Aggregate tests risk assessment

Some safe working conditions.

Hazards and some risks can be overcome or reduced to certain level if careful observation in
taken in the laboratory or embarking on the aggregate tests. Most hazards and risks are as a result
of careless practices and unforeseen hazards. In order to work or carry out laboratory test on
aggregates, some of these tips should be noted;
Before lab work, get to know hazards of materials & agents and their prescribed safety
procedures.
Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, boots, and goggles
or filter respirators. Avoid dusty areas and wet down work areas, as appropriate, to
reduce or eliminate dust
Safe work practices and methods for all laboratory/work activities, procedures and
equipment as well as how to recognize and respond to potential workplace hazards
should be noted.
Personal safety notion and precaution should be well observed because an individual is
the best safety officer to himself in the laboratory. That is avoid what may cause risks.
Careful check should be made of all tools / equipment, samples prior to testing.
Avoid exposure and contact to any chemical or fume and the opening of the oven.
All electrical sources should be checked and never handle hot pans, and tray with mere
hands.

Risk assessment and control measures

Activities / Task

Hazard

Likely Risk

Handling and lifting

Injuries

Back injuries, cut as a

of aggregates

Chance of
Occurrence
High

result of fall,

Control Measures
Avoid lifting of heavy loads.
Appropriate lifting tools
should be used or find assist

Medium

in lifting heavier loads.

Keep some distance when

Putting samples in

Heat and

Burns, skin damage,

drying oven

Electrical shock

electrocution,

opening the drying oven.

inhalation of fumes.

Keep face far while

opening, use appropriate
gloves to handle pans and
Medium

trays.
Keep some distance while

Mechanical mixing

Dust, fumes and

Inhalation of dust and

of aggregates

revolving parts.

fume from aggregates

using the mechanical mixer.

causing respiratory

Avoid revolving parts and

diseases. Entanglement

use appropriate respiratory

protection equipment.
Care must be taking while

Use of chemicals in

Contact with

with moving parts.

Causes burn, damage

soundness test or

body

of skin, inhalation of

handling chemicals. Never

fume.

handle chemicals with bare

immersion of

Medium

samples into

hands, avoid contact in any

chemicals

form or if there is contact,

wash with water
immediately. Appropriately
mask or tool should be used
to avoid inhaling.

Exposure to
aggregate materials
and mixing of
aggregates.

Inhalation,

Inhalation,

airborne Medium

Appropriate

protective

airborne particles, particles, fume and gas

equipment or mechanism

respiratory issues.

to

should be adopted to avoid

disease,

this inhalation of aggregate

that

may

respiratory

lead

nose congestions etc.

fumes, Contaminated air.

Avoid direct exposure.

Vibration and

Ear damage

revolving machines

Damage of ear drum or

Medium

Protect yourself from

hearing impairment as

hearing damage and loud

a result of high noise in

noises, wear ear plugs and

the laboratory.

ear muff.

Method Statement

Aggregates may contain bacteria and/or organisms, which can be harmful to one's health.
The wearing of dust masks and protective gloves when handling materials is advised.
Heat-resistant gloves are required for removing samples from the ovens.
The dust from sodium sulfate or barium chloride, in the crystalline or powder form, may

cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and bronchial tubes.

Avoid repeated or prolonged contact with skin may also cause irritation. Eye or skin
contact by these salt solutions may also cause irritation.
Use of dust masks, protective eyewear and protective gloves are recommended when
mixing solutions.
Protective eyewear and gloves are advised when handling solutions. First aid for any eye
contact involves flushing the eyes, including under the eyelids, with running water for 15
min and seeking medical attention.
For skin contact, flush affected area with water, wash with soap and water, and seek
medical attention if irritation exists. Barium chloride is a poison. If ingested, induce
vomiting, if person is conscious medical attention.
Prior to handling, testing or disposing of any materials, testers are required to read safety

measures and likely risks.