop up spilt silica or alumina with damp cloth. If silica or alumina is inhaled move to fresh air and obtain medical
assistance. In case of solvent spillage, do not operate switches nearby and mop up solvent if in fume cupboard. If spillage occurs outside fume hood, evacuate area and allow
to evaporate. Turn off nearby power at power point. If unable or unsafe to do so use the emergency cut-off switch (red button) for the laboratory (e.g., lF10-234) usually
located on the wall near the entrance to the lab.
Contain the fire or spillage if safety of all personnel is not compromised, otherwise shutdown the power using the emergency cut-off switch (red button) for the laboratory
(e.g.,, lF10-234) and call the security for emergency (x56666).
Step 9:- Additional controls Implementation
Date all controls implemented :
I(name):
have implemented the controls identified in step 6 (signature)
Step 10:- List legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to this risk assessment
NSW OHS Act 2000, NSW OHS Regulation 2001, Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006. Safety in laboratories. Part 2: Chemical aspects
AS/NZS 2243.6-1990. Safety in laboratories. Part 6: Mechanical Aspects.
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 4 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
Step 11:- Authorisation
Note: Local supervisor must determine appropriate authorisation and final sign off when this document is downloaded.
Authorised by:
Date:
Signature: (not required for generic version)
Step 12:- Acknowledgement of Understanding
All persons performing these tasks must sign that they have read and understood the risk assessment (as described in OHS329 Risk Assessment and Control Procedure).
Note: for activities which are low risk or include a large group of people (e.g. open days, BBQ’s, student classes etc), only the persons undertaking the key activities need to
sign below. For all others involved in such activities, the information can be covered by other methods including for example a safety briefing, induction, and/or safety
information sheet (ensure the method of communicating this information is specified in the risk assessment).
Risk assessment name and version number:
Name
I have read and understand this risk assessment
Signature
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 5 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Page 6 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
UNSW Concise OHS Risk Rating Table (OHS696) (Refer to OHS328 OHS risk rating procedure and/or OHS307 Hazard and Incident Reporting Procedure )
Step 1 – Consider the Consequences
What are the consequences of this event occurring?
Consider what could reasonably happen with existing
controls in place or if an incident has occurred consider
what could have reasonably happened as well as what
actually happened. Look at the descriptions and choose the
most suitable Consequence.
Step 2 – Consider the Likelihood
What is the likelihood of the consequence identified in step 1
happening? Look at the descriptions and choose the most
suitable Likelihood
Step 3 – Calculate the Risk
1.Take the consequences rating (1-5) and select the correct column
2.Take the likelihood rating(A-E) and select the correct row
3. Select the risk rating where the two ratings cross on the matrix below.
VH = Very high, H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
CONSEQUENCES
5. Severe : death or permanent disability to one or more
persons
A. Almost certain: expected to occur in most circumstances
1
2
3
4
5
A
M
H
H
VH
VH
B
M
M
H
H
VH
C
L
M
H
H
VH
D
L
L
M
M
H
E
L
L
M
M
M
B. Likely: will probably occur in most circumstances
4. Major : hospital admission required
C. Possible: could occur at some time
D. Unlikely: is not likely to occur in normal circumstances
2. Minor : first aid required
E. Rare: may occur only in exceptional circumstances
1. Insignificant: injuries not requiring first aid
Risk level
LIKELIHOOD
3. Moderate :medical treatment required
Required action
Very high
Act immediately: The proposed task or process activity must not proceed. Steps must be taken to lower the risk level to as low as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of risk controls.
High
Act today: The proposed activity can only proceed, provided that: (i) the risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of risk controls;
(ii) the risk controls must include those identified in legislation, Australian Standards, Codes of Practice etc.
(iii) the risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor and
(iv) a Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
(v) The supervisor must review and document the effectiveness of the implemented risk controls.
Medium
Act this week: The proposed task or process can proceed, provided that: (i) the risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of risk controls;
(ii) the risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor and
(iii) a Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
Low
Act this month: Managed by local documented routine procedures which must include application of the hierarchy of controls.
Page 7 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.3, 19/11/2010
Page 8 of 5
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.3, 19/11/2010