Abstract

University chemical laboratories, contrary to common perception, are dangerous working environments. Unlike industry, where most processes are standardized, in academia, they are modified so frequently that in-depth and detailed risk assessment becomes unfeasible. A major challenge in conducting a reliable evaluation is the absence of statistical data, as there is a lack of reporting and a high diversity of the processes. Strong human involvement in all activities requires consideration of human factors in the risk assessment. A semiquantitative method that combines both easily accessible quantitative information and encoded qualitative data is the way to overcome these challenges. This work proposes a novel approach of semi-detailed risk analysis. The main advantage of this method is its applicability to a fast-changing environment with a strong presence of human factors and absence of statistical information.

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