hazardassessment

Hazard assessment is a systematic process used to identify and evaluate potential sources of harm in a given context and to estimate the likelihood and severity of adverse effects on people, property, and the environment. It is a core component of risk management and is applied across industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, energy, and transportation.

The process typically includes hazard identification, hazard analysis or characterization, exposure assessment, risk estimation, and risk evaluation. Teams collect information about processes, materials, equipment, and operational practices; they categorize hazards (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial) and assess how often and how severely exposure might occur.

Quantitative and qualitative methods may be used, including risk matrices, fault tree analysis, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), hazard and operability studies (HAZOP), and layer of protection analysis (LOPA). Outputs often include a documented risk register, recommended controls, and a determination of residual risk. The results inform decision making on engineering controls, administrative measures, personal protective equipment, and emergency planning, and they feed into regulatory compliance.

Regulatory and standards frameworks such as ISO 45001, ISO 31000, and industry-specific guidelines shape hazard assessment practices. The process is reviewable and iterative, with re-assessment triggered by process changes, incidents, or new information. Limitations include data uncertainty, subjective judgments, and the challenge of integrating multiple hazard domains.