Workplace Hazard Identification

Hazard: A dangerous condition , either potential or inherent, which can interfere with the expected, orderly progress of a given activity.

Risk: A measured or calculated chance of exposure to hazard(s) which may or may not result in loss.

Both the hazard and risk should be managed.

Where to look for hazards: Machines, lifting equipment, facility design, confined spaces, fire considerations, biological, ergonomic, energy, chemical, pressure vessels, electrical.

 Workplace Hazard Reduction Measures: Design feature, safety device or feature, warning device, procedure and training. It may take some serious thinking before the best approach is determined.

You must assess the risk of hazard exposure and determine the pratical methods to best eliminate or reduce that risk to the lowest possible or acceptable levels.

System Safety Criteria:

Hazard severity (“qualitative” assessment):
– A categorical description of hazard level
– Based on real/perceived potential for causing harm/damage

Hazard probability (“quantitative” assessment):
– The calculated likelihood that a condition(s) will exist

What do you do if a risk is unacceptable ?

1. Design feature
2. Safety device
3. Warning devices
4. Procedures and training

When specifying emergency shower and eye wash equipment you should refer to the American National Standard ANSI Z358.1 2009 "Emergency Eye Wash and Shower Equipment".

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