Section 1.3     Address identified hazards prior to starting work using judgement within defined scope of responsibilities

Once hazards have been identified, you can then assess their significance. The level of significance will determine the priority assigned to its elimination or control. As we have seen, there are many types of hazards - physical, chemical and biological for example, and methods for assessing them will differ. A few general points need to be considered however, when assessing hazards.

Assessing hazards

More than one cause

There may well be a number of factors which contribute to the probability and degree of injury or illness for a particular hazard. For example, a chemical may be toxic if spilt and absorbed through the skin; and a worker may not have been trained in safe clean-up procedures.

Exposure

The significance of the risk of injury or illness may be affected by the level of a worker's exposure to a hazard. For example, the hazard posed by exposure to a solvent increases with the frequency and duration of exposure.

Severity

This concerns the extent of the injury or degree of harm which might be caused by a hazard. A severe effect may even include death, permanent disability or an illness such as cancer or hepatitis. Some examples are electrical hazards and machinery; chemicals such as acids, and dust particles such as asbestos.

Human differences

Hazards need to be assessed in terms of the individual or groups of employees who are exposed to them. Their skills, experience, training and physical capabilities must be taken into account. The risk from manual handling hazards can be increased by physical capabilities and experience in dealing with the hazard.

Some examples that you’ll find when assessing hazards include:

• allergies: some workers experience allergic reactions when exposed to certain chemicals or airborne particles, or latex gloves
• plant controls: fixed plant controls might not be manipulated in a totally safe manner by all employees because of the difference of size and strength between individuals.
• performance standards: a changing workforce can significantly affect such factors as experience, age and size of workers and these need to be taken into account in setting or modifying performance standards.

The assessment of hazards can be a complex task and can involve expert technical analysis such as air analysis, exposure level readings. In many cases it may require the involvement of consultants to undertake such assessments.

Analysing the likelihood and consequences of risk

This step is about analysing the likelihood and consequences of each risk identified in order to establish the level of risk. The level of risk is determined by the relationship between the likelihood (frequency or probability) and the consequences (impact or magnitude of the effect) if the risk occurs.

This can be best explained using the Hazard Rating Chart

Probability refers to the likelihood of an event occurring and severity refers to the level of damage or injury that might arise as result of an occurrence. The calculation of this risk could be referred to as the measurement of that risk. The level of risk should by analysed in relation to any existing controls. Severity is measuring the consequences of being exposed to a hazard. As a risk assessor you are asking whether the hazard is so severe that it could kill or cause serious injury (S), could require days off work (D) or first aid without loss of days (F). Likelihood is assessing how likely it is that a hazard will harm someone. This likelihood will range from very likely (VL) to very unlikely (VU) depending on the form of the hazard.

In considering risks associated with hazards you are endeavouring to work out the severity of possible harm and its likelihood of happening. Adding the assessment of severity and likelihood together it produces a profile of the work hazard/situation that can then be use to recommend action which will range from immediate action required to no action required.

A range of risk assessment techniques are available, using either qualitative or quantitative measures.

Use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in assessing the risks

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are an important tool that can be used when assessing chemical hazards.

MSDSs provide detailed information and data on safe handling of chemicals used at work and assist employers to meet their general duty of care under the legislation and develop a safe system of work.

MSDSs identify the physical and chemical properties of hazardous substances. They detail the substance’s uses and provide health/hazard information, including first aid requirements, as well as precautions for use, such as exposure standards, engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed. Other information provided included details on flammability and safe handlingprocedures including storage and transportation, spills and disposal and fire/explosion hazard factors.

You can obtain a copy of ‘Reading Labels and Material Safety data sheets” from the WorkCover NSW website. You should read it and make yourself familiar with various safe storage methods.

How to use MSDS

Anyone who uses hazardous substances at work should be familiar with the information contained in MSDSs. MSDSs should be stored in a place accessible to everyone so that they can be referred to when working with chemicals. MSDSs provide valuable information such as:

• correct use and safe handling of products
• engineering controls required, and
• emergency procedures necessary.

Priorities for risk control

The purpose of workplace assessment is to determine priorities in risk control. We shall now look at risk in more detail. But first, you may have noticed that the words risk and hazard are often used interchangeably. So what is the difference between hazard and risk? Strictly speaking, if something is hazardous it has the potential to be harmful to health. The risk is the likelihood that harm will be caused in the actual circumstances.