KLARA Risk assessment - When working with laboratory chemicals Ulrika Olsson, Chemical Safety Coordinator ulrika.olsson@ki.se
Introduction SWEA develop regulations and the aim is to prevent us from illness and/or feeling uncomfortable at work.
Introduction From June 1 st AFS 2014:43
Introduction From June 1 st AFS 2014:43
Introduction AFS 2011:19 Important!
When should I do a risk assessment? According to AFS 2011:19 An investigation and risk assessment should be done if there is a risk that chemical hazards can cause illness or injury. A chemical hazard is a substance, or a mix of chemicals, which can lead to illness or accidents by: - their hazardous properties, - its temperature, - by reducing the concentration of oxygen in the air or - increasing risk of fire, explosion or other dangerous reactions. The chemical hazards should be considered together with the risks of exposure. The assessment shall lead to decisions on what actions to take in order to limit the risks.
Risks - lab chemicals Toxic Hazardous Corrosive Allergy Irritating CMR Flammable Explosive Oxidizing Toxic to environment
Chemical hazards How do you know if a chemical is hazardous?
Chemical hazards How do you know if a chemical is hazardous?
Chemical hazards A hazardous chemical is a substance that, though its toxic or physical properties, can lead to sickness or an accident and/or be hazardous to the environment. PHYSICAL HAZARDS Fire Explosion Cold/heat Pressure/vacuum CHEMICAL HAZARDS Irritant Corrosive CMR Toxic
Chemical hazards Question 1 Where should you search for information about the hazardous properties of your chemical product?
Chemical hazards Answer question 1 Safety data sheet (SDS) Supplementary question: Where do you find SDS for your product?
Chemical hazards The intrinsic danger is constant, the toxic effect is a matter of dose! The risk is dependent on the dose and the dose is dependent of exposure.
Chemical hazards Exposure of toxic chemicals INGESTION SKIN CONTACT INHALATION
Chemical hazards Chemical hazards can be hard to predict: Is the chemical toxic in itself? Is it volatile or dusty? Does the chemical form reactive/toxic intermediates? Can the chemical react with other chemicals? Size of dose/level of exposure?
Chemical hazards Question 2 How can you minimize the risk when working with toxic chemicals?
Chemical hazards Answer question 2 Prevent exposure.
Chemical hazards Carcinogen, mutagen and reproductive toxic (CMR) chemicals H350 H340 H360 May cause cancer May cause genetic defects May damage fertility or the unborn child (corresponding risk phrases R45, R46, R49, R60, R61) Important! Formaldehyde is from 2015 classified as H350 (before H351)!
Particles Asbestos Silica Dust Nanoparticles
Labeling
Labeling
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Labels of the product give some information but more detailed information about the hazards of the chemical product is provided in the safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS). By law, all hazard chemicals must be provided with a safety data sheet (MSDS/SDS) when delivered to professional users of the chemical. An SDS always consist of 16 sections. An SDS gives information about what substances that are included in the chemical product, how to protect yourself, first aid measures, handling of waste etc.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Question How dangerous is the chemical for humans and the environment? How do I protect myself and others? What do I do if a fire starts where the chemical is or if I spill out the chemical? How do I handle the product when it has turned into waste? Read the following sections 2. Hazards identification (a short summary) 11. Toxicological information (health) 12. Ecological information (environment) 15. Regulatory information (classification/labelling) 8. Exposure controls / Personal protection 4. First aid measures 5. Fire-fighting measures (eg. extinguishing media) 6. Accidental release measures 13. Disposal considerations (of the chemical and the packaging)
Risk assessment What should the risk assessment include? Description of the method. Premises Substances/products Risky situations Exposure Personal protection Preventions Total risk Actions in case of accident or spill Name and signature
Risk assessment Question 3 Who should make the risk assessment and who is responsible for the risk assessment to be made?
Risk assessment Answer question 3 The one that is working with the method/experiment respective the manager/group leader.
Risk assessment Question 4 When should I make a NEW risk assessment?
Risk assessment Suggested answers for question 4 New method Changes in the method New premises New staff New classification New manager/boss Other newly discovered risks
KLARA chemical database Product search Chemical register Inventory Risk assessment Instructions