HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL (HIRARC)

Introduction

HIRARC consists of three activities :-

                           - Hazard Identification

                           - Risk Assesment

                           - Risk Control

It a systematic measurable to accessing hazard and their associated risk as well as provide a method to control the risk.

• Hazard = a danger or risk/a potential source of danger.
• Risk = a situation involving exposure to danger.
• Danger =the possibility of suffering harm or injury. 

HAZARDS

A common way to classify hazards is by category:

1.  biological - bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans, etc.,
2. chemical - depends on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the chemical,
3. ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation, etc.,
4. physical - radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum),                      noise, etc.,
5. psychosocial - stress, violence, etc.,
6. safety - slipping/tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment   malfunctions or breakdowns.

Risk Assesment

Risk assessment is the process where you:

 Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification).

Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation).

Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control).

The OSH Answers document on Risk Assessment has details on how to conduct an assessment and establish priorities.

Risk Control

Human behavior is often the focus of safety investigations. Managers and others are primarily interested in how to get people to do the right thing at the right time. Attention is generally given to risky actions taken by people.

Human Behavior: The Main Cause of Risk?

Human behavior is often the focus of an incident investigation. What did someone do (or not do) that contributed to the outcome of the event? Many solution recommendations attempt to control human behavior in one manner or another. Recommendations such as writing better procedures, sending people to additional training, and implementing best work practices abound

Hierarchy of control

The Hierarchy breaks down as follows, with the most effective measures at the top of the pyramid and the least effective at the bottom.

1. Elimination/substitution. At the very top is the best way to deal with a safety hazard, which is to eliminate it altogether by preventing exposure to the hazard before it even occurs.  In substitution, you seek to permanently reduce the risk by substitute a less hazardous material or reduction of system energy. These are process design solutions that require a permanent change to how a job is performed.
2. Engineering controls. Change the structure of the work area to reduce exposure using safety devices or barriers.  An example would be to place a high fence around a dangerous location to prevent access.
3. Administrative & work practice controls. Implement procedures that require workers to do things to reduce their exposure to a risk.  A lockout/tagout program is an example of an administrative control.  Set expectations that workers will engage in safe work practices. Another example is the use of warning signs, sirens and alarms.
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure employees wear the proper protective clothing, gloves and eyeglasses for the job.  Examples are safety goggles, respirators, fall protection and hearing protection.

Class of DAT1B