Chemical Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is carried out using methodology developed on a case-by-case basis. The basic principals of the Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZ 4360) and in accordance with the OSH Code of Practice for the Management of Substances Hazardous to Health.

Generally, semi-qualitative measures of exposure and severity are established (in some cases linking to exposure monitoring - see occupational hygiene). These factors are linked, taking into consideration existing control measures, with a calculated total risk for each chemical.

Risk assessment is carried out primarily to prioritise control measures - i.e., to establish which chemicals present the highest risk and therefore should be prioritised in terms of implementation of new controls. Risk assessment can also be used as a tool when deciding whether or not to substitute a particular chemical in a process.

HaS Expertise generally carries out risk assessment in a very consultative manner - the users of various chemicals are one of the most important sources of information. Of course, it is also an area in which expertise relating to potential chemical effects is required.