The outcomes following the uncontrolled use of chemicals are wide ranging and could include fire, explosion, chemical burns, fatalities due to poisoning or cancer, birth defects etc.

Nifast’s consultancy team includes qualified Occupational Hygienists who can assist clients in undertaking any Chemical Agents Risk Assessment needs.

Regulations

Regulation 4 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001, requires employers to identify any hazardous chemical agents present at the place of work and assess the risk to employees arising from their presence.

Any new activity involving hazardous substances must not commence until the risks have been assessed and suitable preventative measures put in place.  The Chemical Agents Risk Assessments must be reviewed on a regular basis

Assessment Process

A Nifast Consultant will visit your premises to collect data, including:

• - The hazardous properties of the chemical and information provided by the supplier
• - The level, type and duration of exposure
• - The effect of preventative measures taken
• - Where available, the conclusions from health surveillance or exposure monitoring already undertaken
• - Any activity, including maintenance and accidental release, in respect of which it is foreseeable that there is a potential for significant exposures

Report

A detailed report will be issued, detailing the conclusions of the assessment and, where necessary, practical recommendations on how to reduce the risk.

Do you need to undertake a Chemical Agents Risk Assessment?

• - Have you assessed how chemicals are handled and stored in your company, and their potential to cause harm?
• - Have you changed how you use existing chemicals?
• - Have you recently introduced new chemicals into the workplace?
• - Do you review your Chemical Agents Risk Assessments on a regular basis?