Risk Assessment Form Explanatory Notes and Supplemental
Information
(March 2017)
Appendix A: Risk Tables Appendix B: Ryerson University Policies and Programs Appendix C: Glossary and Explanation of Terms Appendix A: Risk Tables Risk Levels are based on Standard AS/NZS 4360:1999 (Risk Management)
• Choose the best description of the Likelihood of an event (Table 1)
• Determine the qualitative measure of a consequence of an event (Table 2)
• By using the previously chosen likelihood of an event (Vertical axis) and the consequence
(horizontal axis) from Table 3 – the intersection will provide with the Qualitative Level of Risk
Table 1: Qualitative Measures of Likelihood
Qualitative Measures of Likelihood
Almost Certain
Expected to occur in most circumstances
Likely
Will probably occur in most circumstances
Moderate
Should occur at some time
Unlikely
Could occur in exceptional circumstances
Rare
Only occur in exceptional circumstances
Table 2: Qualitative Measures of Consequence
Qualitative Measures of Consequence
Insignificant
No injuries, low financial loss
Minor
First aid treatment, on-site release immediately contained, medium
financial loss
Moderate
Medical treatment required, on-site release contained with outside
assistance, high financial loss
Major
Extensive injuries, loss of production capability, off-site release with
no detrimental effects, major financial loss
Catastrophic
Death, toxic release off-site with detrimental effect, huge financial loss
Table 2: Qualitative Measures of Consequence
Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix
Consequences
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Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix
Likelihood
Insignificant
Minor
Moderate
Major
Catastrophic
Almost Certain
S
S
H
H
H
Likely
M
S
S
H
H
Moderate
L
M
S
H
H
Unlikely
L
L
M
S
H
Rare
L
L
M
S
S
H = High Risk; S = Significant Risk; M= Moderate Risk; L = Low Risk
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Appendix B: Ryerson University Policies and Programs To assist in the risk assessment review, a full listing of Ryerson University policies and program
pertaining to health and safety is listed below:
• • • • • • • Policy of Academic Council (#51): Policy on Research Involving Human Subjects
Policy of Academic Council (#52): Ethics Review of Research Involving Animals
Policy of Academic Council (#58): Policy on Research Involving Biohazardous Materials
Ionizing Radiation Safety Policy and Program for Sealed Sources (December 2003)
Policy on Use of Personal Electrical Appliances within the University
Environmental Health and Safety System: EHS Policy Statement & Supporting Programs (I-450)
Environmental Health and Safety System: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
(WHMIS) (I-461)
(Selected Programs)
• • • • • • • • • • • Asbestos Management Program
Biosafety Program
Core Competency Education Program
Due Diligence Education Program
Emergency Response Program
Fire Safety Program
Hazardous Waste Management Program
Inspection Program
Propane Safety Program
Radiation Safety Program
WHMIS Program
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Appendix C: Glossary and Explanation of Terms Air emissions
Under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act, emissions into the air of contaminants require a
special application form and a permit called a Certificate of Approval (air) from the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment. Campus Planning and Facilities makes the application on behalf of
the University. Emissions from chemical fume hoods, canopy or capture hoods, flammable liquid
storage cabinets or other ventilated systems are included.
Biological Agent
Included in this category are micro organisms, bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Researchers
working with biological agents are required to obtain a Biosafety Certificate from the Biological
Safety Officer. Biological agents are classified by Health Canada according to risk groups:
Risk Group 1 – a biological agent that is unlikely to cause disease in health workers or animals
(low individual and community risk)
Risk Group 2 – a pathogen that can cause human or animal disease but, under normal
circumstances is unlikely to be a serious hazard to laboratory workers, the community, livestock or
the environment. Laboratory exposures rarely cause infection leading to serious disease.
(moderate individual risk, limited community risk)
Risk Group 3 – a pathogen that usually causes serious human or animal disease, or which can
result in serious economic consequences, but does not ordinarily spread by casual contact from one
individual to another.
(high individual risk, low community risk)
Risk Group 4 – a pathogen that usually produces very serious human or animal disease, often
untreatable and may be readily transmitted from one individual to another by casual contact.
(high individual risk, high community risk)
Biological Safety Cabinet
A specialized ventilated safety enclosure used to handle and contain biological materials. A
biosafety cabinet cannot be used for the containment of chemicals. Different classes of cabinets
provide increasing levels of protection for personnel, product, and the laboratory environment by
filtering exhaust air with a HEPA filter. The choice of class of cabinet is dependent on the risk
group of biological agent used. Annual testing for HEPA filter leaks, containment integrity,
appropriate face velocity, etc., is required for all cabinets in accordance with a Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) standard.
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Confined space
A space to which or from which access of egress is restricted and in which, because of its
construction, location or contents or the work activity therein, a hazardous gas, vapour, dust or
fume or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere may occur. (O. Reg 213/91)
Cryogenic
Materials, generally liquefied gases such as argon, nitrogen and helium, with boiling points at
temperatures below -150oC.
Designated substance
A biological, chemical or physical agent or combination thereof prescribed as a designated
substance to which the exposure of a worker is prohibited, regulated, restricted, limited or
controlled by the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and associated regulations. Currently
under the Ontario Ministry of Labour regulations, the following chemicals are designated
substances; Acrylonitrile, Arsenic, Asbestos, Benzene, Coke Oven Emissions, Ethylene Oxide,
Isocyanates, Lead (inorganic and organic), Mercury (inorganic and organic), Silica (crystalline in
respirable form), vinyl chloride to which specific control programs, monitoring and medical
surveillance are required if there is a likelihood of exposure.
Dilution ventilation
Exhaust ventilation which relies on the dilution of airborne contaminants generally by using
outdoor air. This type of ventilation is used for low hazard materials and general area comfort.
Fume Hood
Also called a laboratory hood or chemical fume hood. This type of hood is a ventilated enclosure
designed to capture, contain, control and remove gases, vapours and particles generated inside the
enclosure. A fume hood contains an exhaust duct, and adjustable sash to act as a containment area
for experimental work. A fume hood is an integral part of the building air handling system. It is
the primary control device in most laboratories for protecting the occupants from exposure to
hazardous chemical and radioactive agents.
Hazard
The inherent characteristic of a material, substance, condition or activity that has the potential to
cause harm to people, property or the environment.
Laser
A device that produces a directional beam of coherent or monochromatic light as a result of photonstimulated emission. These beams have extremely high energy of their single wavelength and
frequency. Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
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According to ANSI Standard, there are several classes of lasers, which are rated on the emitted
optical power as well as other characteristics. Anyone operating a Class 3b or Class 4 laser is
required to register with CEHSM.
Local exhaust ventilation
A ventilation system which captures and removes airborne contaminants (gases, vapours, dusts,
etc.) at the source before dilution into the ambient air. A chemical fumehood is considered a local
exhaust ventilation system and is used for hazardous materials. Another example of local exhaust
ventilation is a canopy hood, also called a capture hood. This type overhead hood receives rising
heat or gases. It is used for low toxicity or low hazard operations. Not to be used for work with
hazardous materials.
Off-campus
Locations not under the direct control of Ryerson University (e.g. other academic institutions,
research hospitals, etc.)
Permit
Permits may be required for specialty equipment or hazardous materials. Permits or licences are
granted to the University from regulatory agencies. Regulatory permits are required for air
emissions, radioactive materials and biological agents. In addition, further internal permits or
registration may also be a requirement by the University for biological and radioactive materials,
lasers and x-rays equipment. Specialized equipment such as autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, x-ray
equipment, lifting devices such as cranes require annual certification testing and permits for their
operations.
Radiation
Ionizing Radiation – has sufficient energy to dislodge orbital electrons. Examples of ionizing
radiation are alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, gamma rays and x-rays. Amounts of
radioactive material are expressed as activity in either multiples of Curies (Ci) or Becquerel (Bq).
Anyone working with ionizing radiation requires registration with the Radiation Safety Officer.
Non-Ionizing Radiation – does not have sufficient energy to dislodge orbital electrons. Examples
include ultra violet lights, electro-magnetic fields and lasers.
Restricted Space
Is an area from which access to and from the space is limited or impeded because of design, location
or other physical characteristics of the space. Movement inside is awkward or difficult. A restricted
space does not meet the criteria of a confined space.
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Risk
The combination of the likelihood and the consequence of a specified hazard being realized. It is
a measure of harm or loss associated with an activity.
Risk assessment
The process that attempts to identify hazards and estimate risks to human health and the natural
environment.
Sealed source
An ionizing radioactive material that is sealed. Sealed sources can be found in a variety of
equipment including gas chromatographs, moisture gauges, density gauges, liquid scintillation
counters, or as stand only sources. All radioactive sealed sources require registration with the
Radiation Safety Officer.
Sharps
An all encompassing expression for any and all sharp or pointed items such as broken glassware,
scalpel and razor blades, lancets, hypodermic syringes with needles or any material which can cause
cuts or puncture injuries.
WHMIS
Is an acronym for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System which is federally
mandated and provincially adopted legislation. WHMIS provides an information system designed
to protect workers from hazardous materials used in the workplace. The purpose is to provide
information through labelling, material safety data sheets and training about the hazardous
materials in the workplace. It includes chemicals, gas cylinders, biohazards, but excludes
radioactive materials.
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