Appendix 4 - Risk assessment checklist

The following checklist has been developed to assist in conducting a risk assessment for hazardous substances in the hairdressing, nail and beauty industry.

The aim is to ensure that as many ticks as possible lie outside the shaded boxes.

Wherever there is a tick in a shaded box, it indicates that there is a need to gather more information, there are no control measures in place, or the existing control measures are not adequate. Action should be taken to introduce control measures that result in as few ticks in shaded boxes as possible.

Hazardous Substance Risk Assessment Checklist Hairdressing, Nail and Beauty Industry

Work location:

Task:

Substance(s) used:

Assessment team:

Date:

_____________________________

If you are unsure of an answer or there is disagreement between members of the assessment team, then the tick should go in the shaded box.

Have you read the MSDS and label for this substance(s)? YES NO

1 The substance(S)

1.1

Can you do without using this substance?

YES

If it is not necessary to use the substance, then dont.

1.2

Is there a safer alternative available?

YES

If a non-hazardous, or less hazardous alternative exists, then use it.

If you answered 'yes' to either of these first two questions, then make the changes before going any further.

1.3

Is this hazardous substance in a form that can become airborne? (e.g. fine powder, aerosol, vapours)

YES

1.4

Can this hazardous substance be breathed in?

YES

1.5

What action has been taken to reduce exposure to this substance?

1.6

Are the actions effective?

YES

1.7

Is there ready access to the relevant MSDS?

YES

1.8

Are all substances correctly labelled?

YES

1.9

Are mixtures or diluted substances appropriately stored and labelled?

YES

1.10

Is partially used substance returned to a designated location after use?

YES

1.11

Is there risk of inadvertent mixing or contamination of substances?

YES

2 The process

2.1	Can you identify particular actions or circumstances where it is likely that the substance can be breathed in?	YES	NO
2.2	Is there at any time visible dust or mist in the air or a strong overpowering smell?	YES	NO
2.3	Is there a possibility of skin contact with the hazardous substance?	YES	NO
2.4	Can you identify particular actions or conditions where skin contact is probable?	YES	NO
2.5	Is the substance ever transferred to another container?	YES	NO
2.6	Are these secondary containers immediately cleaned after use or appropriately labelled if the substance remains in the container?	YES	NO
2.7	Are containers of an appropriate size?	YES	NO
2.8	Is the design of the container appropriate for its intended use?	YES	NO
2.9	Is the method of dispensing the substance appropriate?	YES	NO
2.10	Is there proper disposal of empty containers?	YES	NO

3 Management

3.1

What action has been taken to reduce exposure to hazardous substances?

3.2

Are these actions effective?

YES

3.3

Is the salon fitted with a local ventilation or air conditioning system?

YES

3.4

Do work pressures and time constraints get in the way of safe work practices?

YES

3.5

Is the workplace generally clean and is constant clean-up part of the task?

YES

3.6

Are there safe operating procedures designed to eliminate or reduce exposure?

YES

3.7

Are procedures determined through consultation and periodically reviewed?

YES

3.8

Are substances frequently stored in temporary locations?

YES

3.9

Is storage in accordance with the requirements of the label and MSDS?

YES

3.10

Is there a rehabilitation procedure for dealing with operators who experience adverse health effects?

YES

3.11

Are there administrative controls in place to prevent general access to this hazardous substance?

YES

3.12

Are emergency facilities for first aid adequate?

YES

3.13

Are procedures for dealing with emergencies, spills, or disposal of waste discussed or practised regularly?

YES

3.14

Are gloves appropriate, available and being used?

YES

3.15

Has PPE other than gloves been considered?

YES

3.16

Is PPE stored in an appropriate manner?

YES

3.17

Is waterproof barrier cream available and being used?

YES

4 Work environment

4.1	Is there natural ventilation?	YES	NO
4.2	Is there any air conditioning?	YES	NO
4.3	Does the ventilation system appear to deal adequately with vapours and dusts?	YES	NO
4.4	Is there any local exhaust ventilation?	YES	NO
4.5	Is soap and hot water available for washing hands?	YES	NO
4.6	Are storage areas generally appropriate?	YES	NO
4.7	Is there adequate labelling and placarding of storage areas?	YES	NO
4.8	Are fire extinguishers readily available?	YES	NO
4.9	Are fire extinguishers of the correct type?	YES	NO
4.10	Are fire extinguishers regularly maintained?	YES	NO
4.11	Are emergency exits accessible and well signed?	YES	NO
4.12	Are workers free from risk associated with hazardous substances residues left on work surfaces?	YES	NO
4.13	Is the work area designed efficiently for the task?	YES	NO

5 Worker considerations

5.1	Do workers complain of health effects such as headaches, sore eyes, skin problems or breathing problems?	YES	NO
5.2	Do workers know the potential health risks involved in using this substance?	YES	NO
5.3	Have all workers been instructed in safe operating procedures?	YES	NO
5.4	Do workers always follow these procedures?	YES	NO
5.5	Have workers been instructed in the causes of irritant contact dermatitis and trigger allergic contact dermatitis?	YES	NO
5.6	Have workers been advised of the symptoms of acute exposure to this substance and the recommended first aid response (as per the MSDS, remove to fresh air)?	YES	NO
5.7	Have workers been advised of the particular risks, e.g. gases, vapours or heat generated, by mixing this substance with others?	YES	NO

Responses in a shaded box suggest that further action is required.

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