Perform Chemical Risk Assessment using eAuditor

A Chemical Risk Assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and control the risks associated with the use, storage, and handling of chemicals in the workplace or environment. The goal is to protect workers, the public, and the environment from the harmful effects of chemicals, such as toxicity, flammability, and reactivity.

Performing a Chemical Risk Assessment using eAuditor streamlines the process by providing a digital platform for identifying, evaluating, and controlling chemical hazards. Here’s how to conduct the assessment using eAuditor:

1. Set Up the Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist in eAuditor

1. Download or Create a Template:

   • Search for a pre-made Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist in the eAuditor template library or create a custom checklist to fit the specific chemicals and processes in your workplace.
   • Customize the checklist to cover key areas like chemical identification, exposure risks, hazard control measures, and safety protocols.

2. Checklist Sections to Include:

   • Chemical Identification: List the chemicals used or stored, their concentrations, and their hazard classification.

   • Chemical Properties: Review key properties (e.g., toxicity, flammability, reactivity).

   • Exposure Assessment: Identify how workers are exposed (e.g., inhalation, skin contact) and assess the exposure levels.

   • Risk Evaluation: Evaluate the potential health impacts (short-term and long-term) of chemical exposure.

   • Control Measures: Implement hazard control strategies like substitution, ventilation, PPE, and emergency measures.

   • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards (e.g., OSHA, REACH).

   • Monitoring & Review: Plan for continuous monitoring and review of the risk assessment process.

2. Conduct the Assessment

1. Open eAuditor:

   • Launch the eAuditor app and select the Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist you created or downloaded.

2. Inspect Chemicals and Hazards:

   • Chemical Identification: Identify all chemicals in use, and check their hazard classifications, such as flammability, reactivity, and toxicity.

   • Evaluate Chemical Properties: Review the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or labels for each chemical, focusing on the physical, chemical, and health hazards.

   • Assess Exposure: Determine how workers may be exposed to chemicals (e.g., through inhalation, dermal contact) and assess exposure risks.

   • Evaluate Health Risks: Examine the short-term and long-term effects of exposure, such as skin irritation, respiratory issues, or carcinogenic properties.

   • Determine Control Measures: Identify necessary controls (e.g., substituting safer chemicals, installing fume hoods, or requiring PPE).

   • Check for Compliance: Verify that safety procedures and regulatory requirements are being followed.

3. Document Findings:

   • Use eAuditor’s photo and note-taking features to document issues such as improper chemical storage, inadequate PPE usage, or missing safety equipment.
   • Rate each risk category for compliance (e.g., compliant, needs attention, non-compliant).

3. Generate and Review the Report

• After completing the assessment, generate a detailed report through eAuditor:
  • The report will include all findings from the inspection, including identified chemical hazards, exposure risks, and recommended actions.
  • Report will also include compliance ratings, photos of unsafe conditions, and suggested corrective actions to mitigate risks.
  • The report can be shared with stakeholders or management for review and follow-up.

4. Implement Control Measures

• Implement Corrective Actions:

  • For any identified issues, implement control measures such as:
    • Substituting hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
    • Installing engineering controls like ventilation or filtration.
    • Providing PPE (e.g., gloves, respirators, goggles).
    • Developing or updating safety protocols for handling, storage, and emergency response.

• Monitor and Review:

  • Schedule periodic reviews of the chemical risk assessment to ensure it stays current and to identify any new risks or changes in processes.
  • Use eAuditor to track compliance with corrective actions and follow-up inspections.

5. Continuous Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Use eAuditor to schedule regular Chemical Risk Assessments to continuously monitor chemical hazards and control measures.
  • Set reminders for periodic assessments to ensure ongoing safety.
  • Track changes in chemical usage, processes, and safety protocols over time.

Summary of Steps:

1. Set up the checklist for chemical identification, exposure, risks, and control measures.

2. Inspect chemicals and assess risk factors using eAuditor.

3. Document findings with photos, notes, and ratings.

4. Generate a report with recommendations and compliance ratings.

5. Implement control measures and schedule follow-ups for regular monitoring.

By using eAuditor for a Chemical Risk Assessment, you can streamline the process of evaluating chemical hazards, improving safety, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.