OHS017-2006
OHS Risk Assessment and
Control Form
Risk assessment completed by: Tarryn Turnbull
Staff/student number:s3178841
Date:28th March, 2007
RA number:
For additional information refer to the OHS Risk Assessment and Control Procedure, the OHS Risk Rating Procedure and the Hierarchy of Risk Controls.
Step 1: Identify the activity
Faculty/School/Unit: Science/School
of BEES/Laboratory for Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Describe the activity:
The use of PMS pressure chamber unit to measure leaf water potential. External pressure equal and opposite to that which holds water within plant tissues is slowly applied to a leaf sealed within a
chamber with its cut end protruding. Pressure is slowly increased until water just appears at the cut surface. The pressure is recorded via an analogue pressure gauge. PMS pressure chambers are
fitted with safety valves to prevent over-pressurisation.
Describe the location: This unit is self-contained and portable. It will therefore be used in a variety of locations. This form addresses apparent risks in all expected operating environments.
Step 2: Identify who may be at risk by the activity
A number of people 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.
This risk assessment covers any person who is either using or near to any person using the PMS pressure chamber.
Steps 3 to 7: Identify the hazards, risks, and rate the risks
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.
3. Additional risk controls may be required to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Re-rate the risk if additional risk controls used.
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 0.3,08/12/2006
Tasks
Hazards
Associated risks
(Step 3)
(Step 4)
Risk rating with
existing controls *
Additional risk controls
required
Risk Rating with
additional controls *
(Step 5)
(Step 6)
(Step 7)
Existing risk controls
C
Work with compressed
gases
Explosion, chemical leak
Manual handling
Burns or blast injury
requiring medical
attention
Read, understand and follow
SOP for gas cylinders.
Inhalation of gaseous
chemical that may be
harmful
Inspect all new cylinders and
regulators for damage,
corrosion, and heat
deformation. Damaged
cylinders not to be used.
Crush injury, musculoskeletal injury
L
R
3
D
M
Cutting leaf sample from
plant and preparation for
PMS chamber
Sharp objects (secateurs
and scalpels)
Laceration requiring
medical attention
Cutting board to be used, all
cuts to be made in a direction
away from body, new (sharp)
scalpels to be used, all
scalpels to be disposed of via
sharps container
2
C
M
Securing leaf in gasket
and securing lid of
chamber
Repeated stress injury
Muscle strain requiring
first aid.
Rest and stretching between
sampling.
2
C
M
(Apply the hierarchy of
risk controls)
C
L
R
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Page 1 of 4
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 0.3,08/12/2006
Measuring leaf water
potential;
Explosion of gas and
subsequent projectile
(leaf, bung or chamber
lid)
Blast injury including
shrapnel wounds
requiring medical
attention.
Most susceptible regions
are those above the
chamber (e.g. head,
upper torso, eye)
Read, understand and follow
SOP & SWP for Measuring
Leaf Water Potential.
Inducted into use of the
pressure chamber prior to
initial use and supervised for
initial measurements.
3
D
M
Wear all supplied PPE
including high impact rated
face shield.
Regularly inspect and
maintain rubber bung, gas
fittings and pressure relief
valves.
Retain ample distance (45
degree angle offset between
face and chamber) between
face and pressure chamber
via use of mounted
magnifying glass instead of
hand-lens and head-lamp for
sample illumination.
* C = consequence
L = likelihood
R = risk rating
from the UNSW Risk Rating Procedure
Step 8 Documentation and initial approval
Completed by:
Tarryn Turnbull
Authorized by:
Date:
Step 9: Implement the risk controls
Indicate briefly what risk control was implemented, when and by whom.
Risk control:
Follow SOP/SWP for Gas Cylinder use
Date:
Implemented by:
Risk control:
Follow SOP/SWP for Pressure Chamber Use
Date:
Implemented by:
Risk control:
Use PPE (high impact rated face-shield)
Date:
Implemented by:
Risk control:
Date:
Implemented by:
Risk control:
Date:
Implemented by:
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Page 1 of 4
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 0.3,08/12/2006
Step 10: Monitor and review the risk controls
It is important to monitor risk controls and review risk assessments regularly. Review is required when there is a change in the process, relevant legal changes, and where a cause for concern has
arisen. Reviews could be scheduled on an annual basis. If the risk assessment has substantially changed a new risk assessment is warranted.
Review date:
2012
Reviewed by:
Authorised by:
Review date:
Reviewed by:
Authorised by:
Review date:
Reviewed by:
Authorised by:
Review date:
Reviewed by:
Authorised by:
Review date:
Reviewed by:
Authorised by:
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Page 1 of 4
Risk Assessment and Control Form
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 0.3,08/12/2006