Navigating Chemical Health Risk Assessment in Malaysia: Ensuring Workplace Safety

Case Study

Navigating Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA) in Malaysia

Ensuring Workplace Safety

In the occupational safety & health (OSH) sector, chemical safety stands as a paramount concern. Ensuring the well-being of employees who work with or are exposed to hazardous chemicals is not just a legal obligation but also an ethical responsibility. In Malaysia, this commitment is codified in the Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standard of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 (USECHH Regulation 2000). A critical aspect of chemical safety under these regulations is the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA). In this article, we’ll explore the significance of CHRA in Malaysia and how it ensures workplace safety.

Understanding Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA)

CHRA is a mandatory requirement in Malaysia under the USECHH Regulation 2000. It is an essential process designed to evaluate and manage the risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The objective of CHRA is to assess the potential health risks posed by hazardous chemicals and implement control measures to mitigate these risks effectively.

All CHRA must be done by a DOSH Registered CHRA Assessor Competent Person.

Key Components of CHRA in Malaysia

Identification of Hazardous Chemicals. The first step involves identifying and classifying chemicals used in the workplace as hazardous or non-hazardous based on the USECHH Regulation criteria. Typically a Chemical Register is developed.
Exposure Assessment. CHRA qualitatively assesses the extent of employee exposure to hazardous chemicals, via 3 common routes of entry (Dermal, Inhalation & Ingestion).
Health Hazard Assessment. The health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals, including the potential for acute or chronic health issues.
Control Measures. CHRA recommends control measures to prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. These measures can include elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

CHRA serves several critical purposes in Malaysia:

Legal Compliance – Compliance with OSH(USECHH) Regulation 2000 is mandatory. CHRA ensures that organisations adhere to legal requirements, protecting both employees and the organization from legal consequences.
Healthier Workplace – CHRA identifies potential health hazards and provides measures to control them. This significantly contributes to a healthier working environment and reduces the risk of chemical-related health effects.
Employee Health – By assessing chemical risks and implementing control measures, CHRA safeguards the health and well-being of employees, minimizing the risk of chemical exposure-related illnesses.
Environmental Protection – CHRA also considers the environmental impact of hazardous chemicals, helping organizations manage chemical waste and spills responsibly.

Expert Guidance for CHRA in Malaysia

Navigating the complexities of CHRA under the OSH (USECHH) Regulation 2000 requires expertise in OSH and chemical safety. At MESH, our all our DOSH Registered Chemical Health Risk Assessors and Consultants can provide comprehensive CHRA and chemical management advisory services. We help organisations:

Identify and develop a chemical register.
Assess chemical exposure and health hazards through the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA)
Develop and implement effective control measures.
Ensure ongoing compliance and periodic review.