Risk Control Worksheets
Assessment Details
Campus: Clayton Faculty: Engineering
Department: Materials Engineering Building: 37
Room No: 186
Other:
Assessment Date:
Area/ Task/ Process Description:
Use of ultrasonic cleaner for removal of surface contaminants on metallographic specimens
Assessment Team:
Name / SignatureHow To Use This Worksheet
1. Review the identification section of each of 5 major hazard categories on the Risk Control Reference Sheets. Identify the relevant hazards noting the Hazard Code and briefly and separately describing each hazard associated with the work, equipment, process or work practice. (Description of Hazard)
2. Use the appropriate matrix to assess
¨ The possible outcome presented by each hazard (Consequence)
¨ The possibility of that outcome occurring (Likelihood)
3. Cross reference the consequence and likelihood to determine the risk (Risk)
4. Outline the preventative/corrective action (Corrective Actions/Risk Controls)
5. Provide a realistic date by which the actions should be completed/implemented (Timing)
6. Nominate the person responsible for the follow of the actions (Responsibility)
Corrective Action Planning & Review
For each of the identified hazards that are assessed as an extreme, high or medium risk a corrective action / continuous improvement plan should be developed and reviewed as required.
When developing corrective action or control strategies the HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS should be considered. The single most important outcome of a risk assessment is to implement effective and sustainable controls to prevent or significantly reduce the chance of injury, illness or exposure.
4 levels of controls define the hierarchy. The top two levels Elimination/ Substitution and Engineering Controls are by far the most effective in preventing or reducing risks because they rely much less on human behavior, are more difficult to defeat and require much less continuing human effort than the lower level controls.
As corrective actions are planned every effort should be made to implement the top 2 levels of control.
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Risk Assessment - Ultrasonic cleaner
Hazard No. /Description of Hazard
/ Corrective Actions/ Risk Controls /C1 / Organic solvent (e.g. ethanol, acetone) used in ultrasonic cleaning is flammable, harmful and may be reactive hazard if mix with other chemicals.
Consequence C3 Likelihood L5 Risk Low / § Wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, mist mask, gloves, lab coat and closed-toe shoes).
§ Do not mix chemicals without consulting respective MSDS’s.
§ Use as small amount of organic solvent as possible e.g. place a small beaker of acetone in a large bath of water.
§ Regularly check the ultrasonic cleaner during operation.
§ Locate the nearest dry chemical-type fire extinguisher in the laboratory
§ Ensure there is no naked flame, heat or ignition source in the vicinity.
§ Clean up all spills as soon as practicable
§ Clearly label the cleaning solution used in the ultrasonic cleaning.
§ Use forceps or tongs to move or pick any objects immersed in the organic cleaning solution.
§ Operate the ultrasonic cleaner with the lid closed to contain aerosols that are emitted from the cleaning solution.
Timing Before/During operation Responsibility Operator
H1 / Broken glass pieces or sharp debris left in the cleaning solution may injure fingers.
Consequence C3 Likelihood L4 Risk Low / § Use protective gloves when washing and cleaning ultrasonic cleaner.
Timing Before/During operation Responsibility Operator
H4 / Electrical hazards associated with the use of 240 VAC electrical appliances.
Consequence C2 Likelihood L5 Risk Medium / § Visually inspect that the condition of electrical connection (e.g. cord insulation, connector, plug, outlet socket) is satisfactory.
§ Check for any tag on the wire cord that indicates the status of electrical equipment.
§ Ensure surfaces near power leads are dry.
§ Ensure hands are dry before turning on any switches.
§ Unplug the ultrasonic cleaner unit before any filling or cleaning.
§ Avoid wetting the electrical connection during filling or cleaning of ultrasonic cleaner. Wipe dry all exterior surfaces thoroughly before switching on.
§ Do not operate the ultrasonic cleaner on a wet surface.
§ Do not overfill the tank with water or cleaning solution.
§ Do not immerse ultrasonic cleaner in water.
Timing Before/During operation Responsibility Operator
H1 / Potential of causing tissue-joint injury if fingers or other parts of body are placed in cleaning solution while the ultrasonic cleaner is in operation.
Consequence C3 Likelihood L5 Risk Medium / § Do not submerge any part of the body in the cleaning solution during the operation of ultrasonic cleaner.
§ Switch off the ultrasonic cleaner before attempting to pick or move any immersed objects in the cleaning solution. Use forceps or tongs to manipulate immersed objects.
Timing Before/During operation Responsibility Operator
H6 / Prolonged exposure to high-frequency sound emitted from an operating ultrasonic cleaner may cause hearing impairment.
Consequence C3 Likelihood L5 Risk Medium / § Operate the ultrasonic cleaner with the lid closed. The lid is designed to reduce the emission of high-frequency sound to safe levels.
Timing Before/During operation Responsibility Operator
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