Chemistry Chaos
Risk Assessment
Hazard: Chemical Reactions
Risk: Children may come into contact with chemicals, leading to potential irritation or injury.
Control Measures:
Use child-safe, non-toxic materials for all experiments.
Provide proper protective gear (gloves and goggles) for all participants.
Supervise children closely during all experiments and provide clear safety instructions.
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with appropriate materials and supervision.
Hazard: Spills of fluids
Risk: Slips and falls due to spilled fluids.
Control Measures:
Ensure all spills are cleaned up immediately.
Use trays or containers to contain the fluids during the race.
Provide slip-resistant mats in the activity area
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with proper management and clean-up.
Hazard: Pressure build-up from fizzy reactions
Risk: Potential for spills or minor explosions causing injury.
Control Measures:
Use small quantities of reactants to control the reaction rate.
Conduct experiments in well-ventilated areas.
Provide protective gear and ensure children are at a safe distance during reactions.
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with controlled quantities and supervision.
Hazard: Reactant splashes and spills
Risk: Chemical splashes causing irritation or burns.
Control Measures:
Use non-toxic reactants suitable for children.
Provide protective gear (aprons, gloves, and goggles) to all participants.
Supervise children closely and provide instructions on handling reactants safely.
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with proper materials and supervision.
Hazard: Goop getting into eyes or mouth
Risk: Potential irritation or accidental ingestion.
Control Measures:
Use non-toxic, child-safe materials.
Provide protective gear and instruct children not to touch their face during the activity.
Ensure thorough clean-up and wash-up stations are available.
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with safe materials and supervision.
Hazard: Chemical reaction fumes and contact with materials
Risk: Potential for irritation from fumes or materials.
Control Measures:
Use well-ventilated areas for chemical reactions.
Provide gloves and goggles to children handling materials.
Supervise all activities closely and provide clear instructions on handling materials.
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with proper ventilation and supervision.
Hazard: Allergens (milk, honey, soap, lemon juice, vinegars) coming into contact with skin
Risk: Potential for allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Control Measures:
Inform all participants of potential allergens before the workshop.
Ensure materials containing allergens are clearly labelled and stored separately.
Provide alternatives for children with known allergies, such as non-reactive materials.
Have first aid supplies readily available and ensure facilitators are aware of emergency procedures for allergic reactions
Person Responsible: Workshop facilitators and supervising adults.
Risk Likelihood: Low, with clear communication and appropriate management of allergens.
Last Reviewed August 2024
Regular monitoring and supervision by trained staff or educators are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of all participants during the workshop. Risk likelihood is assessed based on the probability of occurrence and potential severity of each risk.
Please list additional risks/hazards and/or considerations specific for your centre.
