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Generic departmental risk assessment for chemicals

The Generic departmental assessment for work with chemicals (PDF , 304kb) should cover most activities in a biological research laboratory.  This assessment is restricted ONLY to those activities

  • using hazardous chemicals (but NOT ‘high hazard chemicals’)
  • presenting a low exposure potential even when control measures fail

All users of chemicals must satisfy themselves that the nature of their work activity involving chemicals is within the scope of the generic assessment before work begins.  It is essential that the user of any chemical can be confident that the risks in using that chemical are very obviously minimal and the standard practices are appropriate.

The generic departmental assessment requires all users of chemicals to apply Good Laboratory Practices and other recommended control measures.  These represent the minimum standards that should prevent, or adequately control, exposure to any hazardous chemical.

However, a specific written assessment must be prepared for all activities involving

  • ‘high hazard’ chemicals
  • activities presenting a high exposure potential, or risk of fire or explosion

Laboratory groups may also choose to prepare specific written assessments for all their activities involving hazardous chemicals.