Validation CHEM-SAM model using SQRA method in exposure to toxic substances in a chemistry research lab

Abstract

Background and Aim: Chemicals are widely used in the workplace and educational life so written control procedures are necessary. In this regard it is important to identify chemical risks. In this study, we evaluated the risk of exposure to toxic substances in a chemistry research laboratory using CHEM-SAM model and a semiquantitative risk assessment method. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a chemistry research laboratory. The study included several stages: preparation of a chemicals list, separating solids and liquids, collecting data on exposure time, frequency of exposure, ventilation system performance, laboratory hoods review, risk assessment methods with CHEM-SAM model for toxic solids and liquids, solids and liquids risk assessment methods with SQRA, and comparison of the two risk assessment methods. Results: Risk assessment for toxic liquids showed the highest risk level for the CHEM-SAM model and a moderate risk level for the SQRA method. Solid risk assessment with SQRA and CHEM-SAM showed the risk level was low and very low, respectively. Results showed no significant differences between the two methods (pvalue>0.05). Conclusion: The SQRA method and CHEM-SAM model showed similar results. Both methods are simple and require no special equipment so can be used to assess the risk of exposure to toxic substances.