Chemicals are a natural part of everyday operations in many organisations, but improper handling can have serious consequences for health, safety and the environment (HSE). Chemical risk assessment is therefore a key HSE measure for identifying hazards and implementing the necessary controls. In this article, we explain what risk assessment is, why it is important, and how chemical risk assessments can be carried out in practice.
What is chemical risk assessment?
Chemical risk assessment involves a systematic review of the hazards associated with chemical substances and mixtures, combined with an assessment of their use and how employees may actually be exposed during their day-to-day work.
The aim of the risk assessment is to determine whether the use of chemicals or a work activity involves an unacceptable risk of exposure, and what measures may be required to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Why is risk assessment important?
Chemicals can have serious consequences if they are not handled correctly. A systematic risk assessment gives the organisation an overview of the hazards associated with the use of chemicals and the measures needed to reduce risk and prevent injuries and incidents.
Health hazards
Many chemicals can cause harm to health if employees are exposed to them over time or through accidental contact. The health effects may be both acute and long-term, and can range from skin irritation, burns and eye injuries to allergies, respiratory problems, organ damage or cancer. The level of risk depends on both the properties of the chemical and the degree of exposure. A chemical risk assessment helps to identify relevant health hazards, assess how exposure may occur in day-to-day work, and ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to protect employees.
Fire and explosion hazards
Some chemicals are flammable, explosive or chemically reactive, and may pose a serious safety risk if they are stored, handled or used incorrectly. Vapours from flammable liquids can be ignited by sparks, hot surfaces or static electricity, leading to fire or explosion. A chemical risk assessment helps to identify such hazards and assess the risks associated with use, storage and handling, so that appropriate preventive measures can be put in place.
Environmental hazards
Chemical substances can harm the external environment if they are released into air, soil or water. Releases may occur as a result of spills, leaks, improper waste handling, or incidents during production and maintenance processes. A risk assessment evaluates the risk of environmental impact and provides the basis for measures to reduce the risk of pollution and environmental damage.
Regulations such as REACH and CLP set requirements for the handling of chemicals, labelling and documentation. Organisations are therefore legally required to carry out and document chemical risk assessments.
What are typical examples of situations where a risk assessment is required?
Chemical risk assessments must be carried out and updated in several situations, including:
When introducing new chemicals
When changes are made to work methods or processes
When new hazard information about a chemical becomes available
When new work tasks or equipment are introduced
Following incidents or near misses
As part of regular reviews of HSE work
If you are unsure whether a risk assessment is necessary, it is generally better to carry out one too many than one too few.
How to carry out a chemical risk assessment
There are several methods for carrying out a chemical risk assessment, but regardless of the method, the process should be systematic and documented. Below is a general approach that can be used as a starting point.
1. Ensure an up-to-date chemical inventory
The risk assessment process begins with establishing an overview of the chemicals used in the organisation. The chemical inventory must contain valid and up-to-date safety data sheets for all chemical substances and mixtures. This information must be accessible to employees, and chemicals that are no longer in use should be removed. An accurate chemical inventory forms the basis for further risk assessment.
2. Define the work involving the chemical
To ensure effective implementation and a realistic assessment of the risks associated with the use of chemicals, it is important to first clarify how the risk assessments should be structured and defined.
A practical approach is to carry out risk assessments for groups of chemicals, for example by:
Assessing chemicals used in the same work activity
Grouping chemicals within the same category or type of use
By identifying which chemicals can be assessed together, significant efficiency gains can be achieved. This reduces the need for individual assessments of each chemical, while providing a more practical and operational picture of risk.
3. Assess the hazardous properties of the chemical
The next step is to identify the hazards associated with the chemicals. This is done by reviewing the safety data sheets and assessing their classification. This includes identifying health hazards, environmental hazards, and physicochemical properties such as fire or explosion risks. The assessment provides an indication of how severe the consequences may be if exposure occurs.
4. Assess exposure and existing control measures
Risk largely depends on how chemicals are used in practice. It is therefore necessary to assess how employees may be exposed, including the work activities carried out, the quantities handled, how often and for how long the work takes place, and the relevant exposure routes, such as inhalation, skin contact or splashes. Existing control measures, such as ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment, must be included in the assessment. The purpose is to evaluate the risk-reducing effect of these measures and to document which controls must be used by end users when handling the chemicals.
5. Determine the level of risk
Once both hazard and exposure have been assessed, the level of risk can be determined. This involves evaluating the likelihood of an unwanted event occurring and the potential consequences if it does. The result provides the basis for deciding whether the risk is acceptable or if further measures are required.
6. Implement risk-reducing measures
If the risk assessment identifies the need for measures, these must be planned and implemented. Measures may include substitution of hazardous chemicals, technical solutions such as ventilation, changes to work procedures, employee training, or the use of personal protective equipment. The measures should be integrated into the organisation’s procedures, instructions and training programmes to ensure a lasting effect.
7. Document and review
All parts of the risk assessment must be documented so that the assessments can be reviewed and verified. The risk assessment must be kept up to date and revised when there are changes to chemicals, work processes, or following incidents. Regular review helps ensure that chemical risk assessment remains an active and integrated part of HSE work.
The employer has the primary responsibility for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and followed up. Managers, safety representatives and employees should be involved, so that the assessment is based on practical knowledge of the work tasks.
Risk assessment in Workplace Safety
In Workplace Safety, chemical risk assessments are carried out directly within the system, linked to each individual chemical in the chemical inventory. The user is guided step by step through the assessment, from identifying hazardous properties and exposure conditions to evaluating work methods, storage and risk level. Chemicals can be assessed together in a simple and efficient way within the system, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with their use.
Workplace Safety facilitates structured documentation, risk assessment and follow-up of risk-reducing measures. Once the risk assessment is completed, it is stored together with the chemical and can easily be revised when there are changes in use, work processes or regulations.
Chemical risk assessment is a fundamental part of an organisation’s HSE work and an important tool for preventing injuries, incidents and adverse environmental impact. Tools such as Workplace Safety make it easier to carry out, document and follow up chemical risk assessments in practice, helping organisations gain better oversight, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe working environment over time.
Improper storage of chemicals and hazardous substances increases the risk of accidents, environmental damage and, in the worst case, regulatory breaches. Here we have gathered some of the most common challenges related to chemical storage, and how you can ensure safe chemical management in your organisation.
Inadequate labelling and documentation
One of the most widespread challenges is incorrect or inadequate labelling of products. When hazard symbols and labels are missing or difficult to read, it can lead to confusion or incorrect handling of chemical substances. Therefore, make sure that hazardous chemicals are labelled with clear hazard labels in accordance with CLP regulations, and that safety data sheets (SDS) are updated at all times.
Unsuitable storage conditions
Unsuitable storage conditions can create dangerous situations. Many chemicals can react to heat, moisture or direct sunlight, increasing the risk of leaks, explosions or fire. Therefore, ensure that chemicals are stored at the correct temperature, not in overheated rooms or near heat sources or machinery, and that storage areas have adequate ventilation.
Lack of overview of flammable and explosive substances
Many organisations lack a consolidated and up-to-date overview of flammable and explosive substances. This can make it difficult to assess risks, control storage quantities and ensure appropriate preventive measures. Without a good overview, the risk of incorrect storage, undetected ignition sources and inadequate emergency preparedness in the event of fire or explosion increases.
Insufficient training and safety and emergency procedures
Even the best chemical management systems are of little use if employees do not know how to use them. Lack of training can lead to incorrect handling, especially in the event of leaks or incidents. Therefore, ensure that clear procedures are in place for risk assessment, chemical handling and emergency situations, and that all employees receive the necessary training.
Outdated or inadequate equipment
If equipment is old, worn or no longer suited to the chemicals being stored, the risk of hazardous situations increases. Ensure that there are fixed routines for inspection, maintenance and replacement of equipment, and that employees have the correct protective equipment for their work.
Incorrect waste handling
Improper handling of chemical waste can lead to environmental damage and fire hazards. Unfortunately, many organisations lack clear procedures for how hazardous waste should be collected, labelled and stored. Therefore, ensure you have a clear waste management plan, use approved containers and label waste correctly. Waste collection should be arranged with certified waste management companies.
Storage of incompatible chemicals
Certain chemicals must never be stored together, as they can react dangerously with each other. Incorrect co-storage is one of the most common causes of serious accidents. Therefore, divide storage areas by substance type and hazard class. Use separate cabinets or rooms, and label clearly to prevent dangerous chemical reactions.
Examples of incompatible substances:
Acids and bases
Oxidising substances and flammable liquids
Chlorine and ammonia
Manual systems
Many organisations still use manual systems or unclear Excel lists for chemical management. This can increase the risk of errors, lack of updates and poor oversight. This can be avoided by implementing automated systems that provide full oversight of chemicals, documentation, storage conditions and waste management.
Digital tools can solve some of the challenges
By using a digital tool such as Workplace Safety, the company gets a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of chemicals and associated documentation. The system provides guidance on co-storage and alerts you to potential storage hazards, based on the German standard TRGS 510 for co-storage. It is also easy to look up the safety data sheet directly in the system, so requirements for handling, storage and stability are quickly available.
Chemical management is primarily about order, structure and good routines. By ensuring clear labelling, correct storage conditions, suitable equipment and simple, up-to-date systems, daily operations can become both safer and more efficient. Small improvements in routines can make a big difference.
The knowledge sector’s service provider, Sikt, is organized as a government agency under the Ministry of Education and Research. Sikt works to simplify the everyday lives of employees, researchers and students in the knowledge sector by offering stable and efficient shared services.
As a buyer of Workplace Safety, Sikt has contributed to delivering a user-friendly chemical inventory and an effective chemical management system to Norwegian colleges, universities and research institutes.
A chemical inventory for both staff and students
Workplace Safety is an advanced management system used by managers, HSE professionals, researchers, and laboratory staff. Since chemicals are central to both teaching and research, strict requirements apply to safety information, and must be readily available to everyone, both staff and students.
Workplace Safety meets these needs with access management and role customisation, ensuring each user only sees what’s relevant to them. The system provides quick, easy access to safety data sheets (SDS), solving a major challenge in the industry.
A partner for industry-aligned development
With flexibility in mind, Workplace Safety has been developed to easily adapt to the needs of different industries. Through collaboration with Sikt, which represents a broad and important sector, we gain unique insight into shared challenges in Norway.
Insights that lead to better solutions
This approach gives us valuable insight into the specific challenges and needs of the knowledge sector, helping us further develop the solution. By collaborating with a single representative of the entire sector, we gain depth and efficiency that strengthen our ability to deliver a chemical management system tailored to the needs of higher education and research.
– Sikt is an important partner in the further development of Workplace Safety, and we greatly appreciate working with key players in higher education, says Hans Kristian Brekken, product developer with technical responsibility for Workplace Safety.
Collaboration for common practices in the sector
Sikt works proactively on behalf of the company to ensure the best solutions. To achieve this, they have established a working committee consisting of professionals representing the sector. The committee works together to develop a common practice for the use of the chemical management system across the knowledge sector.
Targeted further development
Sikt is the purchaser and contract manager, drawing on expertise from universities and university colleges. This ensures comprehensive and targeted further development of the system.
– The knowledge sector places high demands on both the product and us as an organisation. This has given us a clear direction in our efforts to adapt Workplace Safety to the sector’s needs, says Brekken.
Large-scale implementation and migration of data
In 2024, several of Norway’s universities and university colleges implemented the chemical management system. The process involved migrating large volumes of data and many users, but close collaboration between the Workplace Safety team and the institutions ensured a smooth transition.
– We are pleased to have completed the migration from the old system to Workplace Safety in a safe and efficient way, says Ask Hide, Project Manager at Workplace Safety.
– This marks an important milestone in our joint efforts to strengthen the safety and efficiency of chemical handling across institutions.
Technical implementation and professional advice
Adapting Workplace Safety to a company’s work processes and routines requires thorough mapping and close collaboration.
– A successful implementation requires strong cooperation from both parties. Working closely with customers enabled us to ensure they fully benefit from the system’s capabilities, Hide explains.
The team used a proprietary migration tool to simplify the transfer of safety data sheets (SDS) and system structure. Role assignments were tailored to each company, ensuring users received the right information and access from day one.
– The projects have been extensive, but our main focus has been to deliver quality at all stages, both in terms of technical implementation and professional advice, emphasises Hide.
Pilot project and further roll-out
The pilot project involved leading institutions such as the University of Bergen (UiB), the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the University of Stavanger (UiS) and NORCE – Norwegian Research Center. These have now completed the transition to Workplace Safety. The roll-out to the rest of the sector is well underway and will continue with full force in 2025.
At the time of writing, the majority of the companies that expressed an interest in joint purchasing of electronic substance files have been implemented.
Positive effects of digitalisation and automation
The implementation of Workplace Safety in the knowledge sector has demonstrated how targeted system adaptation can deliver clear benefits for both users and companies.
The system can be configured to reflect the company’s working methods, from simple routines to more complex processes. Through close collaboration with the institutions, we have developed workflows that make it easier to comply with legal requirements while ensuring chemical management is more transparent and user-friendly.
Odin Kvam, sector coordinator for the service and senior engineer at the University of Agder, shares his experiences:
– The transition to Workplace Safety gives us a tool that is flexible in meeting the many different ways chemicals are used in the higher education sector. The system integrates easily with the company’s organisation – without an extra login when students and employees visit the chemical inventory. Netpower provides continuous updates and improvements to keep Workplace Safety aligned with Norwegian and European regulations, and to further enhance user-friendliness in key functions such as the exposure register, substitution, and risk assessments.
Feedback that drives improvement
The implementation has generated a wealth of useful feedback, both praise and suggestions for improvement.
– We have worked closely with the companies in the sector to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. Feedback, both positive and critical, is valuable to us. The positive confirms that we are on the right track, while the critical ones provides insights we can use to make the solution even better. Our goal is to develop a system that really works for users in their everyday lives, says Hide.
– We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Workplace Safety team at Netpower to meet future needs and ensure a safe working environment for both students and staff, Kvam concludes.
