A chemical assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.

It involves collecting information about the chemicals used, their potential hazards, and the different ways in which workers may be exposed to them. 

The results of a chemical assessment can be used to develop and implement control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals. These control measures may include: 

• Substitution of less hazardous chemicals
   

• Engineering controls, such as ventilation or personal protective equipment 
  
  
• Administrative controls, such as work practices and training 
  
  

The Importance of Chemical Assessments 

• First, they can help to prevent accidents and injuries. By identifying and controlling hazards, chemical assessments can help to ensure that workers are safeguarded from exposure to harmful chemicals. 
  
  
• Second, chemical assessments can help to comply with local legal requirements. In many countries, there are laws and regulations that govern the use of hazardous chemicals. Chemical assessments can help employers to demonstrate that they are complying with such requirements. 
  
  

• Third, chemical assessments can help to improve the health and well-being of workers. By reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, chemical assessments can help to protect workers’ health and prevent long-term chronic health problems. 
  
  

How to Conduct a Chemical Assessment 

• The first step is to identify the chemicals used in the workplace. This can be done by reviewing product labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and inventory records. 
  
  
• The next step is to evaluate their hazards. This involves considering the physical and chemical properties of the chemicals, as well as their potential health effects. 
  
  
• The final step is to control the hazards associated with the chemicals. This may involve implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment. 
  
  

Chemical assessments are an important part of every organisation’s health and safety management. If you are an employer, it is vital to ensure that your workplace is safe from hazardous chemicals.

One way to do this is to conduct regular chemical assessments.  

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
  
  
• eLearning on chemical substance safety 
  
  
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
  
  

• Risk assessment template covering use of chemical substances 
  
  
• Management system to document control the policy on chemical safety in the workplace 
  
  
• Method Statement module for the creation of work activity working instructions 
  
  
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on chemical safety 
  
  
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving chemical use both with an app and via desktop 
  
  

• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding chemical substances to the organisation 
  
  
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software