OHS017
Completed by: Pall Thordarson
Staff 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: Science
Document number
F10-RA-805
Risk assessment name
School/Unit: Chemistry
Initial Issue date
21st February 2012
Current version
1.0
Current Version
Issue date
21st February 2012
Next review date:
21st February 2014
UV-Vis and/or Fluorescence sample measurements
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
Measurement of UV-Vis and/or Fluorescence samples using Cary 50 or
Cary Eclipse – usually located in Room F10-245.
This procedure involves the sample preparation and then operation of Persons
commercial steady-state UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Fluorescence
at Risk
spectrophotometers to measure UV-Vis and/or Fluorescence spectra. Optionally,
this may also include the use of peltier temperature controllers and nitrogen gas
to purge the sample chamber. Samples are generally dilute solutions in organic
solvents and water but more concentrated samples or solid state (powder or
films) can also be used.
Researcher, demonstrator or student performing the procedure.
Other researchers, demonstrators or students in the same
laboratory.
Visitors or contractors entering the laboratory area
Users should also consult the operation manual for each of the instrument they
indent to use.
Description F10-245, F10-236 and F10-162 but some of the instruments is portable and
of Location may be used in other research and teaching laboratories in the School of
Step 3 to 7:- Identify
Hazards,
Chemistry
F10 Risks and risk controls.
1. An activity may be divided into tasks. For each task identify the hazards and associated risks
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
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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 (Use hierarchy for risk controls).Re-rate the risk if additional risk controls used.
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
Preparation of
samples –
chemicals and
solvents used
Preparation of
samples –
handling
glassware
Spills/chemi
cal exposure
to Corrosive,
Toxic,
Flammable,
Oxidising
andChemica
ls with
unknown
properties
Physical injury,
health hazards,
environmental
damage, fire
Sharp
edges,
cracks,
broken glass
Cuts or related
physical
injuries
Consult MSDS for all chemicals used
and fill in the corresponding
School of Chemistry Risk
assessment form.
Appropriate training. First aid on site.
Appropriate PPE (safety
glasses/goggles, lab coat, gloves).
The use of a fume
cupboard/ventilated laboratory is
strongly encouraged.
Keep chemical quantities to the
minimum required. Isolate sources of
ignition and ensure fire equipment is
available and operational. Ensure all
lab systems are operational.
Ensure a spill kit is available.
Appropriate training. Inspect all
glassware before handling. Correct
use of glassware. Use gloves
preferably leather and other
appropriate PPE such as protective
safety glasses and a laboratory coat.
Use care when securing glassware
not to apply too much force
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
C
L
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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
Using the UVVis or
Fluorescence
Spectrophotometer –
electricity
Using the UVVis or
Fluorescence
Spectrophotometer –
UV ratidation
Optional use
of heat (using
temperature
control)
Optional use
of nitrogen
gas to flush
chamber or
sample.
Electricity
Fire,
electrocution
UV radiation.
Immediate UVburn damage
to eyes or skin.
Delayed effect
due to DNA
damage.
Electrocution.
Heat
Burns
Nitrogen gas
replacing
oxygen in
the
atmosphere
Asphyxiation
from nitrogen
gas
Consult operation manual.
Ensure the equipment has been
tested (every 12 months – check
tag). Visually check condition of
power lead. Use an RCD socket.
Avoid sample spills on equipment.
Consult operation manual.
Appropriate training. NEVER look at
UV sources. Ensure the sample
chamber is closed at all times when
possible. Use UV-lamp only in a
designated UV-box. Avoid exposure
to skin. Use appropriate PPE,
especially gloves at all times.
Regular inspections of electrical
equipment (UV-lamp) and ensure
inspection tag is current.
Consult operation manual. Avoid
touching any surfaces of the on the
heating stage or the cell holder when
using the temperature control
options.
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.
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
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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
Shutdown –
cleaning up or
disposing of
sample
Shutdown –
handling
glassware
Spills/chemi
cal exposure
to Corrosive,
Toxic,
Flammable,
Oxidising
and
Chemicals
with
unknown
properties,
including
new
product(s)
Physical injury,
health hazards,
environmental
damage, fire
Sharp
edges,
cracks,
broken glass
Cuts or related
physical
injuries
Consult MSDS for all chemicals used
and FORMED fill in the
corresponding School of
Chemistry Risk assessment form.
Appropriate training. First aid on site.
Appropriate PPE (safety
glasses/goggles, lab coat, gloves).
Take special care if a quenching step
is required, e.g., adding acid resulting
in violent or explosive reactions.
Carry out procedure in a fume
cupboard/ventilated laboratory.
Avoid chemical exposure when
decanting reaction mixture and
cleaning reflux setup, including
condenser.
Isolate sources of ignition and ensure
fire equipment is available and
operational.
Ensure a spill kit is available.
Appropriate training. Inspect all
glassware before handling. Correct
use of glassware. Use gloves
preferably leather and other
appropriate PPE such as protective
safety glasses and a laboratory coat.
Use care when securing glassware
not to apply too much force
L
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4
D
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2
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
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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
Consult also the operation manual for instrument used. SHUT OFF POWER – TURN OF NITROGEN GAS IF IN USE
Fire: Raise the alarm. Use Fire extinguishers present only if fire can be contained and operator is confident using the appliance. Do not use more than one extinguisher if the
fire cannot be put out. Otherwise shutdown the power using the emergency cut-off switch (red button) for the laboratory (e.g.,, lF10-234), evacuate. Close doors and call the
security for emergency (x56666).
Spills: 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., lF10-162) usually located
on the wall near the entrance to the lab. Use the spill kit located in your laboratory area (for F10-234 use spill kits from F10-234 or F10-231). Follow SWPS for dealing with
chemical spills. Only tackle spills if you are confident to do so. Notify HazMat (Security 56666) if spill is significant.
Exposure: For inhalation seek medical help. Evacuate to fresh air. For skin contact wash area immediately. For significant spills remove lab coat immediately and use safety
shower (for F10-245, use showers in nearby rooms). Seek medical help. For eye contact seek medical help. Use eye wash station to thoroughly rinse eyes
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/ 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 2243.3:2006 Safety in Laboratories Part 7 Electrical aspects
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance.
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
Step 11:- Authorisation
Authorised by:
Date:
Signature:
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).
UV-Vis and/or Fluorescence sample measurements: I have read and understand this risk assessment
Name
Signature
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.4, 22/06/2011
Date
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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.
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Risk Assessment and Control Form
Current Version: 3.3, 19/11/2010