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Risk assessment of science experiments: the logic and the process

This article discusses the importance of conducting risk assessments for science experiments and provides information on the logic and process of performing such assessments. It also introduces a web-based risk assessment tool called RiskAssess, which is customizable for each school's situation and provides templates, database information on risks, equipment ordering, and lab scheduling.

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Risk assessment of science experiments: the logic and the process

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  1. Risk assessment of science experiments: the logic and the process Phillip Crisp and Eva Crisp

  2. New law to reduce injuries at work The aim of the law is to reduce the number of New Zealanders killed or hurt at work. In New Zealand on average 73 people die on the job each year and one in ten is harmed. These numbers are significantly higher than in countries like Australia and the UK, and must come down. www.business.govt.nz/news “Health and safety law changes”

  3. 4 APRIL 2016Health & Safety at Work Act • . . . a duty . . . to eliminate/minimise risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable; and • . . . comply . . . to the extent that the person has . . . ability to influence and control the matter . . . Compare: Model Work Health and Safety Act (Aust) s 17 Part 2, Section 29A

  4. KiwiRail ordered to pay $110K after contractor struck by train • 18 September 2015 • www.business.govt.nz/news/releases/2015 • [Worksafe New Zealand Act 2013]

  5. You should: • identify • assess • control risks Before: Establish the context After: Monitor and review Always: Consult and communicate

  6. Risk identification • history of “accidents” and “near-accidents” - at school- at similar schools • brainstorming, preferably with colleagues • checklists of possible risks • authoritative sources e.g. SDSs, databases

  7. Risk assessment To assess the severity of a risk, you need to consider: • the consequences of the event, and • the chance that it will occur (likelihood) NZ ISO 31000:2009 “Risk management” HB 436:2013 “Risk management guidelines” Risk matrices used in schools are 3 x 3 to 5 x 5 See www.riskassess.co.nz/learning_resources

  8. Risk control Hierarchy of options: elimination substitution isolation engineering administration personal protective equipment

  9. Assess risks ≥Medium risk level Low risk level Add control measures DO EXPERIMENT Inherent level of risk = risk level without any control measures besides “routine procedures” Residual level of risk = risk level with control measures in place

  10. Advantages of risk assessments • reduced frequency of injuries - to students - to school staff • reduced costs for paperwork, litigation and payouts • compliance with the law • compliance with Ministry of Education • helps maintain variety of chemicals and equipment

  11. Advantages of a formalised system • proper consideration of risks and control measures • standardisation • storage of records for legal purposes • communication between teachers and science technicians • discourages spur-of-the-moment experiments • useful for new/inexperienced staff

  12. Paper-based system • time consuming • unwieldy forms • non-searchable • difficult to update • storage problems

  13. Electronic system • relatively rapid • reduces paper consumption • easy to review and update • easy to share • easy to search • easy monitoring • easy storage • demonstrated to work in schools RiskAssess: 1250 schools AU+NZ+CA 1,100,000 risk assessments

  14. RiskAssess • web-based risk assessment tool • customised to the school situation • provides - electronic templates (NZ/ISO) - database information on risks (chemical, equipment, biological) - equipment ordering - lab scheduling • easy sharing of experiment templates for customisation

  15. Logic • separate sections for teacher and science technician • initial assessment of inherent risk- if low, go to end- if medium or more, record control measures- if high or extreme, third reviewer required • cross-checking by teacher/scitech/reviewer • scheduling and ordering system to save time • inexpensive ($160+GST per campus per year)going up to $200+GST/campus/year in 2016

  16. Details • access from school/home • nothing to install on computer, tablet or phone(instant update) • unlimited number of simultaneous users and risk assessments • minimal data entry • complements SDS • continuing input from science staff • multiple backups of data & backup server • support and advice

  17. Risk Textbooks Assess CLEAPSS • Interactive electronic template Yes No • Safety information: chemicals, equipment, biological Yes No • Activity-based Yes No • Electronic storage Yes No • Recording risk leveland control measures Yes No • Prac ordering & lab scheduling Yes No • Communication: Teacher-SciTech Yes No • Customised for NZ Yes No

  18. Summary of benefits • safer laboratories • better communication • meets legal requirements • reduced costs • improved efficiency • happy sci techs and teachers!

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