Rank: Forum user 
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Hi All,
I have been asked if we can put our current risk assessment template into electronic format. The idea is to utilise an excel spreadsheet with drop down boxes for hazards and the same with risk. I am not convinced that this is the way to go. I am aware that there are apps such as risk Assessor pro out there also.
Just after the pros and cons of using either system. All input is appreciated
Thanks in advance
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Matelot, I can understand why some people would want to develop such a template, it provides some uniformity when defining hazards and risks, it can operate as an aide memoire when completing a risk assessment. But in my opinion and in my experience, the list of hazards and risks would be enormous and probably too unwieldy to work effectively. In order for it to work effectively there would need to be an "Other - Please state" option for both risk and hazard, therefore pretty much losing any advantage of the template in the first place Also, it might be worth reminding the powers that be that H&S is not, and never should be, a tick-box exercise Good Luck
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 2 users thanked Citizengas for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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When it comes to risk assessment for chemical exposure I would question the possibility of a ‘template’ for this, particularly when assessing the effect of skin contact with the chemical. Firstly, consider that the current ACoP for COSHH includes the following statement: 'Employers should regard a substance as hazardous to health if it is hazardous in the form in which it may occur in the work activity.' (i.e. not what is on the safety data sheet) When we use a chemical in a certain task it is almost inevitable that we change it (contamination, mixing, reacting, etc.) and this usually changes the hazard. Unless the risk assessment is based on the real hazard present during the task will you end up with a valid risk assessment? Identifying the real hazard is often the most difficult and time-consuming element in a risk assessment for chemical exposure.
Secondly we may be faced with a combination of inhalation, ingestion and skin contact, and it can often be a combination of these that is the potential cause of the health effect. Also remember that unlike with an accident, the development of the skin condition is often chronic, i.e. the effect is only apparent after a considerable time. How will you incorporate all of this into a template?
Chris
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1 user thanked chris.packham for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Citizen
I think you and I are on the same wavelength but always consider trying these things I am a glass half-full sort of guy
Originally Posted by: Citizengas 
Hi Matelot, I can understand why some people would want to develop such a template, it provides some uniformity when defining hazards and risks, it can operate as an aide memoire when completing a risk assessment. But in my opinion and in my experience, the list of hazards and risks would be enormous and probably too unwieldy to work effectively. In order for it to work effectively there would need to be an "Other - Please state" option for both risk and hazard, therefore pretty much losing any advantage of the template in the first place Also, it might be worth reminding the powers that be that H&S is not, and never should be, a tick-box exercise Good Luck
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Chris,
Thanks definetly all good points to consider further on down the line. I had not even though that far ahead yet
Originally Posted by: chris.packham
When it comes to risk assessment for chemical exposure I would question the possibility of a ‘template’ for this, particularly when assessing the effect of skin contact with the chemical. Firstly, consider that the current ACoP for COSHH includes the following statement: 'Employers should regard a substance as hazardous to health if it is hazardous in the form in which it may occur in the work activity.' (i.e. not what is on the safety data sheet) When we use a chemical in a certain task it is almost inevitable that we change it (contamination, mixing, reacting, etc.) and this usually changes the hazard. Unless the risk assessment is based on the real hazard present during the task will you end up with a valid risk assessment? Identifying the real hazard is often the most difficult and time-consuming element in a risk assessment for chemical exposure.
Secondly we may be faced with a combination of inhalation, ingestion and skin contact, and it can often be a combination of these that is the potential cause of the health effect. Also remember that unlike with an accident, the development of the skin condition is often chronic, i.e. the effect is only apparent after a considerable time. How will you incorporate all of this into a template?
Chris
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Rank: Forum user 
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You can, but it takes a while to set up and will test your Excel Skills. You can set up formulas, look ups and even get the document to insert a hazard symbol depending on what you pick from a drop down box. You can also allow for free text. Another option is using Microsoft PowerApps.
If you can write it on paper you can put it into Excel. I have devloped ones for carrying out Risk Assessments and its works quite well, yes there is the risk that people completing the risk assessment will not think outside of the options, but to be fair you could say this about any risk assessment.
We talk about moving towards a paperless society and anything that will make someones life and save them time the more likely they are to do it.
Don't be afraid to look at using technology to make things better. The next generation coming up will all be electronic based so why not start now.
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1 user thanked MrBrightside for this useful post.
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Rank: Forum user
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Originally Posted by: MrBrightside You can, but it takes a while to set up and will test your Excel Skills. You can set up formulas, look ups and even get the document to insert a hazard symbol depending on what you pick from a drop down box. You can also allow for free text. Another option is using Microsoft PowerApps.
If you can write it on paper you can put it into Excel. I have devloped ones for carrying out Risk Assessments and its works quite well, yes there is the risk that people completing the risk assessment will not think outside of the options, but to be fair you could say this about any risk assessment.
We talk about moving towards a paperless society and anything that will make someones life and save them time the more likely they are to do it.
Don't be afraid to look at using technology to make things better. The next generation coming up will all be electronic based so why not start now.
Hi Mr
Fortunately I have an excel guru so that always helps. Good to hear that you have experience of these things and it’s sounds like it works for you
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