Introduction

By law, under the chemical agents regulations, it shall be the duty of every employer to determine whether any hazardous chemical agents are present at the workplace and to assess any risk to the safety and health of employees arising from the presence of those chemical agents. 

Safecon's consultancy team includes some excellent highly qualified Occupational Hygienists who can assist clients in undertaking any Chemical Agents Risk Assessment needs.

What are the legislative requirements for a Chemical Agents Risk Assessment?

The legislation pertaining to Chemical Agents Risk Assessments is detailed in Regulation 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001. 

The employer must determine whether any hazardous chemical agents are present at the workplace and assess any risk to the safety and health arising from their presence, taking into consideration:

• their hazardous properties;
• information on safety and health provided by the supplier;
• the level, type and duration of exposure;
• the circumstances of work involving such agents, including their amount;
• any national occupational exposure or biological limit values;
• the effect of preventive measures taken or to be taken;
• the conclusions to be drawn from any health surveillance already undertaken.

What is a Chemical Agents Risk Assessment?

A Chemical Agents Risk Assessment involves the systematic study of the substances used in the workplace, how they are handled and their potential to cause harm. It provides organisations with the basis upon which action can be taken to eliminate or control risk.

How Safecon Consultancy can help with your Chemical Agents Risk Assessment

• Due to the updating of the Chemical Agents Regulations in 2001, organisations must now document all Chemical Agents Risk Assessments in writing. Many organisations will not have the internal competency to conduct such risk assessment and in these cases external assistance such as our Safecon consultants may be necessary
• Our Consultants will provide you with a full assessment and survey carried out in your organisation and recommendations made in priority order

Do you need to undertake a Chemical Agents Risk Assessment? 

• Do you assess the risk of all hazardous substances in your organisation?
• Have you any new activities in place involving hazardous substances?
• Have you assessed how substances are handled and their potential to cause harm?
• Do you review your Chemical Agents Risk Assessments on a regular basis?