Evaluation of a Novel Risk Assessment Tool for Hazardous Chemicals in Academic Laboratories: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Chemical hazards are prevalent in many academic laboratories and are the reported cause of numerous health and safety incidents, including fatalities. The Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization (CHAP) Risk tool is intended to raise awareness of chemical hazards by calculating a risk level and providing a recommended control. The CHAP-Risk tool was previously evaluated in small and medium enterprises with some success but has not been examined in academic laboratories. This exploratory study seeks to assess the utility of the CHAP-Risk tool in academic laboratories. Eight chemical safety data sheets (SDSs) were input into the CHAP-Risk tool by three test users. The tool’s output between test users was compared to ascertain its reproducibility as well as gaps in recommended controls vs existing control measures. The output between test users was the same for 50% of the SDSs and, for the remaining four chemicals, 2 of 3 test users had the same output, with a single parameter difference with the third and final test user. With respect to the gap analysis of control measures, the recommended control vs existing control aligned for six chemicals; however, the existing control for two chemicals was deemed insufficient relative to the recommended control. These results suggest that, for the most part, the tool is reproducible but additional upgrades to the tool might be needed in some instances. Overall, the CHAP-Risk tool appears to be effective in classifying the risk associated with chemicals and educating academic laboratory occupants about appropriate control measures to mitigate the risk.