Chemicals - Handling and Use Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers chemical handling and use, including selection, information, transfer, storage, work-area use, releases and waste. It supports planning and risk management by helping users consider exposure, spill, reaction, fire, emergency and control-review hazards.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Select chemicals and complete a pre-start review of relevant hazards
• Maintain chemical information, labels and access to emergency details
• Receive, decant and transfer chemicals while managing splashes, leaks and vapours
• Store chemicals to manage incompatibility, container, access and spill risks
• Use chemicals in work areas while considering airborne, skin and eye exposure
• Manage flammable, combustible and reactive chemical hazards
• Respond to spills, leaks and accidental releases
• Check emergency equipment, first aid arrangements and incident communication
• Handle chemical residues, empty containers and contaminated materials for disposal
• Provide training, supervision and review controls over time

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses that handle or use chemicals.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.2 Safety Data Sheets (SDS); p. 16.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 1.2 Managing risks associated with the work environment and facilities; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 5. Step 4 — How to review controls; p. 27.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use