Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace 3.1: 3.1 Choose competent people to do the risk assessment and obtain external help where needed

Assessments rest on a thorough understanding of what happens or might happen, and should be done by people with a practical understanding of WHS laws, codes and guidance, an understanding of the work processes, and enough resources to gather information, consult, review records and examine the workplace. They should be able to interpret labels and SDS, observe conditions and foresee problems, communicate and consult with suppliers, managers, specialists and workers including contractors, draw information together to form valid conclusions on exposure and risk, and report findings accurately. A supervisor may suit simple assessments while complex cases need several skills, and workers and HSRs should be consulted. External professional help may be needed to design an air-monitoring strategy, collect and analyse samples, interpret results, and design, install and maintain controls such as ventilation and fire protection systems.