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 the handling, use, and storage of chloroprene within the facility. It includes potential exposure pathways such as inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. The assessment excludes risks associated with chloroprene production, which are covered in a separate risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings based on likelihood and severity. Control measures are identified following the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Initial and residual risks are evaluated to ensure control measure effectiveness.

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 handling chloroprene, maintenance personnel, and visitors in affected areas

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement a closed-loop system to eliminate vapor release.
• Substitute chloroprene with a less hazardous material if feasible.
• Install and maintain local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems.
• Implement a respiratory protection program with supplied-air respirators.
• Conduct air monitoring to ensure exposure levels are below permissible limits.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

2. Skin contact with liquid chloroprene

Potential Consequences: Skin irritation, dermatitis, and absorption leading to systemic toxicity

Affected Persons: Workers handling chloroprene, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., neoprene or butyl rubber).
• Ensure workers wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or chemical-resistant suits.
• Provide readily accessible eyewash stations and safety showers.
• Implement strict hygiene practices, including regular hand washing.
• Train workers on proper handling and spill cleanup procedures.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

3. Flammability of chloroprene vapors

Potential Consequences: Fire, explosion, burns, and potential fatalities

Affected Persons: All personnel within the facility

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Store chloroprene in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets.
• Ensure proper grounding and bonding of equipment to prevent static discharge.
• Implement a hot work permit system for any activities involving ignition sources.
• Install and maintain fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers, CO2 extinguishers).
• Develop and implement an emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

4. Accidental release or spill of chloroprene

Potential Consequences: Environmental contamination, fire hazard, exposure to workers and the public

Affected Persons: Workers, public, and environment

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Develop and implement a spill prevention and control plan (SPCC).
• Store chloroprene in containers with secondary containment.
• Provide spill kits in strategic locations.
• Train workers on spill response procedures.
• Establish procedures for reporting and cleaning up spills in accordance with environmental regulations.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

5. Exposure to chloroprene during maintenance activities

Potential Consequences: Inhalation, skin contact, and potential for acute or chronic health effects

Affected Persons: Maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure for equipment maintenance.
• Require the use of appropriate PPE, including respirators and chemical-resistant clothing.
• Ensure adequate ventilation during maintenance activities.
• Conduct air monitoring to assess exposure levels.
• Provide specific training on chloroprene hazards and safe work practices for maintenance personnel.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a comprehensive hazard communication program.

Ensure all chloroprene containers are properly labeled with hazard warnings. Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to all workers. Conduct regular training on chloroprene hazards and safe handling procedures.

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

Install and maintain local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems to capture chloroprene vapors at the source. Conduct regular inspections to ensure ventilation systems are functioning effectively.

• Provide and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Ensure workers wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection when handling chloroprene. Conduct regular inspections of PPE to ensure it is in good condition. Provide training on proper PPE use, maintenance, and disposal.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a chloroprene leak or spill, immediately evacuate the area and notify emergency response personnel.
• For skin contact, immediately flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• In case of inhalation, move the affected person to fresh air and administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek immediate medical attention.

7. Training Requirements

• Chloroprene Hazard Awareness Training: All employees working with or potentially exposed to chloroprene must receive comprehensive training on its hazards, including health effects, flammability, and reactivity. Training must cover proper handling procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response procedures.
• Respiratory Protection Training: Employees required to wear respirators must be trained and fit-tested in accordance with OSHA standards. Training must include proper respirator selection, use, maintenance, and storage.
• Spill Response Training: Workers involved in spill cleanup must receive specialized training on spill containment, cleanup procedures, and proper disposal of contaminated materials.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any significant changes in processes or incidents involving chloroprene

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Air Monitoring	Quarterly	Industrial Hygienist	Conduct air monitoring in areas where chloroprene is handled or stored to ensure exposure levels are below permissible exposure limits (PELs).
PPE Inspection	Monthly	Safety Officer	Regularly inspect PPE to ensure it is in good condition and properly used.
Ventilation System Inspection	Annually	Engineering Department	Conduct annual inspections of ventilation systems to ensure they are functioning effectively.

9. Special Circumstances

• Increased risk during hot weather due to higher vapor pressure of chloroprene.
• Night work may increase risk due to reduced visibility and potential for fatigue.

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 changes in processes or incidents involving chloroprene or when significant changes occur.

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