Chemical Agents and Their Risk Assessment

‌What are chemical agents and why must they be risk assessed?

Chemical agents are defined by specific EU directives as any agent which by virtue of its properties or the way it is used, presents a risk to the safety and health of employees. Chemicals must be risk assessed to ensure that they are appropriately managed and that the necessary control measures are in place (Reg. 4 of the Chemical Agents Regulations 2001). 

How must our Unit staff including PI's properly risk assess the chemicals we have, use?

We must ensure that a safe system of work for the purchasing, storage, use and disposal of chemicals is implemented in our Unit.  The Health and Safety Authority website, Chemical Regulations Guidance and Code of Practice (2020) provide further details on safe chemical management and risk assessment.  This will be achieved by:  

1.    Identify the chemical hazards (the full life cycle of the chemical agent).
Reduce unnecessary chemical stocks, complete a full inventory of all the chemicals held using the University of Galway Chemical Inventory Template (and Policy QA 109 Chemical Agents Inventories) and ensure they are followed. 

2.    Use the Chemical Process Risk Assessment for the Chemicals used in Research Projects. 

3.    You can continue to use the Banded Risk Assessments for Chemicals used in  Undergraduate Teaching.

Are there regulations which restrict the use of common chemicals which are known as “Explosive Precursors”?

Yes, Regulation EU 2019/1148 (20^th June 2019) deals with the marketing and use of explosives precursors.  This is a broad category of substances or mixtures many of which are quite common including nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, acetone etc.  These regulations are enforced by suppliers and require specific purchaser information. The regulations came into effect on 1st February 2021.  See Restricted use of explosive precursor regs for more information.

Is there introductory chemical safety training available online? 

Yes, these include:
Why assess chemicals?

HSA Online Training:
Chemical Safety in the Workplace - 1st course

Chemical Safety in the Workplace - 2nd course

Is there a standard label I should use when (re)labelling chemicals or intermediary containers?

To ensure that chemical solutions are clearly identified use the linked labels provided by the NCBES Safety Team. 

1. Print off colour labels using Avery QuickPEEL L7160 63.5 x 38.1 mm labels.

2. Chemical users then fill in the name of the solution, it's concentration, their (printed) name and the date.    

3. Black out (with a marker) the hazard pictogram(s) that do not apply to that particular chemical agent. Leaving only the applicable pictogram(s) visible. 

4.  Put the chemical label on the container(s) and wash off when no longer needed (e.g. soak in detergent). 

What other chemical safety information resources are available for me to use? 

University of Galway Safety Statement

Carcinogens
Chemical Agents
Compressed Gases

Chemical Spills - Emergency Action Plan‌

Appendix 5 Audit Checklist: Laboratory Areas

Basic Principles for the safe use of Chemicals

HSA Chemical Code of Practice link 2021

Other University of Galway Resources:
Fume Cupboard Unit Weekly Checklist‌
Picric Acid Guidance Note

SDS - Safety Data Sheets
Chemical Safety Training Slides – Coming Soon

Health & Safety Authority:
EC Risk and Safety Phrases/Newer Hazard and Precautionary Statements - see HSA Chemical Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Poster
Chemical Safety in the Workplace (HSA)