Chemical Hazards in the Curriculum
Activity Scope*
*Due to the complex nature of chemical activities, additional sections can be completed on this word document
and uploaded to OneSchool as an attachment.
This document provides a risk management process for activities that involve student use
of hazardous chemicals in the curriculum. Hazardous chemicals may be used in a range
of curriculum areas including but not limited to:
 Agricultural Studies: chemicals which are used in horticulture and animal
husbandry, veterinary products, fertilisers, scheduled poisons, and a range of other industrial hazardous
chemicals.
 Art: which includes reactants and waste generated from art processes (e.g. paints, glues, acids and kiln fumes)
 Home Economics: chemicals including LPG, detergents, cleaning agents, sterilising agents and propellants.
 HPE: activities that may use solvents, disinfectants, cleaning agents and compressed gases.
 Industrial Technology and Design (ITD): solvents, welding fumes, paints, primers, adhesives and MDF dust.
 Marine and Outdoor Education: including the use of reagents, fuels, lubricants and compressed gases.
 Science: including laboratory reagents and biological materials, gases, reaction materials and waste products.
All processes involving the use of designated hazardous chemicals in the curriculum require risk assessment and
must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). The use of non-hazardous chemicals which pose no
exposure risk may be assessed as part of the normal planning process.
This activity risk assessment template is a guideline and can be used to manage the:
 use, preparation, decanting, mixing and application of chemicals
 generation of hazardous substances and materials during curriculum activities including reactants, chemical waste
products, dust and fumes, and
 clean-up of apparatus, equipment, plant and machinery used during chemical processes.
Chemical users should consider the following questions as a starting point when using chemicals in the curriculum:
 Which students will be involved?
 Where will the students be?
 What will the students be doing?
 Who will be leading the activity?
 What will the students be using?
 What is the level of chemical exposure?
The risk assessment of chemical activities is dependent on the physical risks (e.g. toxicity) and health risk (injury and
illness) associated with a chemical. Because these risks for a chemical are clearly defined in a safety data sheet, a
chemical assessment results in a risk conclusion rather than a risk level, as is determined in non-chemical activities.
Comparison
The result of this process means that there can only be an indicative relationship between the CARA risk levels of
low, medium, high or extreme risk conclusions 1 to 4.
1
2
3
4
Low-Medium
Medium-High
Extreme
DO NOT
PROCEED
Chemical Risk Assessment Conclusion
CARA Risk Level
For further information about completing risk assessments for school curriculum activities, refer to the Managing Risks
in School Curriculum Activities procedure. For information on chemical risk management, refer to the guideline for
Managing Risks with Chemicals in Department of Education, Training and Employment (DETE) Workplaces.
This risk assessment may be used in conjunction with other supporting documentation (e.g. the safety data sheet for
the designated chemical/chemical concentration, experimental instructions and standard operating procedures). As
such, it is not a requirement to complete all fields. All documents referred to must be referenced in the relevant field
and attached before submission for approval.
Once your chemical curriculum risk assessment has been completed, print up to and including
section F, attach any relevant documentation, sign and submit it to the appropriate officer for approval
as per Section D.
Health & Safety, File # 125212 iStockphoto © Mark Ballantyne
Date reformatted: 15 May 2013
Chemical Hazards in the Curriculum
Note: Use this Chemical Use Risk Assessment for curriculum activities which involve the use of hazardous chemicals. You must adhere to all Safety Data Sheet
recommendations, any identified control measures and operating procedures listed. The use of this template for the risk management of non-hazardous
chemical usage is optional.
A
Activity description
Complete each section below. If you attach related documentation, please enter “see attachment #” and number your attachments accordingly. All activities must
take place in the presence of a registered teacher with appropriate demonstrated ability. This teacher is required to take overall responsibility for the activity.
Start Date:
School risk
assessment
reference
Finish Date:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
(dd/mm/yyyy)
Activity Description:
Location of Activity:
Teachers/Leaders:
A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) less than 5 years old is available for the substance(s) and has been reviewed. All actions indicated by the SDS for the
control of hazards and risks associated with the substance will be complied with:
Yes
No – do not proceed until you have reviewed the SDS and implemented the specified risk control measures
Minimum Teacher/Leader Qualifications: The qualifications listed in this section are minimums for each type of situation. Leaders are encouraged to seek training to
raise their qualification level above the minimum listed. Teachers and activity leaders must have a demonstrated competency relevant to the curriculum area and the
hazardous chemicals to be used. Personnel may demonstrate their competency to conduct this chemical activity through one or more of the following:
Specific knowledge of this activity and any associated hazards and risks
Demonstrated ability and/or expertise to undertake this activity
Experience (i.e. previous involvement and familiarity) in undertaking this activity
Number of students (approx):
Possession of documented qualifications and expertise related to this activity
Supervision ratio:
Supervision type:
General
Group
Individual
Related Documentation (e.g. Safety Data Sheets, Safe Operating Procedures, Experiment Instructions, Chemical or Equipment Risk Assessments):
Risk Assessment prepared by (Name):
Is the product (stock, decanted or diluted) labelled in accordance with
regulations and is the labelling securely attached?
Position:
YES
Date:
(dd/mm/yyyy)
No – do not proceed until a suitable labelling has been
securely attached to the container
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 2 of 7
Chemical Hazard Identification
List the chemicals that will be used in the activity. Identify the volumes and concentrations that will be used. Record any key hazard information from the
appropriate product safety data sheet. If you have existing risk assessment documentation for the concentration being used, complete columns 1 to 4 and enter
‘see attached risk assessment’ in column 5. Go to section B. If you do not have a prepared chemical risk assessment for the concentration listed, complete
columns 1-6.
Injection
Ingestion
Inhalation
5. Hazards from safety data sheet
(i.e. flammable, corrosive, irritant.
Include reaction products/waste generated)
Skin
6. Exposure Route
No risk of
exposure
Eyes
4.
Approximate
Quantity
(e.g. 500 mL)
3. Is the
concentration
hazardous?*
1. Name of substances used
2.
Concentration
required
Substances to be used (List ALL substances, expected products and waste products)
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Waste disposal method:
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 3 of 7
B
Exposure Hazards
Determine the level of exposure to the chemical. People exposed to the hazards associated with the chemical must be consulted and advised of the risk
management process. Consider the level of exposure during storage, handling, use and disposal processes. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for chemical
information. If you have attached an existing chemical risk assessment, go to B2.
B1 Did you identify any routes of entry as an exposure risk in section A?
No, there are no exposure risks – go to C
YES, there are exposure risks (indicate below)
B2 Who is exposed to the chemical/process?
Technical staff
Teaching staff
Cleaning staff
Visitors
Volunteers
Students
Emergency personnel
What is the duration of the exposure for the activity (how long will it take)?
What is the frequency of exposure for the activity (how many times will you do the activity or use the chemical)?
Have any health problems been reported as a result of previous usage or storage?
No
YES. Details:
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 4 of 7
C
Chemical Activity Safety Control Measures
(refer to guidance notes A and B)
What plant and equipment will be used in this activity in addition to the identified chemicals? (attach an existing protocol or equipment/apparatus lists)
Hazard/risk
Controls
Physical Chemical Hazards

Environmental hazards

Students
 Instructions

Equipment Materials

Safety Management
 First aid
 Spills/Contamination
 Fire
 Supervision

Is personal protective equipment
required as described in the SDS?
Is it necessary to provide ventilation
(general, mechanical or cross
ventilation) when undertaking this
activity?
Gloves
Type:
Hearing protection
Type:
Protective
clothing
Type:
Respiratory protection
Type:
Eye Protection
Type:
Hygiene control
Type:
Face protection
Type:
Other:
Type:
No
YES
Type:
Other:
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 5 of 7
D
Risk Assessment Conclusions
(refer to guidance note C)
Overall Risk Level Conclusion
Conclusion
1
Risks are not significant now, and not
likely to increase in the future (i.e. risks
are low)
Action Required/Approval
 Comply with all requirements of the label and current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Manage and document through your regular planning processes and/or person(s) using
the chemicals should approve and sign the risk assessment.
Select 1 if you are using a concentration less than which is considered hazardous, or no precautions are required and it is unlikely that the use of the chemical(s) will adversely affect the health of persons at the workplace
and the risk is not likely to increase in the future, e.g. you are using concentrations that are too small to constitute a risk, even if controls fail, or the operation strictly conforms to the information on the label and in the SDS.
Conclusion
2
Risks are significant but effectively
controlled, and could increase in the
future (i.e. medium to high risk)
 Comply with all requirements of the label and current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Implement the identified controls to minimise the chances of higher exposure
occurring.
 Determine and implement additional measures for regaining control if a high risk
event occurs despite the precautions already taken. Parental consent may be
required.
 Document controls in planning documents and/or complete this Chemical Use
Curriculum Activity Risk Assessment.
 The Principal or delegated head of program (i.e. DP, HOD, HOSES) to review and
approve the risk assessment.
Select 2 if you are satisfied that adequate controls are in place. Select where serious health effects could result if the control measures fail or deteriorate. This usually results from the use of toxic hazardous chemicals
or where the potential exposure is high. Risks, while presently adequately controlled, could increase in the future.
Conclusion
3
Risks significant now and not effectively
controlled (extreme risk)
 The activity must not proceed. Alternatives to undertaking the activity must be found.
 Obtain additional information or expert advice to reach a conclusion of 1 or 2.
 Comply with all requirements of the current SDS.
 Comply with the standard operating procedure for the substance(s).
 Implement sufficient controls to ensure the safe use of the material.
 The Principal is required to review and approve the revised risk assessment prior to
conducting this activity.
Select 3 if the use of a chemical is likely to constitute a significant risk and further investigation may be necessary before proceeding (e.g. there have been persistent or widespread complaints of illness, discomfort,
irritation or excessive odour, hazardous chemicals may be splashed, control measures are broken, defective or badly maintained, for example, a poorly maintained extraction system which no longer draws a hazardous
chemical away from the work area).
Conclusion
4
Uncertain about risks
There is not enough information, or there is uncertainty
about degree or extent of exposure.
DO NOT PROCEED.
 The activity must not proceed. Alternatives to undertaking the activity must be found.
 Obtain additional information or expert advice to reach a conclusion of 1 or 2.
 In the meanwhile, implement work practices to ensure safety.
Select 4 if no SDS is available, if labelling is inadequate, if the level of exposure cannot be estimated with confidence or further investigation is necessary. Obtain additional information from other sources, such as
suppliers, occupational health and safety consultants and industry or trade associations.
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 6 of 7
Useful activity-specific links

Chemical Hazards Guidance Notes
http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/carmg/doc/guidance-notes.doc

Code of Practice - Hazardous Chemicals – Code of Practice 2003
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/hazardous-chemicals-cop-2003.pdf

Code of Practice – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks 2011
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/6
33/How_to_Manage_Work_Health_and_Safety_Risks.pdf

Code of Practice - Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals 2011 – Code of Practice 2011
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/labelling-workplace-hazardous-chemicals-cop-2011.pdf

Code of Practice - Managing risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Code of Practice
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/697/Managing%20Risks%20of%
20Hazardous%20Chemicals.pdf

Creating Healthier Workplaces website: Health and Safety Risk Management|
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/managing/risk.html

Electrical Safety
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/hazards/electrical.html

Safe Work Australia – Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/whs-information/hazardous-chemicals/sds/pages/sds

Safety and Hazard Alerts
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/alerts.html

Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WorkHSA11.pdf
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For further support with risk management training and advice:
1. Contact trained staff such as your:

Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO)

Workplace Health and Safety Representative (WHSR)

Regional Senior Health and Safety Consultant
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/contacts/hscontacts.html
2. Visit the Risk Management page on the Creating Healthier Workplaces website
http://education.qld.gov.au/health/safety/managing/risk.html
Disclaimer:
This document is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools.
Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this document or information in this document by persons or organisations other than the
State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this document or any information in this document
are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular
circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this
document or the information in this document to a user’s particular circumstances.
To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation,
liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this
document or any information in this document.
Links in this document to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently
verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy,
currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.
Uncontrolled when printed
Chemical Use Activity — Page 7 of 7