Hazardous and Dangerous Substances Risk Assessment Guidelines

The University uses a wide range of chemicals.  Most University Cost Centres use low risk chemicals that are found in common domestic use such as cleaning agents, lubricants and wood glues.  However, some Cost Centres have laboratories and use more specialised chemicals in more complex processes.

Some chemicals, including some in common use, are classified as hazardous substances or dangerous substances.

A risk assessment must be done for all hazardous and dangerous substances before they are used – but risk assessment is not required when they are in storage prior to use.  See Hazardous Substances Risk Assessment Tree to determine which form to use.

However, chemicals held in storage must be segregated into different classes to minimise the potential for interaction in storage.  Particular conditions for storage (e.g. a cool environment) may also be required for some chemicals - the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of each chemical must be consulted for storage advice.

NOTE: you do NOT need to risk assess non-hazardous and non-dangerous substances.

If risk assessment is required you should use the form available here unless you work in a School of Chemistry Physics and Earth Sciences laboratory in which case you should use the more detailed SoCPES form.

We appreciate the permission of the University of Western Australia and Queensland University of Technology to incorporate some aspects of their risk assessment tools in the risk assessment forms now in use at Flinders University.

Your Cost Centre Hazardous Substances Manager will be able to provide further advice on hazardous substances risk assessments, or contact Kerry Jaunutis (OHS Unit, ph. 13117) for assistance.

Updated: 28 July 2008