Laboratory Safety Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers laboratory activities involving access, chemicals, biological materials, equipment, storage, waste and emergency response. It supports planning by identifying relevant laboratory hazards and helping businesses manage risks during routine and higher-risk work.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Control laboratory access, induction and supervision
• Identify chemicals, maintain labelling and access safety information
• Handle chemicals and carry out experimental work
• Manage flammable, reactive and pressurised materials
• Control biological materials and contamination
• Use plant, electrical equipment and heat sources
• Store and segregate materials while maintaining housekeeping
• Handle and dispose of laboratory waste
• Respond to spills, exposures and emergencies
• Manage manual handling, ergonomics and routine laboratory movements

Who is this for?

Suitable for workers, supervisors, visitors and businesses carrying out laboratory activities.

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: Biological hazards — Clinical waste management; p. 88.
• 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 — 4.1 Guarding plant; p. 39.
• 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