Chemicals - Spills and Leaks Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers chemical spills and leaks, from identification and containment through to response, cleanup and follow-up. It supports planning and risk management by helping users consider chemical exposure, release, ignition, contamination and emergency-response hazards.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Identify chemicals and review available safety, label and emergency information
• Plan storage, containment and capture arrangements for spills and runoff
• Handle, decant and transfer chemicals to reduce leaks, overfilling and splashes
• Isolate affected areas and control ignition and access risks
• Respond to spills using suitable cleanup methods and handling practices
• Manage vapours, mists, fumes and dust during a release
• Address skin, eye and clothing contamination risks
• Inspect containers, pipework and associated equipment for damage and leaks
• Prepare for first aid, evacuation and emergency response
• Manage contaminated waste, decontamination and post-incident review

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses involved in managing chemical spills or leaks.

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: 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 — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 2. Step 1 — How to identify hazards; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.

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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