A Tool for Proactive Safety
A Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment Form is a structured document used by employers to identify substances in the workplace that could harm the health of employees, contractors, and visitors. It's not just a form, but a systematic process to evaluate the risks associated with these substances and to determine the necessary control measures to prevent harm.
The primary goal is to manage exposure to hazardous substances effectively. This involves thinking about how people might be exposed (e.g., through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion), the potential health effects, and what practical steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk. The completed form serves as a record of this assessment and a guide for safe work practices.
Key Information Checklist
A comprehensive assessment should capture all critical details. Click on each section below to see what information is required.
- Product name and supplier details.
- Chemical composition and ingredients.
- Reference to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Physical hazards (e.g., flammable, explosive).
- Health hazards (e.g., toxic, carcinogen, skin irritant).
- Environmental hazards.
- Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs).
- Who is exposed (employees, specific roles).
- How they are exposed (inhalation, skin contact, etc.).
- Frequency and duration of exposure.
- Quantities of substance used.
- Current controls in place (e.g., ventilation, PPE).
- Effectiveness of current controls.
- Additional controls required to reduce risk.
- Actions needed, person responsible, and completion date.
- First aid procedures for exposure.
- Procedures for spills and leaks.
- Fire-fighting measures.
Responsibility for Safety
While the ultimate legal responsibility lies with the employer, the assessment itself should be carried out by a competent person. This is someone who has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience to identify hazards and assess risks correctly.
Key Roles:
- Employer: Ensures the assessment is done.
- Competent Person: Conducts the assessment (e.g., a safety manager, an experienced supervisor, or an external consultant).
- Employees: Should be consulted during the process as they have practical knowledge of the tasks.
What makes a person "competent"?
- Understanding of relevant legislation.
- Knowledge of the substances and work processes.
- Ability to identify and evaluate risks.
- Experience in determining control measures.
A Living Document
A risk assessment should not be a one-time "tick-box" exercise. It must be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains valid and effective. You should review and update the assessment immediately if there is a significant change, or at planned intervals.
Significant Change
Update immediately when a new substance is introduced, the work process changes, or new information about a substance becomes available.
After an Incident
If an accident, near miss, or case of ill health occurs related to a substance, the assessment must be reviewed to see if it failed and what needs to be changed.
Regular Intervals
Even if nothing changes, it's good practice to review assessments at planned intervals (e.g., annually) to ensure controls are still working and information is current.
A Non-Negotiable Requirement
Legal Mandate
In most countries, conducting risk assessments for hazardous substances is a legal requirement under occupational health and safety legislation. For example, in the UK, this is mandated by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, and in the US, similar requirements are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Failure to conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment can lead to enforcement action, fines, and in serious cases, prosecution. More importantly, it can lead to serious injury or illness for employees. Always consult your local health and safety authority for specific legal duties in your jurisdiction.
