Different types of risk assessment
This must be carried out both at an overall level and in detail where this is considered necessary.
- Overall risk assessment
- Safe Job Analysis (SJA)
The main difference lies in the scope and timing. A risk assessment is an overall, systematic mapping of general risks within the organisation. This is typically carried out to obtain an overview of the risk profile in a laboratory or in connection with fieldwork. A Safe Job Analysis (SJA), on the other hand, is an immediate and detailed analysis carried out just before a specific, often high-risk, individual task begins. This would typically involve work with hazardous chemical agents and biological agents, such as GMOs and infectious bacteria, as well as physical agents such as radiation sources.
Risk assessment of laboratories
An overall risk assessment must be prepared for all rooms or laboratory areas in order to obtain an overview of the risk profile. A dedicated template has been prepared for this purpose and may be used as a starting point. The template is an Excel workbook with five tabs in Norwegian) (.xlsx).
- Introduction: describes the participants, purpose, scope, area and time of implementation.
- Categories: describes how consequences are categorised as low, medium or high, and similarly for likelihoods.
- Risk matrix: describes the criteria for determining whether the risk is acceptable or whether measures must be implemented.
- The risk assessment: describes various events, causes, consequences, likelihoods, existing measures and, where applicable, new measures.
- Measures: describes the recommended measures, status, person responsible and deadline for implementation.
The person responsible for the room must ensure that the risk assessment has been completed. This risk assessment also provides the basis for laboratory signage. All laboratories must be labelled.
Risk assessment of field work
An overall risk assessment must be prepared for all field work in order to obtain an overview of the risk profile. It may cover several visits to the same location or locations within a specified period. A dedicated template has been prepared for this purpose and may be used as a starting point. The template is an Excel workbook with five tabs in Norwegian (xlsx).
- Introduction: describes the participants, purpose, scope, area and time of implementation.
- Categories: describes how consequences are categorised as low, medium or high, and similarly for likelihoods.
- Risk matrix: describes the criteria for determining whether the risk is acceptable or whether measures must be implemented.
- The risk assessment: describes various events, causes, consequences, likelihoods, existing measures and, where applicable, new measures.
- Measures: describes the recommended measures, status, person responsible and deadline for implementation.
The person responsible for the field work must ensure that the risk assessment has been completed. It must be uploaded to the online form, “Risk Assessment of Fieldwork MN/NHM”.
Where field work extends over a longer period and involves several trips—for example, water sampling every month for two years—it is sufficient to complete this form once a year.
Risk assessment of work tasks (SJA)
All laboratory work involving biological agents, physical agents and/or chemicals must be risk assessed. This is particularly important when working with chemicals, biological agents, genetically modified organisms, substances toxic to reproduction, noise, mechanical vibrations and/or radiation sources.
Preparation of an SJA — often referred to as a Standard Operating Procedure with risk assessment (SOP)
A written and documented risk assessment is mandatory for all laboratory work. An SOP template is available and must be followed.
Different types of templates
Different work tasks involve different risk factors; therefore, four different templates have been prepared:
- P-SOP: Protocols: The purpose of the P-SOP is to provide a simple description of how to work safely in laboratories, as well as to identify risks associated with the various protocols and the necessary preventive measures. References to other documentation, such as manuals, are recommended where appropriate.
- S-SOP: Procedures for preparing solutions and media: The purpose of the S-SOP is to provide a simple description of how to work safely with chemicals and stock solutions purchased from suppliers, as well as to identify risks associated with these procedures and the necessary preventive measures. CAS numbers must be specified. It must be determined whether the final product requires labelling in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008.
- I-SOP: Procedures for instruments: The purpose of the I-SOP is to provide a simple description of the use of instruments, as well as to identify risks associated with these procedures and the necessary preventive measures. References to other documentation, such as manuals, are recommended where appropriate.
- K-SOP: Procedures for use in courses: Preparation, approval and publication.
Available Safe Job Analyses (SJAs) can be found within your unit:
- Department of Biosciences
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Pharmacy
References
Substitution
Eliminating or replacing hazardous substances and processes is at the top of the hierarchy of measures for protecting employees against risks associated with work involving chemicals and biological agents. The requirements for substitution are particularly stringent for carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. The provisions on substitution are set out in the Regulations concerning Protection against Exposure to Chemicals at the Workplace (the Chemicals Regulations).
Other risk assessments
Examples of other areas requiring risk assessments include:
- Psychosocial and organisational working environment
- Ergonomic working environment
- Physical working environment
- Chemical and biological working environment
Templates and guidance
Specific guidance documents and templates for the various areas of the working environment that require risk assessment are available below.