Chloroprene Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all activities involving chloroprene, including but not limited to: manufacture, handling, storage, use in chemical processes, waste disposal, and maintenance of equipment. It includes potential exposure to workers, contractors, visitors, and the environment. The assessment excludes research and development activities conducted in a laboratory setting with appropriate containment measures.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a semi-quantitative 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels. The likelihood of occurrence is rated as Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, or Almost Certain. Severity is rated as Negligible, Minor, Moderate, Major, or Catastrophic. The risk rating is then determined by the combination of likelihood and severity, resulting in a risk level of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low (1)	Low (2)	Low (3)	Moderate (4)	Moderate (5)
Major	Low (2)	Moderate (4)	Moderate (6)	High (8)	High (10)
Moderate	Low (3)	Moderate (6)	High (9)	High (12)	Extreme (15)
Minor	Moderate (4)	High (8)	High (12)	Extreme (16)	Extreme (20)
Negligible	Moderate (5)	High (10)	Extreme (15)	Extreme (20)	Extreme (25)

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Inhalation of chloroprene vapors.

Potential Consequences: Respiratory irritation, central nervous system depression, liver and kidney damage, potential carcinogenicity.

Affected Persons: Workers involved in chloroprene handling, nearby personnel.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation to capture chloroprene vapors at the source.
• Ensure proper respiratory protection is used, such as air-purifying respirators with appropriate cartridges or supplied air respirators.
• Provide training on the hazards of chloroprene and proper use of respiratory protection.
• Conduct air monitoring to ensure that chloroprene levels are below OSHA permissible exposure limits.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Moderate

2. Skin contact with liquid chloroprene.

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, dermatitis, allergic reaction, absorption into the body.

Affected Persons: Workers handling chloroprene.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Provide and require the use of chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl-rubber or chloroprene) and protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
• Ensure proper glove removal techniques are followed to avoid skin contamination.
• Provide readily available eyewash stations and safety showers in areas where skin contact is possible.
• Train workers on the proper handling of chloroprene and the importance of avoiding skin contact.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Eye contact with liquid chloroprene or vapors.

Potential Consequences: Eye irritation, corneal damage, blurred vision.

Affected Persons: Workers handling chloroprene.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Require the use of safety glasses or goggles with side shields to protect eyes from splashes and vapors.
• Provide readily available eyewash stations for immediate flushing of eyes in case of contact.
• Train workers on the proper use of eye protection and the importance of immediate flushing if exposed.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

4. Fire and explosion due to chloroprene vapors.

Potential Consequences: Burns, injuries, fatalities, property damage.

Affected Persons: All personnel in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Implement strict control of ignition sources in areas where chloroprene is handled or stored.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors.
• Use intrinsically safe equipment in hazardous locations.
• Develop and implement a fire prevention and response plan, including fire extinguishers and alarm systems.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	High

5. Spills and releases of chloroprene into the environment.

Potential Consequences: Soil and water contamination, harm to aquatic life, environmental damage.

Affected Persons: Environment, local community.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement spill prevention and control measures, such as secondary containment around storage tanks.
• Develop and implement a spill response plan, including procedures for containment, cleanup, and disposal.
• Train workers on spill response procedures and the proper use of spill control equipment.
• Regularly inspect storage tanks and equipment for leaks or damage.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive hazard communication program.

This includes providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and training to all employees who may be exposed to chloroprene. The SDS should be readily accessible and workers should be trained on how to interpret the information.

• Ensure proper ventilation in all areas where chloroprene is handled or stored.

This may include local exhaust ventilation to capture vapors at the source, as well as general dilution ventilation to maintain air concentrations below permissible exposure limits.

• Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used to handle chloroprene.

This includes storage tanks, piping, pumps, and ventilation systems. Any leaks or damage should be repaired promptly.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a chloroprene release, immediately evacuate the area and notify emergency personnel.
• For skin or eye contact, flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
• In case of inhalation, move the affected person to fresh air and provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.

7. Training Requirements

• Chloroprene Hazard Awareness Training: All employees who work with or may be exposed to chloroprene must receive comprehensive training on its hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency response protocols. This training should cover the information provided in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and include hands-on practice with PPE and spill control equipment.
• Respiratory Protection Training: Employees required to wear respirators must be trained and fit-tested in accordance with OSHA regulations. This training should include proper respirator selection, fit-testing procedures, donning and doffing, maintenance, and storage.
• Spill Response Training: Workers who may be involved in spill response activities must receive training on the proper use of spill control equipment, containment procedures, and waste disposal methods.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any significant change in processes, equipment, or regulations, and after any incident involving chloroprene exposure.

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Air Monitoring	Regularly, at least quarterly, and more frequently if exposure levels are close to the permissible exposure limit.	Industrial Hygienist	Conduct air monitoring to measure chloroprene concentrations in the workplace and ensure that they are below OSHA permissible exposure limits.
Visual Inspections	Weekly	Supervisors	Conduct visual inspections of storage tanks, piping, and equipment for leaks or damage.
Review of Incident Reports	After each incident	Safety Manager	Review incident reports to identify any trends or patterns that may indicate a need for improved controls.

9. Special Circumstances

• Work during hot weather may increase chloroprene vapor concentrations, requiring additional ventilation or cooling measures.
• Night work may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of spills or accidents. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work increases the risk of delayed response in case of an emergency. Implement a buddy system or regular check-in procedures.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any significant change in processes, equipment, or regulations, and after any incident involving chloroprene exposure. or when significant changes occur.

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