Faculty of Science
Risk Assessment
Procedure
Version
1.0
TRIM file number
11/
Faculty of Science Doc No
Short description
Procedure outlining the formal risk assessment
process used by the FSc to ensure all activities
conducted in the FSc Faculties and off campus
localities used for work, research or study implement
controls to mitigate and/or reduce the risk of
incidents, injury or damage.
Relevant to
CSU staff, students and researchers
Authority
This Procedure has been approved by [Dean,
Faculty of Science] under the Governance (Policy
and Procedures) Rule 2005 of the Council and
sections 20 and 32 of the CSU Act.
Responsible officer
Manager, University Laboratories
Responsible office
Dean Faculty of Science
Date introduced
1 August 2011
Date(s) modified
Next scheduled review date
August 2014
Related University documents
CSU Occupational Health and Safety policy
CSU Risk Management Policy
CSU Hazard Scale
CSU Hazard Log
CSU Risk Register
ELMO OHS Online Training
Related legislation
NSW OHS Act 2000 & Regulation 2001
Key words
Procedure, risk, hazard, rating, consequence,
assessment
References
AS/NZS 4360:2004 Risk Management
AS/NZS HB 205:2004
Workcover Hazpak
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 1 of 7
1.
PURPOSE
In accordance with the CSU Occupational Health and Safety Policy, the CSU Risk
Management Policy and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 the Faculty of
Science (FSc) shall provide a safe and healthy environment for staff, students, visitors
and contractors. One mechanism for achieving this is by applying risk management
principles. Risk Management is a logical and systematic method used to control risk in
a structured manner. It does this by reducing the risk (likelihood and severity) of
incidents, injury or damage resulting from specific activities. The FSc uses a formal
risk assessment document and a risk register to achieve this.
2.
SCOPE
All activities conducted in FSc Facilities and off campus localities used for work,
research or study (e.g. field sites and placement facilities).
3.
PROCEDURE
For all activities conducted in FSc Facilities and off campus localities used for work,
research or study (eg. field sites and placement facilities) a risk assessment shall be
completed. The risks assessment will be completed by the person or persons who
normally undertake the task in consultation with their colleagues, line manager and
facility manager. The risk assessment will be completed on the FSc approved form
and will:
•
•
•
•
•
identify the tasks - list the substances, equipment and methods that are going to
be used for the job
identify the hazards associated with the task
identify and assess the risks associated with these hazards when doing the task
implement control measures to eliminate or minimise the risks
measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the controls
3.1
Identify the task
Describe the work process or task and identify substances, equipment and methods
that will be used. Consult Standard Operating Procedure/s (SOP) or develop if not
available.
3.2
Identify the hazards
A hazard is defined as something that has the potential to harm the health, safety
and welfare of people at CSU, or damage property, equipment or the environment.
Some hazards that may be experienced are:
•
Noise
•
Light
•
Radiation, X-Rays
•
Extreme temperatures
•
Electricity
•
Contact with blood and/or body fluids
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 2 of 7
•
•
•
•
Moving or falling objects (or people)
Flammable or explosive materials
Objects under tension or pressure (compressed gas cylinders) or liquid; springs
Other energy sources or stresses
3.3
Identify and assess the risks
Risk refers to the likelihood that a hazard will cause injury, illness or disease, and the
severity of the injury, illness or disease that may result. Risk level may vary between
employees depending on, for example, training, skills and experience, physical
capabilities, environmental conditions and the number and complexity of tasks being
carried out in unison.
Some considerations:
• Are there heavy or awkward lifting jobs?
• Are people properly trained?
• Do people follow correct work practices?
• Is there poor housekeeping?
• Look out for clutter, torn or slippery flooring
• Sharp objects sticking out
• What if equipment is misused?
• What might people do that they shouldn’t
• How could someone be killed?
• How could people be injured?
• What may make people ill?
• Inadequate ventilation
• Isolation
• Accidental spill
• Equipment malfunction
3.3.1 Determine the severity
Assess the severity of the potential outcome from a hazard (table 1). Some potential
outcomes include:
•
Broken bones
•
Eye damage
•
Hearing problems
•
Strains or sprains
•
Cuts or abrasions
•
Bruises
•
Burns
•
Lung problems
•
Poisoning
•
Inhalation
•
Ingestion
•
Eye contamination
•
Skin exposure
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 3 of 7
Table 1 Severity
Severity
Level
!!!!
!!!
Potential outcomes
Kill or cause permanent disability
Long term illness or serious injury
!!
!
Medical attention and several days off work
First aid needed
3.3.2
Determine the likelihood
Table 2 Likelihood
Likelihood
Level
Very likely
Potential outcomes
Expected to occur
Likely
Unlikely
Very unlikely
Chance of it occurring in many circumstances
Chance of it not occurring in most circumstances
Not likely to occur
3.3.3
Risk Assessment Matrix
Cross referencing the severity of an event with the likelihood of it occurring using the
risk assessment matrix (table 3). This enables the level of risk associated with the
hazard to be identified.
Table 3 Risk Assessment Matrix
SEVERITY
How severely could it hurt someone
or
How ill could it make someone?
LIKELIHOOD
How likely is it to be that bad?
++
+
-
--
Very likely
Could happen
at any time
Likely
Could happen
sometime
Unlikely
Could happen,
but very rarely
Very unlikely
Could happen,
but probably
never will
!!!!
Kill or cause permanent
disability or ill health
1
1
2
3
!!!
Long term illness or serious injury
1
2
3
4
!!
Medical attention and several days
off work
2
3
4
5
!
First aid needed
3
4
5
6
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 4 of 7
3.3.4
Interpreting the Matrix
Table 4 Matrix Interpretation
Matrix
number
Attention
1
Urgent
Actions
Who should sign RA
Act now if a situation
arises. Notify
Supervisor immediately
2
High
priority
Act now
Notify Supervisor today
To proceed you require
HOS or MUL (or
delegate) sign off
3
Medium
priority
Action required this week
Requires Facility
Manager and Supervisor
to sign prior to starting
4
Low
priority
5
Monitor
Risk
6
Monitor
Risk
Hazard may not need
immediate attention
Requires Facility
Manager to sign
If hazard increases in
risk, take action.
Requires Facility
Manager to sign
If hazard increases in
risk, take action.
Requires Laboratory
manager to sign
Process to be Followed
The task CANNOT PROCEED without lowering the
risk.
Implement as many of the ‘hierarchy of controls’ as
possible before re-determining the risk
The proposed activity can proceed under all the
following circumstances:
I.
The risk has been reviewed to get a ranking as
low as possible using the hierarchy of controls
II.
The controls identified include those stated in
the Codes of Practice, the Australian
Standards and in relevant legislation
III.
The supervisor must review the document and
the effectiveness of the implemented risk
controls
IV.
RA is signed by HOS or MUL
V.
All documents to be forwarded to Faculty of
Science Office (MUL)
The proposed activity can proceed under the following
circumstances:
I.
The risk has been reviewed to get a ranking as
low as possible using the hierarchy of controls
VI.
The risk assessment has been reviewed by the
supervisor and the Facility Manager
VII.
The SOP are in place and implemented
Manage by implementation of documented procedure
ie: SOPs and Risk register and the use of the hierarchy
of controls
Manage by implementation of documented procedures
Manage by implementation of documented procedures
NOTE: All risk assessment documents must be signed and records kept. All risk
assessments with a Level of Risk 2 or 1 must also be archived in the University’s
Electronic Records management system.
3.4
Other risk outcome - easily resolved
If a risk is easily resolved it needs to receive immediate attention e.g. moving packing
crates that have been stacked in front of an exit. These issues once resolved are not
assessed or scaled for risk level.
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 5 of 7
3.5
Approving the risk
The risk assessment should be reviewed and signed by the appropriate authority (or
higher) as designated by risk level (Table 4). Where there is a disagreement about
the level of risk, the assessment is referred to the Manager, Occupational Health and
Safety for assessment. The task cannot proceed until resolution is reached by all the
parties.
3.6
Implement control measures
Implement control measures (Table 5) to eliminate or minimise the risks and hazards
wherever practicable. If it is NOT practicable to eliminate the risks, then the risks
need to be reduced through substitution or engineering controls. Control measures
are hierarchal and it is important for implantation to start at the highest level. The last
level of control is to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) against the risk.
PPE does nothing to minimise or alter the original risk, and any failure of the PPE
exposes the wearer to the full hazard potential.
Table 5 - Hierarchy of Controls
Hierarchy
Control Measure
Detail
1
2
Elimination
Substitution
3
Engineering Controls
4
Administrative Controls
5
Personal protective equipment
Eliminate the risk by removing the hazard
Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment,
processes or substances
Isolate hazards through the use of guards etc
Redesign the work methods by using mechanical
aids, use of tools or equipment
Ensure safe operating procedures are in place,
registers, signage, training etc
Use appropriately designed PPE for the task eg
gloves, eye protection etc
3.7
Measure and Evaluate the Risk
The effectiveness of controls needs to be measured and evaluated The Facility
Manager should maintain a Risk Control Plan outlining the hazards, priorities,
objectives, control measures, target dates, persons responsible, resources,
performance indicators, review date and progress. Employees should be consulted
and informed about any interim or final plans.
Monitoring can be carried out by:
• inspecting and testing by the supervisor or through audits
• consultation with employees
• observation
• relevant OHS complaints
• relevant hazard reports
• injury and illness records relating to the risks being controlled
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 6 of 7
To prevent the introduction of new hazards into the workplace, risk management
needs to be integrated into:
• planning and design of the work environment and work tasks;
• design and procurement of equipment; and
• procurement of all other goods and services.
The intended use and maintenance of facilities, equipment and systems should be
considered. If a process, product or workplace is designed and built with health and
safety in mind, the number of corrective measures required will be minimised. A
checklist of essential and desirable features in new equipment/facilities should be
developed in consultation with users and designers.
3.8
OHS Risk Management Documentation
3.8.1
Record keeping
Records for all stages of the risk management process need to be kept. This
includes records where an assessment has been undertaken and the initial
risk has been evaluated as acceptable or minimal, and no further action is
going to be undertaken.
•
•
•
Printed risk assessments kept in the work area.
Soft copy saved to on S drive in an appropriate location.
Risk assessments of Level 2 and above archived in the University’s
Electronic Records management system, and a copy forwarded to
Manger University Laboratories.
3.8.2
Risk Assessments completed previously
Where a risk assessment has been completed previously a printed copy
needs to be provided to the person before they undertake the task. Where a
generic assessment (where similar processes or procedures are being
assessed) is available, care should be taken to ensure that all the tasks and
hazards have been reviewed and reassessed prior to beginning.
3.8.3
CSU Risk Register
CSU has adopted a generic risk register template [.doc] to encompass risk
identification, assessment, treatment and reporting. All risks identified in Risk
Assessments are required to be placed on a risk register. The faculty of
Science has created a Faculty of Science Risk Register Template. Each
School is required to maintain a risk register as outlined in the Risk Register
Procedure.
4.0
REFERENCED AND RELATED UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTS
CSU Hazard Log
CSU Hazard Scale
ELMO
CSU Risk Register template
Risk Register Procedure
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 7 of 7
Risk Assessment Forms
6.0
Table of amendments
Version
number
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
1.0
Date
06/09
011009
071009
261009
8/08/2011
Short description of amendment
Draft
Add consultation
K Munn edits
C Svenson edits
Amendments K Kent
Initial version
Risk Assessment Procedure
Version number 1.0 /Version date 08/2011
Page 8 of 7