Chemical risk assessment is a critical process in occupational health and safety management. With increasing regulatory requirements, companies must evaluate chemical hazards systematically and consistently. What the Chemical Risk Assessment Tools do is to simplify this process by offering structured frameworks, databases, and calculators for identifying, analyzing, and controlling chemical risks in workplaces.
In this blog post, we explore 10 top chemical risk assessment tools that help safety professionals and industries make informed decisions and comply with legal obligations.
Chemical Risk Assessment Tools
1. COSHH Essentials (UK HSE)
COSHH Essentials is a widely respected chemical risk assessment tool developed by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Designed under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, it provides a simple and structured method for assessing chemical risks.
This tool is particularly useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack dedicated health and safety personnel. COSHH Essentials helps identify the appropriate control measures for handling hazardous substances based on their health effects, physical properties, and method of use.
Users input details such as the chemical’s classification, volatility or dustiness, quantity used, and frequency of exposure. Based on this, the tool assigns a control approach from four levels, ranging from general ventilation to specialist advice.
COSHH Essentials is more than a risk calculator—it offers tailored control guidance sheets, sector-specific advice, and links to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Its user-friendly interface allows even non-experts to perform comprehensive assessments.
It is backed by the UK government and based on current scientific research. It’s also updated regularly to reflect changes in regulations and best practices, making it a highly reliable tool.
2. CHARM (Chemical Hazard Risk Management)
CHARM, short for Chemical Hazard Risk Management, is a practical tool developed in South Korea. It supports chemical risk management in both the public and private sector industries. This tool is used widely across Asia and has gained international recognition due to its systematic and robust methodology.
CHARM evaluates risk using both hazard and exposure data. The hazard is assessed using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) classifications, while exposure is calculated based on use scenarios, control measures, and duration.
The tool then assigns a risk level and offers guidance on necessary control actions, such as PPE upgrades, substitution of hazardous substances, or improvements in engineering controls.
CHARM’s benefits include:
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Quantitative and qualitative evaluation
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Integration with GHS data
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Risk prioritization matrix
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Recommendations for substitution and process modification
Its strong scientific foundation ensures high credibility, and the system is used by chemical regulatory authorities and industries with complex risk portfolios. For multilingual workplaces, CHARM also offers English-translated materials, which enhances its usability.
Read Also: What Is The Purpose Of A Risk Assessment
Given its origin from a national research body and regulatory alignment, CHARM is a reliable tool. It offers an efficient framework for companies aiming for compliance, particularly in jurisdictions that follow GHS classification and labeling.
3. Stoffenmanager
Stoffenmanager is a web-based chemical risk assessment tool developed in the Netherlands. It helps companies assess and control chemical risks, particularly airborne exposures to hazardous substances. Originally developed for Dutch SMEs, Stoffenmanager® is now internationally recognized and available in multiple languages.
It works on a tiered risk assessment model:
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Tier 1: Qualitative screening using simplified data.
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Tier 2: Quantitative exposure assessments based on more detailed input.
Users can enter the chemical product’s name, the process, exposure duration, ventilation type, and personal protective equipment (PPE) used. Based on this information, Stoffenmanager® calculates an exposure score and compares it against occupational exposure limits (OELs).
One of Stoffenmanager’s unique features is its integration with a chemical database, making it easier to retrieve hazard classifications. It also aligns with REACH regulations, which makes it suitable for EU-based companies.
Key strengths of Stoffenmanager® include:
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Free and premium versions
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Detailed documentation and training support
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Compatibility with REACH and GHS
Stoffenmanager’s development was based on scientific, peer-reviewed research. It is frequently cited in academic publications and regulatory guidelines, ensuring both trustworthiness and authoritativeness in chemical safety assessments.
4. RISKOFDERM
RISKOFDERM is a specialized tool designed to assess the dermal exposure risk from hazardous chemicals. It is particularly useful in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, where skin exposure is a major concern.
This tool uses a semi-quantitative approach based on structured observation, activity logs, and task analysis. It evaluates:
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Chemical properties
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Contact frequency and duration
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Skin condition
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Use of protective measures like gloves and aprons
RISKOFDERM generates an exposure score that is compared against standardized risk levels. Based on this, it offers risk management options, including:
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Engineering controls
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Improved hygiene practices
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Selection of appropriate PPE
What sets RISKOFDERM apart is its focus on real-world workplace conditions. It is supported by European research institutes and aligns with EU regulatory standards. Additionally, it provides a modular approach for different industry sectors and exposure types.
The tool emphasizes evidence-based decision-making. It’s also supported by scientific documentation, which adds to its expertise and reliability.
For professionals dealing with occupational skin exposure, RISKOFDERM is an essential, trustworthy tool in any chemical risk management toolkit.
5. Control Banding Toolkit by WHO
The Control Banding Toolkit, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a simplified chemical risk assessment tool intended for low-resource settings. It focuses on helping small industries and developing countries manage chemical risks effectively.
The tool uses a control banding approach—grouping chemicals based on hazard categories and matching them with control solutions. It requires minimal technical data and expertise, making it highly accessible.
Steps include:
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Identifying chemical hazards based on GHS classification
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Assessing exposure scenarios
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Selecting the appropriate control band
The output suggests control measures such as local exhaust ventilation, process containment, or substitution. It avoids the need for expensive exposure monitoring, making it cost-effective.
Read Also: How to Perform a Risk Assessment for Cleaning of LEV Fans
This tool is invaluable for small enterprises, especially in countries lacking regulatory enforcement or access to occupational hygienists. WHO’s endorsement ensures high trustworthiness, and its focus on equity in occupational health speaks to its ethical grounding.
Documentation is available in multiple languages, and it’s supported by training materials and workshops conducted globally.
6. Seirich (France)
Seirich (Système d’Évaluation et d’Information sur les Risques Chimiques) is a comprehensive chemical risk assessment software developed by the French Ministry of Labour. It is designed to help businesses comply with European chemical safety regulations and manage chemical inventories responsibly.
Seirich allows companies to:
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Assess hazards and risks
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Manage chemical inventories
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Identify legal obligations
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Generate safety reports
It categorizes chemicals based on risk levels and proposes customized prevention measures. One of Seirich’s standout features is its ability to generate risk exposure scenarios and chemical safety reports that comply with REACH and CLP regulations.
Seirich has three levels:
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Beginner
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Intermediate
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Expert
This makes it ideal for users with varying levels of expertise in chemical safety. The software is freely downloadable and regularly updated, aligning with both national and EU legislation.
7. Haz-Map
Haz-Map is a comprehensive occupational health database and decision-support tool maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It connects chemicals to occupational diseases and hazardous job tasks.
Haz-Map® is not a standalone risk calculator but a reference tool that supports chemical hazard recognition and job safety planning. It includes:
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Toxicity data
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Routes of exposure
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Associated diseases
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Occupational uses
Users can search by chemical name, occupation, or health effect. This makes it an excellent resource for industrial hygienists, safety consultants, and healthcare professionals.
While it does not perform quantitative risk assessments, Haz-Map® is highly authoritative and useful during the hazard identification phase of risk assessment. It complements tools like COSHH Essentials or Seirich.
Its reliability stems from being curated by experts and hosted by a respected federal institution.
8. Chemwatch
Chemwatch is a commercial chemical risk management software used worldwide. It offers an integrated suite of tools for:
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SDS management
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Chemical inventory tracking
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Risk assessment
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Regulatory compliance
Its Risk Assessment Module uses substance classifications, exposure data, and workplace control measures to generate risk scores. Chemwatch also automates the updating of SDS and compliance with local and international regulations, including OSHA, REACH, and WHMIS.
Key features:
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Cloud-based accessibility
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Mobile app support
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Global regulatory database
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Multi-language support
Because it offers advanced analytics, real-time alerts, and AI-driven suggestions, Chemwatch is popular in large organizations and industries with complex chemical inventories.
9. IHSTAT (AIHA)
IHSTAT is a statistical tool offered by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). It is used primarily by industrial hygienists to analyze exposure monitoring data and determine compliance with occupational exposure limits.
While not a full-fledged chemical risk assessment tool, IHSTAT supports the quantitative exposure assessment phase by:
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Calculating statistical parameters (GM, GSD)
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Comparing exposure levels with OELs
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Flagging overexposures
IHSTAT improves the objectivity and accuracy of chemical risk assessments by grounding decisions in data. It is especially useful when combined with qualitative tools like COSHH Essentials or CHARM.
AIHA’s scientific credibility and peer-reviewed methodologies make IHSTAT a highly trustworthy tool. It’s well-aligned with EEAT standards due to its evidence-based framework and professional acceptance.
10. GESTIS Substance Database
GESTIS is a free chemical information system maintained by the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA). While not a risk assessment tool per se, it is essential for hazard identification and preliminary chemical risk evaluations.
It provides:
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GHS classifications
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OELs for multiple countries
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Toxicological data
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Physical and chemical properties
GESTIS is updated frequently and includes nearly 9,000 substances. It is available in German and English and supports decision-making in hazard recognition, exposure control, and substitution analysis.
Conclusion
Chemical risk assessment tools play an indispensable role in modern workplace safety. Whether you’re a small business using COSHH Essentials or a multinational company employing Chemwatch, having the right tool can significantly reduce workplace hazards and ensure regulatory compliance.
Choosing a tool that aligns with your specific industry, regulatory framework, and workforce size is critical. Always prioritize tools backed by scientific evidence and government or academic institutions to ensure accuracy and reliability.
By leveraging these top 10 chemical risk assessment tools, organizations can protect workers, reduce liability, and uphold a culture of safety and compliance.