Workplace Activity Safety Protection Sheets (WASPS)

About WASP Hazard Sheets

WASP sheets provide a single page, highly visual presentations of the degree of harm which hazardous chemicals can cause, the risk of fire or explosion, and the degree of risk to the environment. These are accompanied

by indications of precautions to be taken and of basic first aid. The simple visual message given by the sheets makes them ideal for conveying important information to those who handle hazardous chemicals but are unable to interpret complex safety data sheets. 

Typical (A4) WASP Sheet Produced by WASPS

An example of a WASP sheet is shown above. The name of the chemical/material to which the WASP sheet refers is shown at the top of the sheet. Also shown at the top of the sheet, to aid recognition by those using the material, are descriptions of its physical state (solid, viscous liquid etc.), colour and smell. Below this are shown any of the standard CHIP classification symbols (Flammable, Toxic etc.) and to the right of these a symbol may be shown, depending on the material, indicating that water should not be used in the case of spillages or fire.

Rating Bars

The central part of the sheet contains a graphical representation of the degree of harm to health which could 

arise from exposure to the material in any of six ways, in contact with the eyes, by inhalation (through nose), by ingestion (by mouth), by absorption through the skin, by skin burns and through allergic reaction. The degree of harm/risk increases from left to right on a scale of 1 to 5 (or other categorisation chosen by the user). 

Note that a rating of 1 indicates low but not necessarily zero harm/risk. Each rating is shown in a different colour which can be selected by the user. The annotation form 1 through 5 can also be changed, for example from A to F or 0 to 4.

To the right of each rating bar is a simple pictorial indication of basic first aid applicable to that route of exposure

Examples of two (of six) bars showing the routes of entry.

Two further rating bars are shown in the lower part of the sheet, one indicating the risk of fire or explosion and the other the degree of risk to the environment. 

Other symbols may also be shown on the sheet, depending on the material, indicating that no smoking or naked lights should be allowed, and that because of environmental or other considerations the material should not be allowed to enter drains.

COSHH Section

In the center of the sheet will be a general statement concerning the use of control measures and PPE when using the material (see below) However if a particular process has been specified on the sheet in which the material is used, reminders of specific control measures or precautions may be shown together with symbols indicating what, if any, PPE should be used.

The COSHH Section can be enabled to show reminders of COSHH Controls and PPE

Library of Pre-Prepared WASP Sheets

Some versions of the WASPS software include a library of pre-prepared WASPS sheets for many common chemicals. These sheets can be generated as they stand but to customise them (user reference, alternative product name, addition of process name, control measures and PPE symbols and possibly editing of risk ratings) they should be retrieved from the library, edited as required and saved in the users own library.

Languages

WASP sheets can be created with the majority of the text appearing on them shown in languages other than English. For a list of languages available see the WASPS Software help file.  Items of text which will not be translated are the Product Name and items which are likely to be specific to the user’s circumstances, i.e. the name of the process and associated control measures if the user has opted to include them on the sheet. 

Translations of control measures which might be of use will 

be made available on the ESL website after May and this will be added to from time to time. ESL may also be able to assist with other translations, including additional languages. Translations are not available for WASPS COSHH result sheets.

Gases

WASPS sheets may be generated for gases but for gases which are not classified as hazardous see Asphyxiant gases. The WASPS COSHH facility is not available for gases.

Asphyxiant Gases

A gas which is not classified under the regulations and carries no Risk Phrases may still pose a risk of asphyxiation if it is inhaled. A WASPS sheet which is prepared with no Risk Phrases selected will produce the minimum risk rating, normally 1, for all routes of exposure. In this situation it is recommended that the editing facility be used to set the rating for inhalation (through the nose) and possibly ‘by mouth’ as well to the ‘middle’ rating, normally 3. See Editing WASPS sheets.