Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist XLSX Free Download | MSDS · H-Code Verification Items

Chemical risk assessment is not merely a matter of listing the substance name and marking it as "dangerous." Even for the same substance, the actual risk can vary depending on the usage amount, working time, enclosed and ventilated conditions, mixing status, use of protective equipment, and storage methods.

 

Especially when conducting a risk assessment directly on-site Whether the MSDS is up to date, whether H-codes and hazardous phrases have been checked, and whether actual working conditions and potential exposure have been considered together It is important.

 

To enable Safety, Health, and HR personnel to organize basic information, MSDS verification, H-codes, usage processes, potential exposure, current control status, and corrective actions for each chemical substance all at once Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist XLSX I have prepared.

 

The "Guidelines on Workplace Risk Assessment" presents standards for risk assessment methods and procedures to enable employers to prevent industrial accidents by identifying, evaluating, managing, and improving hazardous and dangerous factors in the workplace on their own.

 

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Free Download of Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist

In the attached file Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist XLSX Download it and modify it to suit the materials, processes, and working conditions handled at your workplace.

 

▶ [Download Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist XLSX]

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Contents included in this material

This checklist does not replace official MSDS, chemical classification data, or evaluations by specialized agencies. It is a practical Excel resource designed to assist in preparing risk assessments for chemicals handled at the workplace and identifying any missing items.

 

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Why MSDS and H-codes Must Be Checked in Chemical Risk Assessments

The starting point of a chemical risk assessment is accurately knowing “what substance is being used.” If you only know the product name and do not verify information regarding the actual ingredients, hazards, exposure pathways, and protective measures, the assessment may end up being merely a formality.

 

An MSDS is a fundamental document for verifying the hazards and risks of chemical substances, handling precautions, emergency measures, measures in case of explosion or fire, exposure prevention and personal protective equipment, and toxicity information. The Occupational Safety and Health Act imposes an obligation on manufacturers or importers of substances subject to Material Safety Data Sheets to prepare and submit MSDSs, and MSDSs for chemical substances in circulation must be obtained from the person transferring or providing the substance.

 

H codes are hazard and risk statement codes based on GHS classification, which help to quickly identify the physical hazards or health risks of a substance. The "Standards for Classification, Labeling, and Material Safety Data Sheets of Chemicals," a notice issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, allows for the display of code numbers alongside hazard and risk statements and precautionary statements.

 

However, the risk assessment does not end with the H-code alone. Factors such as how frequently it is used in actual work, whether it is in a confined space, whether the work involves heating, spraying, or mixing, and whether there is a possibility of skin contact must also be considered. Exposure conditions You must check this together.

 

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How to Use the Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist

1. First, organize the list of workplace chemicals.

First, list the chemical products and substances actually used at the workplace.

• Product Name
• Name of substance or main component
• CAS No.
• Manufacturer or supplier
• User department
• Usage process
• Monthly or weekly usage
• Storage location
• use
• Disposal method

The substances on the purchase list may differ from those actually stored on-site. On-site inspections must also be conducted to check for discontinued substances, temporarily stored substances, subdivided containers, and containers with detached labels.

 

The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's chemical information website can be used as a reference when searching for and reviewing MSDS, but the information provided by the agency is for reference only, and the MSDS for actual products in circulation must be obtained from suppliers, such as manufacturers, importers, and sellers.

 

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2. Check whether MSDS is available and whether it is up-to-date.

After organizing the list of chemicals, check the MSDS for each substance.

 

If an MSDS is unavailable or the product name or manufacturer is incorrect, you must request the latest data from the supplier before conducting a risk assessment.

 

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3. Record the H-code and hazardous phrases.

Identify H codes, hazard statements, pictograms, and signal words from the MSDS and record them on the checklist.

 

For example, you can enter the following items.

 

While H-codes help quickly classify the hazards of substances, the actual risk in the field varies depending on the method of use. Therefore, after verifying the H-code, the working conditions must be recorded as well.

 

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4. Verify actual working conditions and potential exposure.

The most frequently overlooked aspect in chemical risk assessments is actual working conditions.

Check the following items.

• Daily or weekly usage frequency
• Single-use usage and total usage
• Working hours
• Whether to use an open container
• Whether heating, spraying, mixing, or washing operations
• Whether it is a confined space or a place with poor ventilation
• Possibility of skin contact
• Possibility of eye contact
• Possibility of generating steam, dust, or mist
• Possibility of leakage or scattering
• waste liquid or contaminant treatment method

Even for the same substance, the risks differ depending on whether it is used in small quantities inside a sealed container or sprayed or heated in an open space. It is necessary to verify not only the hazardous nature of the substance itself but also “how it is used.”

 

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5. Check the current management status.

Check the management measures currently in effect.

 

Risk assessment is not merely a procedure to verify whether protective equipment is being worn. Where possible, it is advisable to first review measures to reduce exposure, such as replacing hazardous substances, improving work methods, and implementing enclosed or local exhaust ventilation, and to manage protective equipment as a supplementary measure only afterward.

 

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6. Determine the schedule for corrective measures and re-inspection.

Items with high risk or insufficient management must be linked to corrective measures.

Enter the following items into the checklist.

• Items needing improvement
• priority
• Improvement measures
• Department in charge
• manager
• Estimated completion date
• Actual completion date
• Reason for incomplete
• temporary measures
• Verification results after improvement
• Next re-inspection date

Instead of writing abstractly like “strictly wear protective gear,” record it as an actionable measure.

 

example:

 

The purpose of risk assessment does not end with identifying hazardous and dangerous factors, but lies in managing and improving the results.

 

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Items that must be included in the checklist

It is recommended to include the following items in the chemical risk assessment checklist.

• Product Name
• Name of substance or main component
• CAS No.
• Manufacturers/Suppliers
• User departments and processes
• Usage and frequency of use
• Whether MSDS is available
• MSDS Latest Revision Date
• H code
• Hazardous and dangerous phrases
• Pictograms and signal words
• Main exposure channels
• Whether heating, spraying, or mixing
• Local exhaust and ventilation conditions
• Storage location and label for portioning containers
• Types of protective equipment and suitability
• Leakage, Fire, and Emergency Response Standards
• Current management measures
• Additional improvement measures
• Person in charge and completion deadline
• Re-inspection results after improvement

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Is it okay to determine the risk based solely on the H-code?

The H-code is merely a starting point for identifying hazards. For example, even for the same flammable substance, the risk differs depending on whether a small amount is handled in a sealed container or a large amount is used in a poorly ventilated space.

 

In a chemical risk assessment, the following three things must be verified together.

 

Therefore, while substances with a high number of H codes or high hazards may be subject to priority review, it is recommended to determine the final management priority by considering both actual working conditions and the current management status.

 

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Commonly Overlooked Items in Chemical Risk Assessments

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Please also use this when introducing new chemicals.

Chemical risk assessments are not limited to substances already in use. It is also advisable to verify these factors in advance when introducing new cleaning agents, adhesives, paints, reagents, refrigerants, disinfectants, and the like.

Before introducing new substances, check the following items.

• Whether it is more harmful than existing substances
• Whether there are alternative low-hazard substances
• Whether you received the MSDS from the supplier
• Whether the H-code and pictogram were checked
• Whether the storage location and the risk of mixed storage were confirmed
• Whether the necessary protective equipment and ventilation facilities are prepared
• Whether training for handling workers is necessary
• Have you checked the waste disposal method?
• Is there an emergency procedure?

Using a checklist before introducing new materials can reduce the occurrence of issues such as "no MSDS," "no storage space," or "no appropriate protective equipment" after purchase.

 

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Please also check the workers' opinions.

Chemical risk assessments must be prepared by the person in charge by incorporating the opinions of actual workers, rather than relying solely on documents.

Examples of questions to check are as follows.

• Have you ever experienced bad smells, headaches, stinging eyes, or skin irritation while working?
• What is the most commonly used substance?
• Is the container left open for a long time during work?
• Is there a reason why it is difficult to wear gloves or a mask?
• Do you feel that the ventilation system is actually working?
• Can you identify the name of the substance by looking at the label on the subdivided container?
• Do you know how to handle leaks or splashes?
• Do you know where to dispose of waste liquid or contaminated rags?

The participation of workers engaged in the relevant work is crucial in risk assessment. Interpretations from the National Law Information Center also explain that the intent is to involve relevant workers in the process of identifying hazardous factors, establishing reduction measures, and verifying their implementation.

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Precautions when using checklists

• This checklist alone does not complete the statutory risk assessment.
• MSDS and H-codes are basic data for verifying the hazards of chemical substances.
• We do not determine the risk based solely on the H-code, but verify the actual potential for exposure and management status together.
• Use KOSHA chemical information for reference only, and verify the actual product's MSDS by obtaining it from the supplier.
• If the MSDS is outdated or does not match the actual product, please request the latest data.
• We also check subdivision containers, temporary storage, waste liquid, contaminated bags, and partner company work.
• We do not stop at improvement measures with personal protective equipment alone; instead, we first review alternatives, containment, ventilation, and improvements to work methods.
• We do not treat workers' opinions merely as formal signatures.
• Specific determinations regarding industrial safety and health and chemical management may require review by experts or relevant agencies.

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Re-download Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist

A system capable of managing MSDS up-to-date, H-codes, potential exposure, ventilation, protective equipment, storage conditions, and corrective actions all at once XLSX Checklist for Safety and Health Managers no see.

 

▶ [Download Chemical Risk Assessment Checklist XLSX]

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Related Posts

• Comprehensive Summary of Risk Assessment Procedures and Form Completion Methods
• Free PDF download of Risk Assessment Procedure Table
• How are corrective actions recorded after a risk assessment?

In the related article, you can check the basic procedures of risk assessment, how to complete the assessment table, and how to record corrective actions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the MSDS alone sufficient for a chemical risk assessment?

No. While the MSDS serves as a fundamental document for identifying the hazards, risks, and protective measures of a substance, the actual risk can vary depending on usage volume, working hours, ventilation conditions, exposure pathways, protective equipment, and work methods. Actual working conditions must be inspected in conjunction with the MSDS.

Q2. Are products without an H-code not subject to risk assessment?

You should not automatically conclude that there is no risk simply because an H-code is absent. You must verify whether an MSDS is required, the actual ingredients, the method of use, whether heating, spraying, or mixing is involved, and the potential for worker exposure. If necessary, it is advisable to request data from the supplier or an expert.

Q3. Can I use the KOSHA MSDS search results as is?

Chemical information from the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency can be used as a reference when preparing and reviewing MSDS. For products distributed or used at the actual workplace, you must obtain and verify the MSDS from the party transferring or providing the substance, such as the manufacturer, importer, or seller.

Q4. Who should participate in the chemical risk assessment?

It is advisable to verify the opinions of the workers actually performing the work, rather than having only the safety and health manager document the details. The participation of workers involved in the relevant work is crucial in the process of identifying hazardous factors, establishing reduction measures, and verifying their implementation.

Q5. How should substances found to be highly hazardous be managed?

First, review whether the substance can be replaced with a low-hazardous substance; if this is not feasible, establish phased management measures such as containment, local exhaust ventilation, changes in work methods, reduction in usage, improved storage, and the provision of personal protective equipment and training. It is recommended to designate a responsible person, a completion deadline, and a re-inspection schedule for these improvement measures.

 

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Inquiry regarding Risk Assessment and Safety and Health Management System

If you are conducting chemical risk assessments yourself but find it difficult to manage tasks such as verifying MSDS, organizing H-codes, gathering worker feedback, and recording corrective actions alone, you must first organize your risk assessment operational system.

 

The Nudge EAP Community continuously updates practical resources necessary for risk assessment, occupational safety and health management systems, and managing health and safety risks within the organization. If you would like to review employee feedback collection, records of corrective actions, and the management of psychological and health risks within the organization following the risk assessment, you can make an inquiry on the page below.

 

▶ Inquiry regarding Risk Assessment and Safety and Health Management System

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Source and Information

• National Law Information Center, "Guidelines on Workplace Risk Assessment"
• National Law Information Center, Article 110 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act
• National Law Information Center, "Standards on Classification, Labeling, and Material Safety Data Sheets of Chemicals"
• Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency Chemical Information, MSDS Search
• Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency Chemical Information
• Nudge EAP: A Comprehensive Guide to Risk Assessment Procedures and Form Completion

This content and the attached Excel file are practical resources intended to provide general information and assist in the preparation of chemical risk assessments. They do not substitute for statutory risk assessments, the preparation and submission of MSDS, chemical classification, workplace environmental measurements, special health examinations, or obligations under the Chemical Substances Control Act. As actual applicability and the level of measures may vary depending on the workplace's industry, processes, handled substances, exposure conditions, and relevant laws, review by experts or relevant authorities may be required.