e7.2 - Hazard identification techniques Flashcards
Hazard identification techniques
Observation
Task analysis
Checklists
Failure tracing methods
Observation
Observers should look for -
Actual and potential hazards
Less obvious ‘invisible’ hazards, such as radiation and noise
Behavioural aspects which may increase exposure to hazards
Task analysis
Technique for investigating hazards within a task -
Break the job down into simple steps
List the steps in a logical sequence
Examine each step for potential hazards
Objective is to eliminate the hazards if possible
Task analysis - S.R.E.D.I.M.
Developing a safe system of working using task analysis
SELECT the task to be analysed
RECORD the steps in the task
EXAMINE the hazards within each step and evaluate the risks
DECIDE on control measures and develop a safe system of work
IMPLEMENT safe system of work
MAINTAIN/MONITOR the safe system of work
Advantages of checklists
Can be used by non system experts
Ensure a common approach between assessors
Easy to adapt and customise for different work activities/areas
Provide a record that can be referred to later
Disadvantages of checklists
Assessor may disregard hazards not included on checklist
Can become outdated if not reviewed regularly
Do not always provide for comments or reasons for issues observed
Can lead to a ‘tick box’ mentality without assessors critically examining work
HAZOPs
Hazard and Operability Studies.
HAZOPs are used at the design stage of the process safety industry, for example the construction of a chemical plant.
The aim of HAZOPs is to identify deviations of plant from normal operation using ‘guide’ words such as ‘no’, ‘more’ and ‘reverse’ to properties of the process such as temperature, flow and pressure.
A qualitative technique to help predict potential causes of failure
Failure Tracing Techniques
FTA
ETA
FTA
Fault Tree Analysis -
A logic based assessment process used to identify and analyse events
which can lead or contribute to accidents.
Describes sequences of events by working backwards from a top event
(undesired occurrence) looking for causes which allow the initiating event
to occur.
Concerned with events that cause the accident to occur
ETA
Event Tree Analysis-
ETA begins with an initiating event and develops the resulting sequences
of events that describe potential accidents, taking into account the success
or failures of safety functions as the accident sequence progresses.
Concerned with the events that follow on from the accident and the
consequences from it.
Importance of employee input
Employees who carry out the tasks provide valuable insight and recognised
as being very beneficial to the hazard identification / risk assessment process.
They can provide useful information on -
How work is done in practice rather than how it should be done in theory
Any near miss events that have occurred and possible reasons as to why
The effectiveness of existing risk control systems
The effects on risks where potential changes are introduced such as new
equipment
