THE PURPOSE OF EACH TYPE OF HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Explain the purpose of each type of hazard identification.

and risk assessment procedure:

 

·   The first and most important stage in the risk assessment process is defining the scope of the area and activities that will be assessed where from the identification of hazards will follow, in other words, the adoption of some systematic way of allowing us to 'see' the hazards present in the workplace.

 

·    If the hazard identification is not carried out carefully, the subsequent analysis of risk and the development of risk control measures become pointless.

 

·    The identification of hazards is not only an essential part of the risk assessment process, but also acts very effectively to change the way people think, causing them to act more safely and so become more proactive in hazard awareness.

 

·    There are many techniques and tools that can be used as part of the hazard identification process.

 

·   This guide does not provide detailed explanations of all those available.

 

 

Baseline:

·    To identify hazards, associated risks and to develop controls to mitigate, minimize or control the associated risks

 

·    With the introduction of the new Act, mines will have to assess where they are in terms of risk, identifying the major risks and thereby establishing their priorities and a program for future risk control.

·   This baseline risk assessment will need to be comprehensive and may well lead to further, separate, more in-depth risk assessment studies.

 

·   The baseline risk assessment should be periodically reviewed, say every one to two years, to ensure that it is still relevant and accurate.

 

Issue-based:

·    To identify hazards and associated risks relating to standards, equipment or working methods and to develop controls to mitigate, minimize or control the associated risks

 

·    As circumstances and needs arise, separate risk assessment studies will need to be conducted.

 

·    These will normally be associated with a system for the management of change.

 

·    An additional risk assessment will need to be carried out when, for example:

 

·     A new machine is introduced into the mine

 

·     A system of work is changed, or operations are altered

 

·     After an accident or a 'near-mis' has occurred

 

·    New knowledge comes to light and information is received which may influence the level of risk to employees at the mine.

 

·    An example of this is when the scientific knowledge about the toxicity of a substance changes, making previous risk assessments with regard to that substance, invalid.

 

Continuous:

·    Are carried out on a daily basis at the start of every shift to identify possible hazards and risks and to deal with these prior to the commencement of tasks and thereafter on an on-going basis during the shift

 

·    This is the most important form of risk assessment which should take place continually, as an integral part of day-to-day management.

 

·    It may not use the more sophisticated hazard identification and risk assessment tools which are set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 (above), but in terms of ensuring safety and eliminating health risks in the workplace, this form of risk assessment is most powerful and important.

 

·    It will mainly be conducted by front line supervisors (Miners and team-leaders) although it is also carried out by operators in the form of checklists.

 

·    It is essential that formal training be provided to enable this process to be efficient.

 

Baseline:

·         The discipline to be assessed

·         Geographical areas

·         Sub areas

·         Hazards

·         Risks

·         Controls

·         Consequences

·         Likelihood of occurrence

·         Recommendations

 

Issue based:

·         Area

·         Hazards

·         Risks

·         Controls

·         Consequences

·         Likelihood of occurrence

·         Recommendations

 

Continuous:

·         Area

·         Activity

·         Task

·         Controls