OH&S
Hazard Identification,
and Risk Assessment
qc
quality concerns
Types of Hazards
Chemical Hazards: from liquids, solids, dusts, fumes, vapors
and gases, burns.
Physical Hazards: noise, vibration, poor lighting, radiation
and temperatures.
Biological Hazards: bacteria, viruses, infectious waste
Psychological Hazards: stress and strain
Improper Ergonomic Conditions: poorly designed
machinery, tools, equipment, workstation or work practices.
Mechanical, Electrical, Pressure Hazards, cuts,
Trips, falls, slips, collisions
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Mechanical Hazards
Associated with power driven machines
Sources
- Contact with moving parts (pulleys, gears,
rolls, punch, cutters, saw, chains, belt
drives, shafts, conveyors etc)
- Inappropriate installation of machines
- Flying metal chips
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Mechanical Hazards
Common Mechanical Injuries are:
Cutting and Tearing
Shearing
Crushing
Breaking
Straining and Spraining
Puncturing
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Electrical Hazards
- Contact with bare wire carrying current
- Electrical equipment that has not been properly
grounded
- Working with electrical equipment on damp floor
- Static electricity discharge
- Loose wiring, Insulation failure.
- Working on electrical equipment without ensuring
that power has been shutoff.
- Using metal ladders to work on electrical equipment
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Fall Hazards
- Include Slip, Trip and Fall
Causes
- Foreign object on walking surface
- Design flaw in walking surface/ uneven floor
- Slippery Surfaces
- Working at height
- Missing ladder/ planks/ railing
- Inclined surface
- Loose wiring, cables, pipe line on floor/
walking surface
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Impact, Acceleration Hazards
Sources
- Falling objects from height
- Movement of vehicles (tank lorry, forklift,
crane, car etc.)
- Moving parts of machines
- Doors
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Storage / housekeeping
Hazards
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomics is the study of work in relation
to the environment in which it is performed
(the workplace) and those who perform it
(workers).
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Ergonomic Hazards
Sources
Repetitive motion
Inappropriate Posture
Improper lifting, handling/ Pushing
Repeated use over time of vibrating tools and
equipment
Applying force in an awkward position
Applying excessive pressure on parts of the hand,
back, wrists or joints
Working with a bent back
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Ergonomic Hazards
Sources
Lifting or Pushing heavy loads
Poor Lighting, glare
Poor ventilation
Poor temperature control
Poor humidity control
Dust in the environment
Noise
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Pressure Hazards
Pressure Vessels (Boilers, compressors etc)
Absence/ Failure/ Blockade of safety device
Incorrect Design of Vessels/ Piping
Exothermic Reactions in close vessels (incompatible
chemicals e.g; Methyl Isocynate +H 2O)
Inadequate installation/ support of pressure vessels
Corrosion/ pitting
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Hazards
(Flammable, Toxic, Explosive, Corrosive)
Use, handling of chemicals and gases
Dip Tanks
Spark Generations
Internal Combustion Engines , Burners
Storage of fuels
Gas Welding
Lack of ventilation in rooms containing toxic
substances
Working in Confined Spaces
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Physical Hazards
Flammable solids or liquids
Combustible liquids
Explosives
Organic Peroxides
Oxidizers
Pyrophoric materials (may ignite spontaneously in
air at temperature of 130oF or below)
Unstable materials
Water-reactive materials
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Health Hazards
Carcinogens –cancer causing agents such as
formaldehyde or benzene
Toxic agents – lawn and garden insecticides,
fungicides, and arsenic compounds.
Irritants – bleaches and ammonia.
Corrosives – battery acids and caustic soda.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Organ-specific agents which act
on specific organs or parts of the
body – asbestos which affects the
lungs, sulfuric acid which affects the
skin.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Chemical Inventory
To begin your facility assessment, inventory the chemicals
found in the following situations:
Raw Materials
Testing/ Laboratory
Maintenance
Janitorial supplies
Fuels
Paints & varnishes
Welding Fumes
Dusts/ Exhaust Fumes
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Exposure Hazards
Information Sources
- Product Labels
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Hazards Identification
Some conditions to look for during hazard identification that
could result in dangerous situation
- Chemicals stored or utilized near an ignition source.
- Tank or cylinder pressure above normal range.
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures in storage areas.
- Corroded pipe joints, fittings and valves
- Worn or cracked hoses.
- Fume hoods not available or used.
- Leaks and spills.
- Damaged or deteriorated containers.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Chemical Hazards Identification
- Open vessels left uncovered when not in use
- Odors that may indicate leaking chemicals (never open a
container to smell it)
- No Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available
- Employees not using appropriate PPEs
- No emergency eye wash/ shower facilities close to work
area.
- Incompatible chemicals stored together.
- No warning signs posted in areas where chemicals are used
or stored.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Biological Hazards
Biological Wastes (blood, fluids, cultures
etc)
Drug (antibiotics, marijuana)
Viruses, bacteria
Parasites, insects
Poisonous or diseased plants, animals
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Operation Theatre
Waste Anesthetic Gases
Bloodborne Pathogens
Latex Allergy
Compressed Gases
Static Postures
Laser Plume
Laser Hazards
Hazardous Chemicals
Slips/Trips/Falls
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Hospital Laboratory
Bloodborne Pathogens
Tuberculosis
OSHA Laboratory Standard
Formaldehyde Exposure
Toluene, Xylene, or Acryl Amide Exposure
Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries
Work Practices
Engineering Controls
Latex Allergy
Slips/Trips/Falls /Ergonomics
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Pharmacy
Hazard Communication Standard
Hazardous Drugs During Preparation
Handling Practices
Hazardous Drugs During Administration
Hazardous Drugs During Care Giving
Disposal of Hazardous Drugs
Hazardous Drugs During Storage
Latex Allergy
Ergonomics
Workplace Violence
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Nuclear Radiation Hazards
• Nuclear Reactions
• Radiography
• Nuclear Waste
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Controls
Controls are the precautions taken to
prevent or reduce the risk of a hazard
causing an accident with the potential
for loss
(e.g; “Defensive Driving Training / SOP /
Planned Inspections, machine guards)
ELIMINATE
The best control is to eliminate the
Hazard completely.
Any examples?
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Substitute
The next is to substitute the material
with that of lesser Severity / Hazard.
Any examples?
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Engineering Control
The next is to apply an Engineering
Control to contain the Hazard from
showing up.
Any examples?
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Administrative Control
The next is to apply an Administrative
Control to prevent the Hazard from
showing up.
Any examples?
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Engineering Controls
Eliminate/reduce hazards through:
Design
Enclosures
Barriers, railings,
Relief valves,
Sensors,
Detectors
Error proofing
Substitute oil paint with water based paint
Substitute manual loading with forklift
assisted loading
Administrative Controls
Eliminate or reduce exposure to hazards
through:
General work practices
Specific procedures
Works Schedules
Training
Notices,
Sign boards
Job rotation
Permit to work
Maintenance
Access control
Why are engineering controls considered
superior to administrative controls?
If you can get rid of the hazard,
you don't have to manage
exposure!
Personal Protective Equipment
The last in the hierarchy because
it doesn't reduce or control the
hazard.
Then what does it do?
What are OH&S Controls ?
--- Access control, alarms,
--- Safety signs, safety interlocks,
--- Worker training, rotation,
--- Redundancy,
--- Fail safe designs,
--- Error proofing,
--- Labeling, safe stacking,
--- Safety guards, covers,
What are OH&S Controls ?
--- Safe storage conditions,
--- Display of MSDS,
--- Permit to work,
--- Inspect / test / Maintain OHS
equipment.
--- Exhaust systems,
--- Medical examinations,
--- Work place environmental testing
--- Shut down systems
--- Fire detection and control,
The effective use of engineering
controls not only eliminates the
hazard, it also eliminates the need
to manage human behavior using
administrative controls to reduce
exposure.
No hazard...no exposure...
…no accident.
Risk Assessment
The risk assessment should
cover
• All activities
• Materials
• Workplace
• Equipment
• People
• Sources
• Situations
• Locations
5
Key steps of
Risk Assessment
Identify all Activities,
equipment,
locations
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Routine,
Non-Routine
&
Emergency
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Identify Hazards
associated with each
Activity
Equipment
Location
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Identify
who is affected
Employee,
Public,
Visitor,
Contractor
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Consider Age
Sex
Health
Expectant mothers
Also Consider
Contractors, other people sharing
premises. Visitors, customers,
emergency services. Members of
the public, neighbours,
trespassers.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Identify
what Controls are
already in place
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Calculate
Base Risk R1
Existing Risk R2
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Base Risk
Risk if there were no
existing controls.
If existing controls were
to be removed.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Existing Risk
Risk after effective
application of existing
controls
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Final Risk
Risk after application of
additional controls
(should be within tolerable limits)
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
If Existing Risk R2 is
intolerable,
consider what
additional controls need
to be applied
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Define Additional
Controls and Apply
additional Controls
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Calculate
Final Risk R3 after
additional controls have
been applied.
qc All Rights Reserved Rev: 04/Nov 2006
Risk Assessment
RISK = Probability/Likelihood x
Consequence/Severity
Risk Assessment
Probability
•Very Likely
•Probable
•Possible
•Remote
•Improbable
Many different rating systems
available. Auditors will need to
read and understand the logic that
the client has adopted
Risk Assessment
Severity
•Fatal/Death
•Major Injury
•Three Day Injury
•Minor Injury
•Accident/Incident with no
injury
Risk Assessment
Severity
•5 Fatal/Death
•4 Major Injury
•3 Three Day
•2 Minor Injury
•1 Incident with no injury
Many different rating systems available.
Auditors will need to read and
understand the logic that the client has
adopted
Risk Assessment
Once the probability and
severity have been
established we need to
calculate the RISK.
Risk = Probability x Severity
Risk Assessment
Using a grading system the
risk then needs to be
prioritised by level of risk.
Company policy decides the
risk level that it considers
‘Tolerable’.
Typical Hazard
identification and
Risk assessment
process methodology
Step 1
Divide the site into areas/ zones
Purpose
-Less chance to miss any activity/ equipment etc
-Ownership
Example: A textile factory is divided into 4
Zones
Zone 1 Zone 2
Weaving Sheds Yarn and Raw Mat. Store
Bleaching Area Dyeing Area
Finish Goods Store
Zone 3 Zone 4
Office Building Entrance Gate
Stitching Area Roads
Canteen Workshop
Boiler House Laboratory
Waste Storage
Step 2
Make an inventory of
Locations, Equipments,
Tasks, Materials, for
each Area / Zone.
Locations
A defined and distinct place within a
site.
e.g. roads, roofs, compressor rooms,
electrical substations, warehouse, packing
room, workshop
Example: Locations in Zone 1 of the
textile factory
1. Weaving Shed 1
2. Weaving Shed 2
3. Bleaching Wash Area
4. Steam Heat Room
5. Supervisor’s Office
6. Bleaching Lab
7. Weaving store
8. Pump Room
9. Worker Washrooms
10. Chemical Store
Equipment
Any machine, device, vessel, tool, vehicle
used for any:
Production/ Operation Purpose
Support Purpose
Example: Equipments in Zone 1 of the
textile factory
1. Looms (L1 to L30)
2. Warping Machine (w-1, w-3)
3. Bleaching Vessel (v-36)
4. Drain Vessel (x-45)
5. Steam Drum
6. Dryer (D-1, D-6)
7. Raw water pumps (P-7, P-11)
8. Portable mixer (m-1)
9. Air Compressor (C-7)
10. Steam piping (Bleaching area)
11. Mechanical Trolley
12. Hand Trolley
13. Pneumatic Wrench
14. Chain Block
15. Stitching Machine (S-57, S-58)
Common Task
Any task which is undertaken by many
people, often in various locations, and
where the hazards, risks, controls and
defences are always the same.
* Generally hazards of these tasks are assessed
once, unless location does not pose any
additional hazards/risks.
Specific Task
Any task where the hazards, risks, controls
and defences are specific to an individual task
because of the:
Nature of the task itself
Location
Equipment
*They are often complex tasks, potentially Dangerous, Difficult
or Dirty (3 D’s).
Example: Tasks in Zone 1 of the textile
factory
1. Weaving of Fabric
2. Cleaning of looms
3. Warping of yarn
4. Charging of cloth in Bleaching Vessel
5. Cleaning of bleaching vessel
6. Transfer of weaved cloth for bleaching
7. Maintenance of looms
8. Chemical Preparation for Bleaching
9. Storage of bleaching chemicals
10. Inspection of weaved Fabric
11. Cleaning of weaving shed
12. Cleaning of bleaching area
13. Quality Inspection of Weaved, Bleached Fabric
3
The Job Hazard Analysis
• Break a job or task into specific steps.
• Analyze each step for specific hazardous
conditions and unsafe practices.
• Develop preventive measures in each step to
eliminate or reduce the hazards.
• Integrate preventive measures into training
and standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
Example: Hazards of Task Internal cleaning of
chemical tank –top manhole entry
STEP HAZARD
1. Set up equipment - tripping hazard (hoses, cord,
equipment)
-- Electrical (cleaning
equipment)
2. Install Ladder in tank Ladder slipping
3. Place equipment at Fall from the top
tank entry position
4. Enter tank - Chemical hazard (exposure
to hazardous corrosive
atmosphere)
-- Fall from ladder
Example: Hazards of Task Internal cleaning of
chemical tank –top manhole entry
STEP HAZARD
5. Cleaning of tank - Chemical hazard (exposure to
hazardous corrosive
atmosphere)
- Noise (water jet)
-- Heat (hot water cleaning)
- Confined Space
6. Exit from tank - Fall from ladder
Likelihood
• Very High 5
• High 4
• Medium 3
• Low 2
• Very Low 1
Severity
• Very High 5
• High 4
• Medium 3
• Low 2
• Very Low 1
Example: Base Risk of Task Internal cleaning of
chemical tank –top manhole entry
1-5 are considered LOW RISK, 6-14 are considered MEDIUM RISK, 15-25 are
considered High RISK
Step Hazard Risk
L S R1
1. Set up equipment - tripping hazard (hoses,
cord, equipment) 3 3 9
-- Electrical (cleaning
equipment) 3 3 9
2. Install Ladder in tank Ladder slipping
3 2 6
3. Placement of equipment Fall from the top
at tank entry position 3 4 12
L= Likelihood S= Severity R1= Base Risk
