NIOSH has established a hierarchy of controls to determine the most effective and feasible solutions for managing exposures and hazards. Control methods at the top of the hierarchy are generally more effective and protective compared to those at the bottom. By following this hierarchy, organizations can implement inherently safer systems that will reduce the risk of illness or injury.
The risk assessment matrix is a tool designed to help in determining the quantitative value of various risks in the laboratory. It is an analytical tool that determines the level of risk by plotting the likelihood of occurrence against the severity of the consequence. There are different kind of matrix for calculating health and safety risk in laboratories. In all of them severity, frequency and likelihood of identified risks are considered.
WHAT IS RISK ASSESSMENT?
Risk assessment is the practice of identifying health and safety hazards and evaluating the risks presented to ensure they are suitably eliminated, reduced, or controlled.
How to calculate the risk matrix (i.e. how to fill the table)
1. First identify the risk/risks in the laboratory;
2. Complete the matrix for each risk separately, by:
a) Determining the proper consequence severity of the risk, according to descriptions above the matrix (reported in columns D-H);
b) Determining the proper likelihood of occurrence of the risk, according to descriptions on the left hand of the matrix (reported in rows 5-9);
3. Once the two numbers are identified, multiply them and report the result in the table, where the axes of the two numbers intersect;
4. The result of this multiplication is the quantitative value of the risk you are assessing it. To interpret the results, look at "interpreting the results" reported at reference table.
Risk Assessment Form - Iosh (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is used for evaluating and managing potential risks and hazards in the workplace to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.
For more information on risk assessment guidelines in clinical laboratories, you can refer to the following resources:
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/CLIA
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for laboratory safety: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1450
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for laboratory safety: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/default.html
Please note that these resources provide general guidance on risk assessment in clinical laboratories and may vary depending on the specific regulations and requirements in your region.