Hazard Triangle

Hazard triangle is a concept that comes under the - hazard theory. The hazard is transformed to mishap only
when the certain conditions are occured at a specific sequence, otherwise the hazard stage continues.

Hazard is comprised of the following three basic components:

1. Hazardous Element (HE): This is the basic hazardous resource creating the
impetus for the hazard, such as a hazardous energy source such as explosives
being used in the system.
2. Initiating Mechanism (IM): This is the trigger or initiator event(s) causing the
hazard to occur. The IM causes actualization or transformation of the hazard
from a dormant state to an active mishap state.
3. Target and Threat (T/T): This is the person or thing that is vulnerable to
injury and/or damage, and it describes the severity of the mishap event.
This is the mishap outcome and the expected consequential damage and loss.

Mishap only occurs when all sides of the triangle come together. If we can eliminate any one side of the
triangle ( HE , IM , T/T ) the mishap doesn't occur. For example : “Worker is electrocuted by touching
exposed contacts in an electrical panel containing high voltage.” Now this hazard is divided into the three
necessary hazard components.Hazard components are : Worker could be electrocuted - T/T, by touching &
exposed contacts in electrical pane - IM , containing high voltage - HE. Here in this particular example there
are 2 - IM and T/T is the outcome of the mishap and HE is the cause of the mishap occuring. The IM and
the HE are HCFs and define the mishap probability. In this example, If the high-voltage component can be
removed from the system, the hazard is eliminated. If the voltage can be reduced to a lower less harmful level,
then the mishap severity is reduced. If the worker doesn't touch or make an exposed contact to the electric
panel , IM can be removed and then mishap will not occur. In this way any side of the hazard triangle breaks
that eliminate the mishap.
This paper discusses a risk assessment tool using the concept of the Hazard Triangle and evaluates the risk in
each system. Risk assessment in an industry involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritising potential risks
to ensure the safety of employees, protect assets, and maintain operations.