Chemwatch Knowledgebase

The Chemwatch Control Banding risk assessment will place the chemical in the workplace and apply a detailed scenario for evaluating the chemical through the following risk assessment principles;

• Hazard Classification 
• Dangerous goods classification
• Hazard Rating (results from the Control Banding mapping)
• Volatility or Dustiness (derived by default through calculation/selection)
• Scale of Use 
• Frequency of Use

The Chemwatch model (ILO 5x5 matrix) is the default risk assessment matrix. There are five risk levels (bands), each mapped to a specific colour coding, control type and the risk assessment period, normally set to 5 years by default. 

Level	Risk	Colour	Icon Colour	Control
0	None	Grey		Not Applicable
1	Low	Blue		None Required
2	Moderate	Yellow		General Ventilation
3	High	Orange		Local Exhaust/Fume Hood
4	Very High	Red		Containment
4+	Extreme	Crimson		Seek Specialist Advice

The risk matrix determines the likelihood, frequency of exposure and the consequence severity of the hazard. This matrix summary for the likelihood and severity mapping can be access through the Systems Dashboard Risk Matrix widget.

The risk matrix displays the default Chemwatch calculations (based on the ILO 5x5 matrix) for solids and liquids as per the amount of substance, volatility, frequency likelihood and the risk levels for low, minor, moderate, major and critical.

However, the risk matrix can be customised and adjusted (recalculated) to reflect the user defined values based on the levels of risk assigned on the controls panel, defining the custom model drawn from the 5x5 matrix.

The Risk Matrix can be drawn from the "Systems Dashboard" module widget.  Note that this module s an administrative function and not all users may have access. If you do not have access to the Systems Dashboard module, consult with your Chemwatch system administrator within your business/organisation to discuss your preferences.