Procedures of Risk Assessment

1. Identification of hazards

Hazard Danger

Potential source for

accidents
No accidents happen Accidents can happen with
without the interaction with the interaction with human
human

We tend to pay attention only to the dangerous

situations, however, we need to focus on hazards
when implementing risk assessment. 10
Hazards vs. dangers (some examples)
Hazards Dangers
Height of higher than 1m Fall from height
Grease on the floor Fall down on the floor
A part of machinery that Fingers caught between
rotates rollers
A switchboard Electric shock
30Kg of materials Back pain

Risk Assessment is not a danger hunt, it is a scientific approach to

deal with hazards that have potential risks to cause accidents.

Examine and evaluate potential risks caused

by hazards along with all working processes
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 2. Estimation of risk 12

(1) Likelihood of being attacked by the tiger → Likely (3)

(2) Severity of being attacked → Major (3)
Estimation of risk: Level of risk is high

Risk
Risk Matrix
Danger
Severity Major Moderat Minor
3 e 1
Likelihood 2
Likely High 9 High 6
Medium
3 3
Possible High 6
Medium
Low 2 Likelihood
2 4 X
Severity
Unlikely Medium
Low 2 Low 1
1 3
 3. Consideration of Risk Control Measures
Priority 1: Elimination/Substitution of Hazards
 Discontinuation or change of
high risk tasks
 Change to low risk materials
 Change to safer processes,
etc.

If the tiger can be changed to a cat, the severity will be greatly reduced.

Priority 2: Engineering Control

Installation of
 Safety guards
 Interlocks
 Local exhaust ventilation
(LEV) systems, etc.

If the tiger is put in a cage, the likelihood becomes negligible.

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Priority 3: Administrative Control 14
 Development of operating
manuals
 Putting a “no entry” sign
 Exposure control
 Education and training, etc.

If the tiger is kept on a chain, the likelihood becomes so small.

However, it is dangerous if a person approaches the tiger.

Priority 4: Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

 Only if measures of (1) to (3)

cannot be taken
 Limited to the risks that cannot
be removed or reduced

Wear PPE to minimize the severity in case the tiger attacks.

 Effectiveness of risk control
measures
SAFEPLACE HAZARD SOURCE

Takes time
Effective

Costly
SAFE PERSON PERSON

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