RA-HS131 Laboratory Work and Chemical Handling
| File Reference : | RA-HS131 Laboratory Work and Chemical Handling |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings which are input using select boxes pre-populated with all possible risk ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
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Laboratory Work and Chemical Handling Risk Assessment
This fully completed laboratory work and chemical handling risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers a typical range of hazards associated with laboratory work and chemical handling in research, testing, quality control, and educational laboratory environments, and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Laboratory Work and Chemical Handling Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with laboratory work and chemical handling including;
- Hazardous chemical exposure through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion causing toxic, corrosive, or carcinogenic effects
- Chemical spill and corrosive splash to skin and eyes from glassware breakage or vessel failure
- Fire and explosion from flammable chemicals, compressed gases, and static electricity in the laboratory
- Biological hazard and infection risk from handling microorganisms, human tissue, or biological samples
- Glassware breakage causing cuts and contamination from sharp edges and chemical residues
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating and a listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment completed for all chemicals; safety data sheets available at point of use
- Chemical splash goggles, lab coat, and nitrile gloves worn at all times in chemical handling areas
- Fume cupboard used for all work with volatile or toxic chemicals; sash height maintained at safe position
- Earthing and bonding for flammable solvent handling; no naked flames near flammable materials
- Glassware inspected before use; broken glass placed in rigid sharps container; contaminated glass decontaminated before disposal
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management can be used to reduce the overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries — improving clarity and helping to highlight risks and mandatory controls.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Laboratory Work and Chemical Handling Risk Assessment Suitable For?
This laboratory work and chemical handling risk assessment is suitable for health and safety advisers, laboratory managers, scientists, and any employer operating a laboratory with a duty to assess risks under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.