CHARM – Chemical Hazard Risk Management System
The CHARM system was developed to facilitate the creation and management of risk assessments where hazardous substances are used. The aim was to reduce the administrative burden associated with completing risk assessments while ensuring that assessments still comply with legislative requirements and provide protection for employees. The system set-up in St Andrews also utilises the local hazard rating system, overseen by the Chemical Safety Advisor, ensuring a uniform standard throughout the University.
The main requirements were to:
- create a system that allows users to create chemical hazard risk assessments in as intuitive way as possible. The provision of appropriate pre-defined options allows users to minimise the time required for this important but normally time-consuming process
- provide links to appropriate guidance throughout the assessment form
- provide access to appropriate risk assessments to supervisors, local safety co-ordinators, EHSS and other staff who may be affected by the work being assessed
- allow the University Chemical Safety Advisor to review any previously un-used substance prior to use
- allow users to search for chemicals and check out the local hazard ratings prior to use
- create an appropriate work flow dependent on the level of hazard and allow electronic ‘signing’ of the assessments.
CHARM utilises a custom-built data schema that allows for the extension of the system to handle most hazardous substance data. In addition the system can be customised to provide a user definable list of data entry options allowing for a more adaptable system for any risk assessment process changes that may occur in the future.
In the first six months of operation CHARM has been well received by risk assessors. Its use has reduced the number of hard-copy assessments in circulation and has given greater access to the assessments to the University unit (EHSS) monitoring health and safety. In response to requests from other institutions, work has now started on developing CHARM for use outwith St Andrews.
CHARM was developed following a thorough review of the COSHH risk assessment procedures by Business Improvements at the request of EHSS, and replaces the previous COSHH Risk Management system, developed and managed by Bernie Precious and Alan Aitken. Natalie Ridge acted as the project manager/facilitator with Kevin Thomson as the developer. Other key staff, Alan Aitken, Paul Szawlowski and Bernie Precious, provided help, advice and the data used in developing the system, with support from Jon Callan in IT Services.
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