Chemical Risk Assessment for Small Businesses: Development of the Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization Risk (CHAP-Risk) Tool

Abstract

There are a large number of chemicals commercially available, but relatively few have legislated occupational exposure limits. Assessing the hazard and risk posed by most chemicals used in the workplace is therefore challenging, especially for small workplaces. This paper describes the development of an easy-to-use MS Excel spreadsheet-based tool (called CHAP-Risk) designed to assist small businesses to undertake a simple assessment of the health and safety risks posed by the chemicals they use. We developed the CHAP-Risk tool through engaging an expert review panel and undertaking a detailed review of existing tools, and by validating a trial version which was piloted by six workplaces and 59 workers. We received multiple rounds of feedback from key experts and end-users, and in response, through 58 versions, refined CHAP-Risk to produce the final free public-release version of the tool. Workplace participants thought that the CHAP-Risk tool would be useful in improving worker and employers’ understanding of workplace chemical risks. However, because this tool required users to have more in-depth knowledge of workplaces’ processes, there was mixed feedback on its usability: those with OHS training were very positive, while others thought it would be too difficult for shop-floor workers to use.

Keywords

• chemical safety
• risk assessment
• small business
• hazard banding
• safety data sheets