HIRAC - HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT & RISK CONTROL

HIRAC

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRAC) has become fundamental to the practice of planning, management and the operation of a business as a basic of risk management. The organizations that have carried out risk assessment at the work place have noted numerous changes in their working practice. Those who have already carried out risk assessment in their work, have reported positive changes in their working practice, they recognize substandard act and working condition as they develop and take necessary corrective action. Legislation requires that this process should be systematic and be recorded so that the results are reliable and the analysis complete

Deepa Jyoti Stotram | दीपज्योतिः | शुभं करोति कल्याणं

In line with the Department approach of PREVENTIVE MEASURES as a way of enforcing the law on Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), it seems that HIRAC has became extremely important. With HIRAC, one will be able to identify hazard, analyze and assess its associated risk and then apply the suitable control measures

Hazard - Hazard means a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health, damage to property, damage to the environment or a combination of these.

Hazard control - Hazard control means the process of implementing measures to reduce the risk associated with a hazard.
Danger - Relative exposure to hazard.
Risk means a combination of the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event with specified period or in specified circumstances and the severity of injury or damage to the health of people, property, environment or any combination of these caused by the event.
risk can be calculated by the equation -
Risk = Likelihood x Severity
Where,
Likelihood is an event likely to occur within the specific period or in specified circumstances and, Severity is outcome from an event such as severity of injury or health of people, or damage to property, or insult to environment, or any combination of those caused by the event.
Risk assessment - The process of evaluating likelihood and severity of harm arising from a hazard. 
Risk control - The process of implementing measures to reduce, as far as reasonably practicable, the risk associated with a hazard.  The control process must follow the risk control hierarchy, in order, as prescribed in health and safety legislation.  It is important that control measures do not introduce new hazards, and that the ongoing effectiveness of the controls is monitored.  
Job Hazard Analysis Definition Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) breaks a job or task into specific steps, analyzes each step for specific hazards, develops safe work procedures to eliminate or reduce those hazards, and integrates safe work procedures into safety and health programs. JHAs must be developed for each job or task. Supervisors and workers must complete the JHA together.
Hazards management -The structured process of hazard identification, risk assessment and control aimed at providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, students, customers and visitors whilst on University premises or whilst engaged in University activities.  
Risk control hierarchy - Ranks risk control measures in decreasing order of effectiveness:

  • elimination of hazard;
  • substitution of hazardous processes or materials with safer ones;
  • engineering controls;
  • administrative controls; and
  • personal protective equipment.
The risk control measures implemented for the hazards identified should always aim to be as high on the list as practicable.    

The purpose of HIRARC are as follows:- 
  • To identify all the factors that may cause harm to employees and others (the hazards); 
  • To consider what the chances are of that harm actually be falling anyone in the circumstances of a particular case and the possible severity that could come from it (the risks); and 
  • To enable employers to plan, introduce and monitor preventive measures to ensure that the risks are adequately controlled at all times.
3 Process of HIRAC 
Process of HIRARC requires 4 simple steps - 
(A) classify work activities
(B) identify hazard
(C) conduct risk assessment (analyze and estimate risk from each hazard), by calculating or estimating        i. likelihood of occurrence, and ii. severity of hazard; 
(D) decide if risk is tolerable and apply control measures (if necessary).

Classify work activities Classify work activities in accordance with their similarity, such as - i. geographical or physical areas within/outside premises; ii. stages in production/service process; iii. not too big e.g. building a car; iv. not too small e.g. fixing a nut; or v. defined task e.g. loading, packing, mixing, fixing the door.

Hazard identification The purpose of hazard identification is to highlight the critical operations of tasks, that is, those tasks posing significant risks to the health and safety of employees as well as highlighting those hazards pertaining to certain equipment due to energy sources, working conditions or activities performed. Hazards can be divided into three main groups, health hazards, safety hazards, and environmental hazards.

Hazard identification technique The employer shall develop a hazard identification and assessment methodology taking into account the following documents and information -
i. any hazardous occurrence investigation reports;
ii. first aid records and minor injury records;
iii. work place health protection programs;
iv. any results of work place inspections;
v. any employee complaints and comments;
vi. any government or employer reports, studies and tests concerning the health and safety of      
    employees;
vii. any reports made under the regulation of Occupational Safety and Health
viii. the record of hazardous substances; and
ix. any other relevant information.

Identify Hazard → Assess The Risk → Risk Control → Review Risk Control

Classification & Potential Sources of Hazards
Classification     Example of Hazards
Mechanical           - Sharp points & edges, overload.
Electrical              - Insulation damaged or cover broken
Biological             - Exposed, airborne/blood borne microorganism.
Chemical             - Expose to carcinogens chemical
Ergonomics         - Expose to unnatural postures

Psychological      - Stress or violent at workplace.

How To Assess Risk


1) Look for the Hazards

2) Decide who might be harmed & how
3) Evaluate the risk and check what is
done to prevent it from happening
4) Record finding

5) Review assessment and revise it if necessary

Analyze and estimate risk Risk is the determination of likelihood and severity of the credible accident/event sequences in order to determine magnitude and to priorities identified hazards. It can be done by qualitative, quantitative or semi quantitative method.

A qualitative analysis uses words to describe the magnitude of potential severity and the likelihood that those severity will occur. These scales can be adapted or adjusted to suit the circumstances and different descriptions may be used for different risks. This method uses expert knowledge and experience to determine likelihood and severity category.
In semi-quantitative analysis, qualitative scales such as those described above are given values. The objective is to produce a more expanded ranking scale than is usually achieved in qualitative analysis, not to suggest realistic values for risk such as is attempted in quantitative analysis.
Quantitative analysis uses numerical values (rather than the descriptive scales used in qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis) for both severity and likelihood using data from a variety of sources such as past accident experience and from scientific research. Severity may be determined by modeling the outcomes of an event or set of events, or by extrapolation from experimental studies or past data. Severity may be expressed in terms of monetary, technical or human impact criteria, or any of the other criteria. The way in which severity and likelihood are expressed and the ways in which they are combined to provide a level of risk will vary according to the type of risk and the purpose for which the risk assessment output is to be used.

Likelihood of an occurrence This value is based on the likelihood of an event occurring. You may ask the question “How many times has this event happened in the past?” Assessing likelihood is based worker experience, analysis or measurement. Likelihood levels range from “most likely” to “inconceivable.” For example, a small spill of bleach from a container when filling a spray bottle is most likely to occur during every shift. Alternatively, a leak of diesel fuel from a secure holding tank may be less probable.
Severity of hazard Severity can be divided into five categories. Severity are based upon an increasing level of severity to an individual’s health, the environment, or to property
Types of Risk Assessment
Qualitative - (Use Risk Matrix) -table scales for likelihood and severity
  • Catastrophic - Numerous fatalities, irrecoverable property damage and productivity
  • Fatality - Approximately one single fatality major property damage 4 if hazard is realized
  • Major injuries - Non-fatal injury, permanent disability
  • Minor injuries - Disabling but not permanent injury
  • First aid or near misses - Minor abrasions, bruises, cuts, first aid type injury



Types of Risk Assessment Based on statistic 
Likelihood
1Very likely
2Likely
3Unlikely

4Highly Unlikely

Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment
Severity Categories
1. First Aid
2. Less than 4 days M/C
3. More than 4 days M/C

4. Fatality & Permanent Disability

Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment

Likelihood Occurrence
1. Yearly
2. Monthly
3. Weekly

4. Daily

Control Definition: Control is the elimination or inactivation of a hazard in a manner such that the hazard does not pose a risk to workers who have to enter into an area or work on equipment in the course of scheduled work. Hazards should be controlled at their source (where the problem is created). The closer a control to the source of the hazard is the better. This method is often referred to as applying engineering controls. If this does not work, hazards can often be controlled along the path to the worker, between the source and the worker. This method can be referred to as applying administrative controls. If this is not possible, hazards must be controlled at the level of the worker through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), although this is the least desirable control.


Selecting a suitable control Selecting a control often involves –
a. evaluating and selecting short and long term controls;
b. implementing short-term measures to protect workers until permanent controls can be put in place; and
c. implementing long term controls when reasonably practicable.
For example, suppose a noise hazard is identified. Short-term controls might require workers to use hearing protection. Long term, permanent controls might remove or isolate the noise source.

Type of Control 

source of the hazard
1. Elimination - Getting rid of a hazardous job, tool, process, machine or substance is perhaps the best way of protecting workers. For example, a salvage firm might decide to stop buying and cutting up scrapped bulk fuel tanks due to explosion hazards.
2. Substitution - Sometimes doing the same work in a less hazardous way is possible. For example, a hazardous chemical can be replaced with a less hazardous one. Controls must protect workers from any new hazards that are created.

3. Engineering control
a. Redesign - Jobs and processes can be reworked to make them safer. For example, containers can be made easier to hold and lift.
b. Isolation - If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, it can some times be isolated, contained or otherwise kept away from workers. For example, an insulated and air-conditioned control room can protect operators from a toxic chemical.
c. Automation - Dangerous processes can be automated or mechanized. For example, computer-controlled robots can handle spot welding operations in car plants. Care must be taken to protect workers from robotic hazards.
d. Barriers - A hazard can be blocked before it reaches workers. For example, special curtains can prevent eye injuries from welding arc radiation. Proper equipment guarding will protect workers from con tacting moving parts.
e. Absorption - Baffles can block or absorb noise. Lockout systems can isolate energy sources during repair and maintenance. Usually, the further a control keeps a hazard away from workers, the more effective it is.
f. Dilution - Some hazards can be diluted or dissipated. For example, ventilation systems can dilute toxic gasses before they reach operators.

4. Administrative controls
a. Safe work procedures - Workers can be required to use standardized safety practices. The employer is expected to ensure that workers follow these practices. Work procedures must be periodically reviewed with workers and updated.
b. Supervision and training – Initial training on safe work procedures and refresher training should be offered. Appropriate supervision to assist workers in identifying possible hazards and evaluating work procedures.
c. Job rotations and other procedures can reduce the time that workers are exposed to a hazard. For example, workers can be rotated through jobs requiring repetitive tendon and muscle movements to prevent cumulative trauma injuries. Noisy processes can be scheduled when no one is in the workplace.
d. Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs - Housekeeping includes cleaning, waste disposal and spill cleanup. Tools, equipment and machinery are less likely to cause injury if they are kept clean and well maintained.
e. Hygiene - Hygiene practices can reduce the risk of toxic materials being absorbed by workers or carried home to their families. Street clothing should be kept in separate lockers to avoid being contaminated by work clothing. Eating areas must be segregated from toxic hazards. Eating should be forbidden in toxic work areas. Where applicable, workers should be required to shower and change clothes at the end of the shift.

5. Personal protective equipment Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing is used when other controls measures are not feasible and where additional protection is needed. Workers must be trained to use and maintain equipment properly. The employer and workers must understand the limitations of the personal protective equipment. The employer is expected to require workers to use their equipment whenever it is needed. Care must be taken to ensure that equipment is working properly. Otherwise, PPE may endanger a workers health by providing an illusion of protection.

Actions & Recommendations

•EL- Eliminate
•SL- Substitute
•IS- Isolation
•EC- Engineering Control
•AC - Administration Control

•PPE- Personal Protection Equipment

Actions & Recommendations Eg;

EL - stop work, cover hazard…
SL - use other route, other material..
IS - put up temporary barrier,…
EC - construct permanent wall,..
AC - put up notice, job rotation,…

PPE - gloves, respirator,……

Monitoring controls The effectiveness of controls must be checked regularly. Evaluate and monitor hazard controls during inspections, routine maintenance, and other activities. Ask the following questions – a. have the controls solved the problem? b. is any risk to workers posed by the controls contained? c. are all new hazards being identified? d. are significant, new hazards appropriately controlled? e. are accident reports being analyzed? f. are any other measures required? Document control activities to track their effectiveness, if necessary re-evaluate hazards and implement new control measures.


Safe Work Procedures are generally prepared for - a. critical high risk jobs where accidents have or could result in severe injuries; b. hazardous work where accidents occur frequently; c. new or altered tasks have been introduced; d. new equipment has been added to a process; e. a job that requires many detailed tasks;
Safe Work Procedures must include: a. regulatory requirements; b. necessary personal protective equipment; c. required training; d. worker responsibilities; e. specific sequence of steps to follow to complete the work safely; f. required permits; and g. emergency procedures.

Documenting HIRARC
Responsibility and accountability Proper management of hazards sporadically identified in the workplace can be done through effective process. Ultimately, the individual or team who identified the hazard must ensure proper communication of the hazard to the appropriate workplace authority (manager, department head, or designated person). Each HIRARC must be fully documented. The HIRARC form must be completed by the HIRARC team and signed

by the in charge personnel of the area. Departments responsible for the hazards and their control are required to maintain all records of assessments for at least 3 years. (In some cases, legislative requirements will determine the minimum time to retain records).
The appropriate authority is responsible for ensuring that effective and timely controls are applied to the hazard and communicating the results back to the originator. Management or employer must endorse and approve the HIRARC results. Employer must communicate all HIRARC to employees, monitor the follow up action and keep the records. 

Documenting process 


Instructions to team leader and persons conducting HIRARC -

a. complete HIRARC Form. It is recommended to use a single form for each work process;
b. record the names and designation of HIRAC team members;
c. outline the process workflow and indicate in the form under ‘process/ location column;
e. list all activities ( routine and non-routine) for each work process under the “Work Activity” column;
f. identify the hazards associated with each activity and record in “Hazard” column;
g. determine the effect of each hazard identified and record in “Effect” column;
h. record any existing hazard control measures;
i. determine likelihood (L) from Table A and severity (S) from Table B for each hazard. Assign P and C rating in respectively column. The existing control measures should be take into consideration while determine (L) and (S);
 j. by using Risk Matrix  assign one risk and record in “Risk” column;
k. based on the risk assigned, recommend appropriate risk control measures ( see Table D);
l. assign a suitable person to implement the recommended risk control and indicate the follow up action date and status;
m. repeat the HIRARC for other activities and process;
n. conduct another round of HIRARC after control measures have been implemented; and
o. review HIRARC for every three years or whenever there are changes in process or activities.

Training Information, instruction and training provide employees with the skills and knowledge to perform their work in a manner that is safe and without risks to health. It enables them to - a. follow health and safety procedures; b. use risk controls set in place for their protection; and c. have an appreciation of the nature of the hazard; the risks associated with their use; and the reason why risk controls are used. Managers, Supervisors Health and Safety Representatives and others who may be required to perform risk assessments by agreement with management shall be trained in hazard identification risk assessment and control methods.





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3 comments

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12 June 2017 at 04:43 ×

I Loved this blog and content
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30 November 2018 at 22:51 ×

Thank you so much for sharing this worth able content with us. The concept taken here will be useful for my future programs and I will surely implement them in my study. Keep blogging article like this.
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5 December 2019 at 00:46 ×

Informative Blog post! Thankyou for sharing . Planning and prevention tips should be given to avoid accidents. POSHE Solutions Pvt. Ltd Chennai prides itself in its Accreditation with NEBOSH to offer HSE(Health Safety Environment) training courses on <a Nebosh course in Chennai with excellent trainers

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