Risk Management Presentation on Methanol Hazards at XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd OHS302
- Subject Code :
OHS302
DETAILS OF THE TASK
15 SLIDES BASED ON THE RISK REPORT ASSIGNMENT WHICH I WILL PROVIDE
EACH SLIDE SHOULD CONTAIN SUBTITLES AND INFORMATION.
SPEAKER NOTES 15 MINUTES
ASSESMENT 2 IS THE ONE I HAVE PREVIOUSLY DONE .This assessment is based on your findings from Assessment 2. You have been asked by management to present on your findings from Assessment 2, verbally at a management meeting. To prepare for this presentation you will need to: Address concerns identified by yourself and the marker for assessment 2 Expanded on findings to address risk control, risk communication, consultation and strategy to manage the hazard and associated health and safety risks.
DETAILS Explain how your chosen event/product may impact the selected workplace/organisation/industry.
Discuss any legislative requirements that need to be complied with. Consider relevant Code of Practices and Standards both Australian and/or International.
Propose risk controls required to reduce the risk associated with the identified hazards/issues. This should include:
Hierarchy controls
Training requirements would need to be considered in managing this type of hazard.
Communication and Review
Consideration of the size of the business (small, medium, large), employees, consultation processes, finances, etc. as well as any legal requirements outlined by the WHS Legislation.
Marks will be awarded on your overall presentation, creativity, and clarity in communicating:
your chosen event, the hazards/issues, and what may occur if the event was to take place.
Overview of legislative and other requirements for compliance
Risk treatments (controls) - recommended controls to reduce the risk of the identified hazards which should include the hierarchy controls, training, communication, and review strategies.
Delivery - professional manner, audience engagement, pace, recording quality etc.
Slides - the logical flow of ideas, appropriate formatting and length, use of graphics, technical information, and language pitched to the type of audience
Consider the following
The professionalism of your presentation; view engagement, grammar, language for the audience, pace, font size, spelling, format, and flow.
presentation, clarity, and creativity in communicating your chosen event and the associated hazards/issues which may occur, and in alignment with the legislation and other requirements for compliance.
Explanation of potential impacts, and use of risk communication approaches to convey the importance of risk management for your chosen workplace/organisation/industry.
How can you best present the key information (words, images, figures, tables, videos) for the audience including images and wording to illustrate your risk register, risk evaluation, risk controls, training, consultation and communication?
Contents
TOC o "1-3" h z u Introduction PAGEREF _Toc165994300 h 3Background for Employees PAGEREF _Toc165994301 h 3Background Information on the Process PAGEREF _Toc165994302 h 4Hazard Register of Hazardous Substances PAGEREF _Toc165994303 h 4Methods PAGEREF _Toc165994304 h 4Risk Assessment Procedures PAGEREF _Toc165994305 h 4Methodology Applied PAGEREF _Toc165994306 h 6Schedule of Activities PAGEREF _Toc165994307 h 7Risk Assessment PAGEREF _Toc165994308 h 8Risk assessment findings and control PAGEREF _Toc165994309 h 8Risk register and risk matrix PAGEREF _Toc165994310 h 8SDS Date Sheet Analysis PAGEREF _Toc165994311 h 8Risk Controls and Implementation Plan PAGEREF _Toc165994312 h 9Review and Communication Methods PAGEREF _Toc165994313 h 10Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc165994314 h 10References PAGEREF _Toc165994315 h 12Appendices PAGEREF _Toc165994316 h 14
Risk Assessment Report for XYZ Organization
Introduction This integrated risk assessment is for XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd, a premier chemical manufacturing organisation in Melbourne, Australia. The company produces various industrial chemical lines, such as solvents, cleaners, and degreasers. The company produces various industrial chemicals, including solvents, cleaners, and degreasers. In their manufacturing process, XYZ Chemicals uses other dangerous substances like methanol. These actions will be identified, and compliant measures will be outlined based on the WHS legislation and industry practices.
Background for EmployeesThis private limited company has many employees who are unique in their ways. XYZ Chemicals hires approximately 200 employees who work in different areas. The company's commitment towards safety and adherence to the guidelines of the WHS regulation will make the company a good candidate for full risk assessment. Whether it is a production operator, a quality control person, a technician, or a maintenance person, each worker is a piece of the puzzle for the proper functioning of the facility. Workers are well-trained in chemicals, safety, identification of hazards, and the proper response to emergencies to acquire the needed knowledge and skills for safe performance (van den Broek et al., 2020). Further safety briefings, toolbox talks, and other refresher courses are carried out regularly to emphasise to the workers the practice of safe work and let them develop a culture of safety consciousness.
Background Information on the ProcessAt XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd, various industrial chemicals, such as solvents and cleaners, are manufactured and produced. The process starts with receiving raw materials from suppliers, kept in specific areas until needed. It goes through a chain of processes in which they are mixed, refined, and blended to attain the end products. Hazardous chemicals like methanol are used in controlled quantities to ensure the quality and consistency of the product (National Fire Protection Association, 2023). Adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols must be maintained at any level to mitigate the risk in handling and processing chemicals.
Hazard Register of Hazardous SubstancesDuring a visit to XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd's site, the hazardous chemical risk register was filled out in full detail. The risk registers systematically documented the specific hazards associated with the use of methanol within the workplace environment. Some key hazards identified included flammability, toxicity, chemical reactions, and potential for inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact exposure. The risk registers further specify the task, activity, and areas within the facility with which this unsafe chemical handling is associated and the workforce that may be affected by these risks (Lari et al., 2023).MethodsRisk Assessment ProceduresA full risk assessment should be run methodically, considering various factors. In this section, I will outline how the assessment of risks was carried out in XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd, the people involved, the methods and activities carried out, and the timeline. The risk assessment at XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd was a multi-disciplinary effort between several stakeholders with expertise in different areas (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). This assessment group was led by a core team in the assessment process and comprised of the following: First, the safety manager's role is central to coordinating and overseeing the risk assessment process. Previously trained in occupational health and safety, the safety manager provided support on regulatory compliance in reviewing risk management strategies and best practices. Second, chemical engineers were members of the risk assessment teams, providing specialised knowledge in the handling and processing of methanol (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). They enabled the exposure of chemical properties, reactions, and safety procedures to prevent potential hazards and evaluate the level of risk. Third, occupational health professionals have provided an understanding of the potential health risks of chemical exposure to workers and prescribed control measures. Their expertise is in toxicology, epidemiology, and methods to assess risk, thus adding to the comprehensive risk assessment of workplace hazards. The operations managers provide critical input into the facility's day-to-day operations and activities in the fourth area. Their knowledge of the operations, facilities, tools, and workflow was informative regarding risk assessment and identifying areas of concern (National Fire Protection Association, 2023). Lastly, there are Workers and WHS Representatives. The frontline workers and WHS representatives sought the practical risks of handling chemicals and knowledge of the prospective hazards that may have escaped assessment as part of earlier risk assessments. Their experiences and observations helped add depth to the risk assessment findings.
Methodology AppliedThe risk assessment at XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd followed a structured methodology endorsed by regulatory authorities and industry best practices. It consisted of the following key steps:
Hazard Identification: The first process was to identify all the potential hazards during the handling, storage, and using hazardous chemicals, particularly methanol. This was achieved by reviewing the SOPs, SDSs, incident reports, and any other related documents.
Risk analysis: Following the identification of hazards, the next step was to estimate the likelihood and potential consequence of the occurrence of each hazard. This involved the level of exposure, frequency, and how bad the possible outcomes might be. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, (2021) risk matrices are quantitative and prioritisation tools for conducting risk analysis.
Control Measures: Following risk analysis, control measures had to be suggested to mitigate the identified hazards and reduce risk levels within acceptable tolerances. These measures defined engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to handle hazards at their source and minimise the worker's exposure.
Action Plan: An elaborate action plan had been drawn, indicating the implementation steps, how the imposed control measures were to be effectively monitored, and the responsible party. The plan incorporated timelines, required resources, and responsibilities for timely and effective addressing of the risk mitigation strategies (Lari et al., 2023).
Review and Revision: Finally, a process was also set up through which the risk assessment findings and control measures are updated to consider changed conditions, new Information, and emerging risks. Regular audits, inspections, and feedback mechanisms are built for the continuous improvement of safety practices in the workplace.
Schedule of ActivitiesXYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd's risk assessment was undertaken over several weeks to allow time for the full collection and analysis of data and consultation with stakeholders. The activities timetable was:
Preparation phase: Basically, the first week of preparation deals with team formation, allocation of resources to the members, and development of the assessment protocols where necessary. The process is already underway, with data collection to be started in two weeks, which encompasses reviewing the documents and the inspection of the sites, interviewing the key personnel, and any other data relevant to workplace hazards and control measures. After this, in the following weeks, risk analysis and control measures were assessed with the help of well-established methodologies and tools for assessing risk (Kokkinakis et al., 2020).
Writing: The final integrated results of the risk analysis are documented into a summary report that gives detail on the summary of hazards, levels of risk, and control measures, and recommends to the senior management.
The final report of the risk assessment has been presented to the senior management panel for review and, where necessary, areas seeking clarification, were discussed with the significant stakeholders that were the interested parties. These guideline led to the structural identification of all possible hazards, doing the process of the risk assessment correctly, and finally, effective control measures to ensure the protection of health and safety at the workplace of the workers of XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd (Kokkinakis et al., 2020).
Risk AssessmentRisk assessment findings and controlXYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd uses information from various sources to decide about the hazards, to determine the risks, and to know the most appropriate way of risk control in a process. The key conclusions drawn from the risk assessment, risk register, risk matrix, safety data sheet analysis, and stakeholder engagement follow:
Risk register and risk matrixIt harbored hazards that could be caused in the working environment due to flammability, toxicity, and other possible creation of hazardous vapors through a reaction with other substances. It described activities and operations that involve the use of methanol and employees who could be at risk. This could make a pretty elaborate register for use to set out proper control and prioritisation of the risks. Suitable to control (Byun et al., 2020).
The assessment used the 6x6 risk matrix to rate the identified hazards based on their likelihood and consequence. Therefore, the risks could be assessed semi-quantitatively and then found to be low, medium, or high risk to the likelihood and consequence measures (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The graphical representation of risks allowed prioritisation and showed the best value of resources spent on mitigation processes.
SDS Date Sheet AnalysisSome important information from the methanol safety data sheet (SDS) related to its chemical properties and hazards and recommended safe handling practices. Among the most important information in the SDS was information about the physical and chemical properties, health hazards, and emergency response measures in the event of exposure to methanol. With knowledge of potential risks, as outlined in the SDS, the risk assessment team was in a better position to effectively develop targeted control measures toward identified concerns.
Risk Controls and Implementation PlanBased on the results of the risk assessment, the identified two major risk controls to mitigate the hazards associated with the use of methanol are:
Engineering Controls: This may be done through enhanced engineering controls, including improved ventilation systems and containment measures to reduce worker exposure to methanol vapours. An engineering assessment shall be conducted to identify areas where ventilation and containment are unavailable and to install additional ventilation systems and physical barriers to reduce the dispersion of hazardous vapours (Khojasteh et al., 2021). Training programs can be designed so that workers may become adequately knowledgeable about the proper use of engineering controls and comply with safety protocols.
Administrative Controls: Some suggested administrative controls include updated standard operating procedures (SOPs) and worker training programs on safe handling practices that could minimise exposure to methanol. This could be achieved by updating old procedures for methanol handling and holding regular safety training programs for the workers. This should include clear methodologies for incident reporting and emergency response.
The implementation plan should provide more details on the points at which the control measures will be implemented and the monitoring of those measures. Such a plan should be able to include timelines, the persons responsible, and resource allocation to the various points so that timely and effective, appropriate strategies in the mitigation of risk are developed (El-sees et al., 2021). Continuous reviews and audits would be conducted at regular intervals to assess the performance of the implemented controls and point out areas for improvement.
Review and Communication Methods According to the experts, regular review and communication were key aspects of adequate risk management. Continuous reviewing of the outcome of risk assessments and measures of control and updating allows for a response to new conditions, information, and risks. They opined that there should be regular auditing and inspection with a feedback mechanism for continuous improvement in all work aspects of safety measures to be a workable exercise (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). It should also carry out effective communication programs such as toolbox talks, safety bulletins, and newsletters for employees to update all workers on revised controls and their responsibilities in observing safety measures (Cipolletta et al., 2020). The feedback channels established would encourage the workers to raise safety concerns and provide input on safety initiatives toward fostering a safety culture and continuous improvement of the organisation.
ConclusionIn conclusion, the conducted risk assessment for XYZ Chemicals Pty Ltd has identified major risks associated with using methanol in the workplace. The findings have shown that putting up control measures will benefit the welfare and health of the workforce. The organisation can enhance the safety of the workplace and the protection of the employees' health and well-being by using combined risk assessment tools, stakeholder engagement, and targeted risk controls. Continued monitoring, review, and proactive control of developing risks will maintain control effectiveness.
ReferencesByun, M., Lee, B., Lee, H., Jung, S., Ji, H., & Lim, H. (2020). Techno-economic and environmental assessment of methanol steam reforming for H2 production at various scales.International Journal of Hydrogen Energy,45(46), 24146-24158.
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Hazardous chemical emergencies: Recommendations for the public. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/hazchem/index.aspCipolletta, M., Casson Moreno, V., & Cozzani, V. (2020). Inherent safety assessment for two solar-based fuels production processes: Methanol via CO2 catalytic hydrogenation and biodiesel from microalgal oil.Chemical Engineering Transactions,82, 85-90.
El-sees, A. I., Waly, M. S., He, Z., El-Batsh, H. M., Nasser, A., & El-Zoheiry, R. M. (2021). Influence of quaternary combinations of biodiesel/methanol/n-octanol/diethyl ether from waste cooking oil on combustion, emission, and stability aspects of a diesel engine.Energy Conversion and Management,240, 114268.
Khojasteh-Salkuyeh, Y., Ashrafi, O., Mostafavi, E., & Navarri, P. (2021). CO2 utilisation for methanol production; Part I: Process design and life cycle GHG assessment of different pathways.Journal of CO2 Utilization,50, 101608.
Kokkinakis, M., Tsakiris, I., Tzatzarakis, M., Vakonaki, E., Alegakis, A., Papachristou, S., ... & Kalogeraki, A. (2020). Carcinogenic, ethanol, acetaldehyde and noncarcinogenic higher alcohols, esters, and methanol compounds found in traditional alcoholic beverages. A risk assessment approach.Toxicology Reports,7, 1057-1065.
Lari, S., Pandiyan, A., Vanka, J., Jee, B., Yamagani, P., Kumar, S. B., ... & Jonnalagadda, P. (2023). Residual Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolite Concentrations of Organophosphate Pesticides Among Indian Farmworkers: Implication of Exposure and Hazard Assessment.Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine,65(11), e722-e731.
National Fire Protection Association. (2023). Fire safety in outdoor areas: A guide for employers. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Resources/OutdoorFireSafety/FireSafetyOutdoorAreasEmployers.pdfvan den Broek, J., Bischof, D., Derron, N., Abegg, S., Gerber, P. A., Guntner, A. T., & Pratsinis, S. E. (2020). Screening methanol poisoning with a portable breath detector.Analytical chemistry,93(2), 1170-1178.
Appendices Images