Hazards, risks and precautions

Question 1

Define a hazard.

Answer 1

A hazard is something that could cause:
-damage or harm to someone or something
-adverse health effects, which may occur immediately or later on.
(For example, ethanol is flammable, this is a hazard. If it ignited it could burns or a fire.)

Question 2

Define a risk.

Answer 2

A risk is the chance that someone or something will be harmed if exposed to a hazard. The amount of risk depends on factors such as:
-how much someone is exposed to a hazard
-the way in which exposure happens
-how serious the effects of exposure are.
The risk from heating ethanol using a hot water bath is less than when using a Bunsen burner.)

Question 3

Define a precaution

Answer 3

Something that you can do to reduce the risk of harm from a hazard:

• using a less hazardous substance
• using protective clothing like gloves and eye protection
• using a different method or apparatus.

Question 4

What are hazard symbols intended to do?

Answer 4

• warn about the dangers associated with the substance in the container
• let people know about the precautions to take when they use the substance