Chemical Health Risk Assessment at The Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Laboratory

The use of chemicals is a necessity for the learning and research process at the laboratories of the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering (JKKP). Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, it is one of the main responsibilities of the employer to protect and safeguard employees or consumers from the adverse effects of chemicals at the work place. In order to achieve this, a chemical health risk assessment (CHRA) has been conducted on chemical usage at the teaching and research labs, particularly those that pose a high risk to health. The purpose of the assessment is to allow identification and evaluation of risks involved and the level of exposure to chemicals handled at the labs. Furthermore, it is also to evaluate the sufficiency of the current control measures practiced by the staff and students of the department. This detailed and qualitative assessment is based on observations made of the staff while handling chemicals and reviews of the work procedures and manual as well as other related documents and records. Prevention and mitigation measures by a proactive approach were taken to minimize health risks during the learning and research process. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer reviewed under responsibility of the UKM Teaching and Learning Congress 2011