skills/wsh-risk-assessment/references/specialised-hazards.md

## Hazard Categories

### Physical Hazards

Physical hazards arise from environmental conditions, energy sources, or physical agents that can cause injury, illness, or adverse health effects.

Examples:

* Slips, trips and falls
* Noise exposure leading to hearing impairment
* Hand-arm or whole-body vibration
* Heat stress and heat-related illnesses
* Cold stress and cold-related injuries
* Fire and thermal burns
* Ionising and non-ionising radiation
* Laser radiation causing eye or skin injury
* Pressure systems and stored energy hazards
* Poor lighting and visibility
* Falling objects
* Extreme temperatures and hot surfaces
* Confined spaces
* Poor ergonomics and workstation design

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### Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical hazards arise from the movement, operation, or failure of machinery, equipment, tools, or mechanical systems that can cause injury through contact, entanglement, impact, crushing, cutting, shearing, or ejection of materials.

Examples:

* Moving machinery
* Rotating equipment
* Pinch points
* Crushing hazards
* Entanglement hazards
* Sharp edges
* Cutting and shearing hazards
* Flying or ejected objects
* Stored mechanical energy (e.g., springs, tensioned systems)
* Unexpected equipment start-up or movement
* Falling or collapsing loads
* Conveyor systems and moving parts

Potential consequences:

* Cuts and lacerations
* Fractures
* Crush injuries
* Amputations
* Eye injuries from flying particles
* Fatal injuries in severe cases

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### Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards arise from the use of electrical equipment, installations, power sources, and stored electrical energy. They may result in electric shock, burns, fire, explosion, arc flash injuries, or secondary injuries caused by sudden reactions to electrical contact.

Examples:

* Electric shock from exposed live parts
* Arc flash and arc blast incidents
* Static electricity discharge in flammable environments
* Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment
* Damaged cables, plugs, or extension cords
* Overloaded electrical circuits and power strips
* Improper grounding or earthing of equipment
* Contact with overhead or underground electrical services
* Energised electrical work during maintenance or troubleshooting
* High-voltage laser power supplies
* Capacitors or equipment containing stored electrical energy
* Use of electrical equipment in wet or conductive environments

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### Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards may arise from the intrinsic properties of substances, their physical form, the way they are used, stored or transported, and the processes in which they are involved. Hazard identification should consider both the hazardous properties of the chemical and the potential routes of exposure.

Examples:

#### Health Hazards

* Acute toxicity
* Chronic toxicity
* Carcinogens
* Mutagens
* Reproductive toxins
* Respiratory sensitisers
* Skin sensitisers
* Corrosives
* Irritants
* Aspiration hazards
* Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
* Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)

#### Physical Hazards

* Flammable liquids
* Flammable gases
* Flammable solids
* Oxidisers
* Organic peroxides
* Pyrophoric materials
* Water-reactive substances
* Self-reactive substances
* Explosives
* Dust explosion hazards
* Cryogenic substances
* Pressurised chemicals and gas cylinders

#### Exposure Hazards

* Dusts
* Fumes
* Vapours
* Aerosols
* Mists
* Compressed gases
* Chemical splashes to skin or eyes
* Accidental ingestion
* Needle-stick or injection exposure

#### Process Hazards

* Exothermic reactions
* Runaway reactions
* Over-pressurisation
* Incompatible chemical mixing
* Toxic gas generation
* Oxygen displacement
* Loss of containment or chemical spills
* Heating or distillation operations
* Transfer of hazardous chemicals between containers

#### Examples of Hazard Statements

* Inhalation of acetone vapour during solvent transfer resulting in respiratory irritation and dizziness.
* Splash of concentrated sulphuric acid to the eyes during reagent preparation resulting in chemical burns and potential vision impairment.
* Release of hydrogen gas during a reaction resulting in fire or explosion if an ignition source is present.
* Oxygen displacement from a liquid nitrogen leak in a confined space resulting in asphyxiation.

---

### Biological Hazards

Biological hazards arise from exposure to living organisms, biological materials, or biologically derived substances that may cause infection, allergic reactions, toxicity, or other adverse health effects.

Examples:

* Bacteria
* Viruses
* Fungi
* Parasites
* Human blood, tissues, and bodily fluids
* Animal tissues and specimens
* Cell cultures
* Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
* Biological toxins
* Biological waste
* Contaminated sharps
* Environmental samples containing unknown microorganisms

Potential consequences:

* Laboratory-acquired infections
* Allergic sensitisation or reactions
* Toxic effects from biological toxins
* Skin, eye, or respiratory irritation
* Cross-contamination of personnel, equipment, or the environment

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### Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomic hazards arise when work activities, tools, equipment, or workstation design place excessive physical demands on the body, potentially leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), cumulative trauma injuries, fatigue, or reduced performance.

Examples:

* Repetitive movements (e.g., pipetting, typing, assembly work)
* Awkward or sustained postures (e.g., bending, twisting, reaching overhead)
* Forceful exertions (e.g., pushing, pulling, lifting, gripping)
* Manual handling of loads, equipment, or materials
* Prolonged standing
* Prolonged sitting
* Repetitive fine motor tasks involving hands and fingers
* Poor workstation or equipment design
* Contact stress from hard or sharp surfaces
* Inadequate recovery time between repetitive tasks

Potential consequences:

* Muscle strain and sprain
* Tendonitis
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Trigger finger
* Neck, shoulder, back, wrist, or hand pain
* Fatigue and reduced productivity

Examples of activities with ergonomic hazards:

* Extended computer work
* Repetitive laboratory pipetting
* Microscopy work
* Manual material handling
* Pottery wheel throwing and clay shaping
* Repetitive use of hand tools
* Prolonged standing during laboratory, workshop, or event activities

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### Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards arise from the way work is designed, organised, managed, and experienced. These hazards can affect mental health, psychological wellbeing, physical health, safety performance, and overall work effectiveness.

Examples:

* Fatigue from long working hours, shift work, or insufficient rest
* Excessive workload or unrealistic deadlines
* Work-related stress
* Workplace harassment, bullying, or discrimination
* Poor mental wellbeing
* Role ambiguity or conflicting responsibilities
* Inadequate supervision or support
* Poor communication and organisational change management
* Social isolation or lone work
* Exposure to traumatic or distressing events
* Interpersonal conflict within teams
* Work-life imbalance

Potential consequences may include reduced concentration, impaired decision-making, increased likelihood of errors or incidents, burnout, anxiety, depression, and other adverse health outcomes.

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# Chemical, Biological, Non-Ionising Radiation and Ionising Radiation Lifecycle Hazard Considerations

When assessing chemical, biological, non-ionising radiation and ionising radiation activities, hazards should be identified throughout the entire lifecycle, from acquisition and setup through use, maintenance, decontamination, storage and disposal.

## Chemical Lifecycle Hazard Considerations

### Procurement and Acquisition

Potential hazards:

* Ordering inappropriate quantities
* Purchasing highly hazardous chemicals unnecessarily
* Lack of hazard information
* Procurement of incompatible chemicals

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### Receiving and Transportation

Potential hazards:

* Damaged containers
* Leaking packages
* Manual handling injuries
* Exposure during unpacking
* Transportation through public areas

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### Storage

Potential hazards:

* Incompatible storage
* Flammable vapour accumulation
* Corrosion of containers
* Gas cylinder instability
* Excessive inventory accumulation

Examples:

* Acids stored with cyanides
* Oxidisers stored with flammables
* Water-reactive chemicals exposed to moisture

---

### Dispensing and Transfer

Potential hazards:

* Chemical splashes
* Vapour release
* Static ignition
* Container breakage
* Exposure during pouring or pipetting

---

### Mixing and Reaction Activities

Potential hazards:

* Heat generation
* Pressure build-up
* Toxic gas evolution
* Violent reactions
* Fire or explosion

Examples:

* Mixing acids with incompatible materials
* Addition of water to concentrated acids
* Uncontrolled scale-up of reactions

---

### Experimental or Process Use

Potential hazards:

* Routine exposure
* Equipment failure
* Loss of containment
* Unexpected reaction behaviour
* Human error

---

### Cleaning and Decontamination

Potential hazards:

* Exposure to residual chemicals
* Generation of hazardous vapours
* Mixing incompatible cleaning agents
* Contact with contaminated surfaces

---

### Waste Handling and Disposal

Potential hazards:

* Incompatible waste mixing
* Container overfilling
* Mislabelled waste
* Exposure during waste transfer
* Environmental contamination

---

### Spill Response and Emergencies

Potential hazards:

* Acute exposure
* Fire escalation
* Toxic atmosphere formation
* Secondary contamination
* Inadequate emergency response

---

## Biological Lifecycle Hazard Considerations

### Acquisition and Receipt

Potential hazards:

* Receipt of incorrect biological agents
* Inadequate hazard classification
* Damaged packages
* Exposure during unpacking
* Regulatory non-compliance

---

### Storage

Potential hazards:

* Loss of containment
* Freezer or incubator failure
* Mislabelled samples
* Cross-contamination
* Unauthorised access

---

### Preparation and Culture Activities

Potential hazards:

* Aerosol generation
* Sharps injuries
* Exposure to infectious materials
* Cross-contamination
* Human error

---

### Experimental Use

Potential hazards:

* Laboratory-acquired infection
* Exposure through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact
* Equipment malfunction
* Animal-to-human transmission
* Environmental release

---

### Transport Within and Between Facilities

Potential hazards:

* Container breakage
* Leakage
* Exposure during transport
* Loss of samples
* Public exposure

---

### Decontamination and Disinfection

Potential hazards:

* Incomplete decontamination
* Exposure to disinfectants
* Aerosol generation during cleaning
* Contaminated surfaces
* Improper sterilisation

---

### Biological Waste Management

Potential hazards:

* Improper segregation
* Sharps injuries
* Exposure during waste handling
* Environmental contamination
* Failure of treatment processes

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### Incident and Emergency Response

Potential hazards:

* Spill exposure
* Exposure to infectious aerosols
* Delayed medical response
* Secondary contamination
* Inadequate containment measures

---

## Non-Ionising Radiation Lifecycle Hazard Considerations

Examples include lasers, ultraviolet sources, intense visible light, infrared radiation, radiofrequency systems and microwave equipment.

### Procurement and Installation

Potential hazards:

* Selection of inappropriate equipment
* Inadequate safety specifications
* Improper installation
* Lack of engineering controls
* Inadequate hazard assessment

---

### Commissioning and Setup

Potential hazards:

* Misalignment of laser systems
* Exposure during testing
* Defeat of safety interlocks
* Uncontrolled beam paths
* Inadequate access control

---

### Routine Operation

Potential hazards:

* Eye exposure
* Skin exposure
* Reflected beam exposure
* Thermal injury
* Excessive electromagnetic field exposure

---

### Maintenance and Servicing

Potential hazards:

* Exposure with protective covers removed
* Defeated interlocks
* Unexpected energisation
* Exposure to high-intensity sources
* Inadequate lockout procedures

---

### Storage and Securing Equipment

Potential hazards:

* Unauthorised use
* Damage to safety components
* Improper storage of portable devices
* Loss of protective equipment

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### Decommissioning and Disposal

Potential hazards:

* Residual energy sources
* Exposure during dismantling
* Improper disposal of specialised components
* Environmental contamination from associated materials

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### Incident and Emergency Response

Potential hazards:

* Eye injury from accidental exposure
* Skin burns
* Fire from high-energy systems
* Delayed medical evaluation
* Inadequate incident investigation

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## Ionising Radiation Lifecycle Hazard Considerations

Examples include sealed sources, unsealed radioactive materials, X-ray equipment and irradiating devices.

### Procurement and Authorisation

Potential hazards:

* Acquisition without appropriate approvals
* Inadequate source characterisation
* Regulatory non-compliance
* Inadequate inventory controls

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### Receipt and Acceptance

Potential hazards:

* Damaged packages
* Radiation exposure during inspection
* Contamination from leaking sources
* Incorrect labelling
* Security concerns

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### Storage and Inventory Management

Potential hazards:

* Unauthorised access
* Loss of sources
* Inadequate shielding
* Inventory discrepancies
* Source deterioration

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### Experimental or Operational Use

Potential hazards:

* External radiation exposure
* Internal contamination through inhalation, ingestion or absorption
* Loss of containment
* Equipment malfunction
* Human error

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### Transport and Transfer

Potential hazards:

* Package damage
* Radiation exposure during handling
* Contamination events
* Security breaches
* Regulatory non-compliance

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### Maintenance and Source Handling

Potential hazards:

* Increased exposure during servicing
* Direct handling of sources
* Failure of shielding systems
* Contamination during maintenance
* Inadequate supervision

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### Decontamination and Cleanup

Potential hazards:

* Spread of contamination
* Exposure during cleanup
* Inadequate monitoring
* Improper decontamination techniques
* Secondary contamination

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### Radioactive Waste Management and Disposal

Potential hazards:

* Improper segregation
* Mischaracterisation of waste
* Exposure during handling
* Environmental release
* Regulatory non-compliance

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### Incident and Emergency Response

Potential hazards:

* Radiation overexposure
* Contamination incidents
* Lost or stolen sources
* Environmental contamination
* Inadequate emergency preparedness

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# Exposure Route Considerations

When identifying hazards, consideration should be given to how exposure occurs.

## Chemical Exposure Routes

* Inhalation
* Skin contact
* Eye contact
* Ingestion
* Injection

Additional considerations:

* Duration of exposure
* Frequency of exposure
* Concentration of chemical
* Quantity handled
* Volatility
* Dust generation potential
* Aerosol generation potential

### Example

Weak hazard description:

Chemical exposure.

Improved hazard description:

Inhalation of acetone vapour during solvent transfer resulting in respiratory irritation and dizziness.

Additional examples:

* Splash of concentrated sodium hydroxide into eyes during reagent preparation resulting in severe chemical burns and permanent vision damage.
* Exposure to formaldehyde vapours during specimen preservation resulting in respiratory irritation and potential long-term health effects.
* Skin contact with acrylamide solution during gel preparation resulting in dermal absorption and systemic toxicity.

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## Biological Exposure Routes

* Aerosol generation
* Sharps injury
* Skin exposure
* Mucous membrane exposure
* Environmental contamination

### Example

Weak hazard description:

Exposure to bacteria.

Improved hazard description:

Exposure to aerosolised bacterial cultures during vortex mixing resulting in potential laboratory-acquired infection.

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## Radiation Exposure Routes

* External exposure from radioactive sources
* Skin contamination
* Inhalation of radioactive particles or aerosols
* Ingestion of radioactive materials
* Contamination through wounds or sharps injuries

### Example

Weak hazard description:

Radiation exposure.

Improved hazard description:

Exposure to unshielded radioactive phosphorus-32 source during sample handling resulting in excessive radiation dose and potential tissue damage.

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## Laser Exposure Routes

* Direct beam exposure
* Specular (mirror-like) reflected beam exposure
* Diffuse reflected beam exposure
* Exposure during beam alignment
* Exposure from defeated or bypassed interlocks
* Skin exposure to high-power laser beams

### Example

Weak hazard description:

Laser hazard.

Improved hazard description:

Exposure of the eye to a reflected Class 4 laser beam during optical alignment resulting in permanent retinal injury and vision loss.

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## Physical Exposure Routes

Examples:

* Impact
* Contact
* Thermal exposure
* Radiation exposure
* Noise exposure

### Example

Weak hazard description:

Noise hazard.

Improved hazard description:

Exposure to noise generated by bench grinder resulting in temporary or permanent hearing impairment.

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