Download Risk assessment template for use of gas cylinders

Department of Biology
GAS CYLINDER RISK ASSESSMENT FORM
Activity title:
Brief description:
Location:
Hazard
Identification



List gases and
quantities stored
Describe
hazardous
properties of
gases (including
any ‘Workplace
Exposure Limits’
for toxic gases.
Describe other
hazards
associated with
gas cylinder
use
Who might be
exposed to the
hazards and how
might harm
occur?
Consider:
 Types of
workers
 No. of people
 Frequency of
exposure
 Duration of
exposure
 Possible
system failure
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Risk Control
Measures:
Is it practicable to ELIMINATE the designated materials or SUBSTITUTE
them with less hazardous ones?
Justify the need to use flammable /toxic gases if applicable
Has external storage been considered and discounted?
Is the size of gas cylinder appropriate for the work activity?
Has / will the ‘system’ be designed and installed in accordance with a
recognised code of practice?
Consider the need for gas detection and automatic shut-off (e.g.
hydrogen: fixed point hydrogen detection linked to an automatic shut-off
valve to prevent the generation of an explosive atmosphere is considered
a reasonable measure which must be used if hydrogen or similar gases
are stored in buildings)
Describe storage arrangements:
Describe how cylinders will be transported:
Is there a written procedure in place for the safe use of gases in
place?
Describe training to be provided to users:
Does lone-working need to be avoided for this activity?
What is the risk of an explosive atmosphere?
Note: refer to risk matrix table in Appendix 1. The assessment should identify any
area(s) where control of ignition sources is required.
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Describe emergency arrangements in the event of leakage (note: refer
to departmental guidance on ‘safe use of gas cylinders’):
Describe any routine safety checks / testing required?
Describe any protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, gloves) that
are necessary:
Describe any other measures used to control risk:
Are risks adequately controlled with the application of safe working systems and
controls as outlined above?:
Are any further
reasonable
measures still
needed to control
the risk to an
acceptable level?
Completed by:
Name:
Signed:
Date:
Supervisor:
Name:
Signed:
Date:
Reviewed:
Name:
Signed:
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Date:
APPENDIX 1
DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES EXPLOSIVE ATMOSHPERES REGULATIONS: RISK MATRIX
DSEAR defines a ‘hazardous place’ as a place where an explosive atmosphere may occur in quantities that require special precautions to
protect the health and safety of workers. 'Special precautions' means precautions to control potential ignition sources within the hazardous area,
particularly in relation to construction, installation and use of equipment.
No.
1
Likelihood
3
Extremely unlikely:
could not occur from foreseeable incident
Unlikely:
could occur but only through unlikely events
Likely
4
Very likely
5
Certain
2
Persistence
Transient:
a few seconds – 1 minute
Low persistence:
1 – 15 minutes
Persistent:
15 minutes – 1 hour
Very persistent:
hours
Continuous
Likelihood X Persistence =
Likelihood
1
2
3
4
5
1
1
2
3
4
5
2
2
4
6
8
10
Persistence
3
3
6
9
12
15
4
4
8
12
16
20
Classification of Zones
Non-hazardous zone
Zone 2
Zone 1
Zone 0
A place in which an explosive atmosphere will not / very unlikely to occur
in the normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for short period
only. N.B. Assigning places as ‘non-hazardous’ implies that no
special precautions are required to control ignition sources.
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air
of dangerous substances in the form of a gas, vapour or mist is not likely
to occur in the normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short
period only.
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air
of dangerous substances in the form of a gas, vapour or mist is likely to
occur in normal operation occasionally.
A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air
of dangerous substances in the form of a gas, vapour or mist is present
continuously or for long periods or frequently.
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