Risk Management in Laboratory Quality Control of Pesticides

Abstract

Risk assessment is the scientific process of estimating how much damage, a specific hazard can cause to human health. The preparation of an environmental risk map creates an overview, showing the way how risks are felt and seen by the workers. Through risk quantification tools, the management is used to make decisions to improve the environment achieving a better environment. The objective of this study was to identify and prepare a map of environmental risk of a laboratory unit for analytical chemistry which performs tests for pesticides quality control, to manage the risks of occupational accidents. The methodology for risk identification method used was the checklist used in 14 areas encompassing the laboratory unit. The results of the evaluation of occupational risk related to facilities and equipments of the laboratory unit were grouped into the categories of physical, chemical, ergonomic and accidental risk and then developed the risk map based on the contribution of the employees of the unit.