Another problem has surfaced in our user form. As shown, the default user form only has one name and designation to fill in, keeping things simple. However, as this form is on excel, adding names and designations would be highly impossible if the user so required.

This was a problem that even the functions on excel were unable to solve and as such, we had to rely on our proficiency on VBA macros programming. to achieve the following.

We made it such that when the user entered the number of names, the corresponding number of boxes would appear for the user to fill in.

Thus, when the user enters 3 names, 3 boxes would appear and if he enters 5, 5 boxes would appear.

However, we had to decide on a limit of numbers the user can input.

The code for the above is as so.

Complicated eh?

Prior to our previous meeting with our supervisor, we were informed that the labeling for the forms were too vague. We were also alerted to the fact that not many people have a firm grasp on how to conduct a proper ra and thus, will not be able to fill in the form appropriately. Therefore, we have attempted to alter the labels to phrase it into questions instead of just a normal label as well as color code it into shades that even someone who is colour blind can differentiate.

Also, we have also managed to make it such that when the user selects a choice, it will correspond to the matrix we have set in the background, providing the user with an automated risk level of whether the activity is low risk, medium risk, or high risk.

This is how the corresponding matrix looks in the background with the code at the top.

This week, we believed that we have truly truly began our fyp in earnest. After a few weeks of reading up and preparation, as well as experimenting with the various excel formulas, we have after long last, managed to integrate the basic RA form into excel albeit with some minor glitches regarding the space and labeling.

with that, and following the excel formulas we learnt a few weeks back, we could integrate the drop down list as well as the ra matrices into this basic sheet.

Now that the basic form is up, we can start refining it and removing the problems that people face when performing ra.

5
During the last meeting with our supervisor, we once again presented our findings for the past two weeks. Apparently, there is a glitch in our user form and it requires us to blank out the last review date so the rest of the form can still be filled out without it.

Subsequently, we also continued working on our VBA macros which involved complicated strings of codes meant to create a more versatile and creative excel document. In short, this allowed us to create forms that a normal excel spreadsheet is not capable of.

The above image shows a very typical function we were able to add via macros. It is a button which makes the entire RA seem more interactive and user friendly as compared to a normal excel whereby people tend to roam about and not complete the task.

4
Within the past 2 weeks, we have completed our critical report as well as a portion of our research on both RA and excel.
Thee  Report criticized was: Development of Excel-based System Interface for Biology (DCHE 0816)
We found this to be an insight on the progress and end result of our fyp in the next year as well as how we think a good report should be structured.
In addition we have conducted research on our microsoft excel via books we have found.
The step by step guide in the books have assisted us in acheiving great milestones in this project.

So far, we have made a good start in excel.
From applying what we have learnt so far, the main spreadsheet for risk assessment has been completed and we have attempted in applying excel formulas such as VLOOKUP and even creating a user friendly drop down list we can use.

3
This week, in order to visualize further our task at hand as well as to get a better understanding on how to do an RA. Furthermore, this enables us to comprehend and fathom the pain and troubles that a normal person doing an RA would face so we know what our user form has to encompass in order to reduce the problems faced when constructing an RA.

Firstly, we went to W316 to review the practicals there and observe the preventive measures in place. Subsequently, Ms Serene assisted us in the location of the respective files regarding the practicals so we could begin doing our sample RA form.
We realized that one of the many troubles of doing an RA is looking out for the possible risk in the first place. Considering every possibility and the probability of that event occurring became a huge frustration. In addition, some of the risks we identified had no preventive measures somewhat. Risks such as tripping and knocking hazards were a bother as even though we understood that there could be a high probability of it occurring, there was not much we could do to mitigate its effects. One could wear safety helmets and boots, but that would still be insufficient to protect every area of the body. An arm, the back or even the chest can be bruised and there does not seem to be any plausible way to circumvent that.

In the end, we somehow completed it with the approval (albeit with some add-ons and comments) of our supervisor. the screenshots are as follows:

FYP Meeting 2

The second meeting of our fyp consisted of showing our supervisor Mr Koh, what we have completed in the past week and also another short briefing on what we next had to do.

Apparently, there are mainly 3 types of RAs which we have to thoroughly understand; lab, plant, as well as office. We were advised to start on the office RA first as it was the smallest and simplest
and therefore the easiest to complete. It was to be a start to slowly expand into the other categories.

However, there was still one question on our mind: Why is RA so important for our course?
Risk assessment is actually a process in which hazards are identified, risks are evaluated, ways to control or mitigate risks are determined, identify who is at risk, and to determine if existing hazard controls are sufficient or more should be done.
It is essential for a chemical engineer as chemical engineering is a job or certain risks and proper risk assessment can prevent these accidents from occuring if properly planned at the design stage.

One of the ways to assess the risks is to use a matrix. The matrices more commonly used are 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5. We were to transcribe this format into our excel spreadsheet with the accompanying calculation mechanism.

                                                        An example of a 3x3 matrix

                                                                           5x5 matrix
Following that, we were to also complete our critic report.