Risk assessment

A chemical risk assessment is a structured evaluation of the hazards that may arise when working with chemicals, with the aim of identifying risks to health, the environment and safety. The assessment considers how chemicals are used, stored and handled, as well as which measures are necessary to reduce risk and ensure safe use in day-to-day work.

Chemical risk assessment is important to comply with applicable legislation, but also to prevent workplace accidents, health issues and environmental pollution. A well-conducted risk assessment helps create safer working conditions and better control over chemical use, for example by identifying exposure risks before incidents occur.

Chemical risk assessment is governed by a combination of national legislation and international frameworks. These typically include occupational health and safety regulations, internal control or risk management requirements, and chemical safety frameworks (such as REACH and CLP in applicable regions).

The specific regulations and responsible authorities will vary between countries and jurisdictions. Organisations are responsible for ensuring compliance with the legislation applicable to their operations.

Compliance can be ensured by carrying out systematic risk assessments, using up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS), documenting assessments and control measures, and regularly reviewing and updating risk assessments when there are changes to chemicals, work processes or regulations.

All chemicals that are classified as hazardous, or that may otherwise pose an HSE risk, must be risk assessed. This may include, for example, cleaning agents, solvents, gases, oil-based products, paints and coatings.

Yes, even small quantities of chemicals can pose a risk and should therefore be risk assessed. The scope of the assessment can be proportionate to the level of risk.

The need for a risk assessment depends on the work activity and the type of chemical involved. Examples of situations where a risk assessment is required include:

• Painting on construction sites, with risks related to inhalation of solvent vapours and skin contact
• Spray painting in vehicle workshops, with exposure to harmful isocyanates and solvents
• Handling acids in laboratories, with a risk of chemical burns and splashes to the skin and eyes
• Use of pesticides in agriculture, with risks of acute poisoning and long-term health effects
• Plumbing work involving drain cleaners, where corrosive substances may cause serious injury if used incorrectly

The content of a chemical risk assessment is typically defined by applicable occupational health and safety regulations. While requirements may vary between jurisdictions, the assessment should, as a minimum, include:

• Information on the hazardous properties of the chemical
• The quantities used or handled
• How workers may be exposed
• The necessary control and protective measures

The assessment should also consider substitution, meaning whether the chemical can be replaced with a less hazardous alternative.

Risk assessments should be updated when new chemicals are introduced, when work processes change, or when new information becomes available regarding health risks, exposure or safety.

Yes, digital HSE and chemical management systems are effective tools for supporting risk assessment work. Such systems can, for example, automate links between safety data sheets (SDS) and risk assessments, notify users when updates are required, highlight relevant legal requirements, support assessment of employee exposure, and gather necessary information for a more efficient and structured risk assessment process.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out within the organisation. This includes ensuring that chemical-related hazards are identified, assessed and documented, and that necessary control measures are implemented.