D1.

Hazard (3 hrs)

Hazard can be confusing. Often dictionaries do not give specific definitions or combine it with the term
"risk". ... Basically, a hazard is the potential for harm or an adverse effect (for example, to people as health effects, to
organizations as property or equipment losses, or to the environment).(
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/hazard_risk.html)

Hazard is something that is dangerous and likely to cause damage (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/)

A hazard is something which could be dangerous to you, your health or safety, or your plans or reputation.

(https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/hazard)

In a simple explanation, hazard is a situation or something that may possibly bring danger or threat to the
lives of the people including properties. It can be natural or man-made hazards. The symbols for hazard can be any
of the following:

What is the difference between a 'hazard' and a 'risk'? (https://worksmart.org.uk/)

A hazard is something that can cause harm, e.g. electricity, chemicals, working up a ladder, noise, a
keyboard, a bully at work, stress, etc.
A risk is the chance, high or low, that any hazard will actually cause somebody harm.
For example, working alone away from your office can be a hazard. The risk of personal danger may be high. Electric
cabling is a hazard. If it has snagged on a sharp object, the exposed wiring places it in a 'high-risk' category.

Types of Hazard (https://fortresslearning.com.au/)

Hazards can be broadly grouped based on their nature. This is shown below:

Hazard Example

Physical hazards Wet floors

Loose electrical cables Objects protruding in walkways or doorways

Ergonomic hazards Lifting heavy objects Stretching the body

Twisting the body
Poor desk seating

Psychological hazards Heights

Loud sounds
Tunnels
 Hazard Example

Bright lights

Environmental Room temperature

hazards Ventilation Contaminated air
Photocopiers
Some office plants Acids

Hazardous substances Alkalis Solvents

Biological hazards Hepatitis B

New strain influenza

Radiation hazards Electric welding flashes Sunburn

What is hazard identification? (https://www.ccohs.ca/)

Hazard identification is part of the process used to evaluate if any particular situation, item, thing, etc. may have the
potential to cause harm. The term often used to describe the full process is risk assessment:

 Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification).
 Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation).
 Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk when the hazard cannot be
eliminated (risk control).

Overall, the goal of hazard identification is to find and record possible hazards that may be present in your
workplace. It may help to work as a team and include both people familiar with the work area, as well as people who
are not – this way you have both the experienced and fresh eye to conduct the inspection.

When should hazard identification be done?

Hazard identification can be done:

 During design and implementation

o Designing a new process or procedure
o Purchasing and installing new machinery
 Before tasks are done
o Checking equipment or following processes
o Reviewing surroundings before each shift
 While tasks are being done
o Be aware of changes, abnormal conditions, or sudden emissions
 During inspections
o Formal, informal, supervisor, health and safety committee
 After incidents
o Near misses or minor events
o Injuries

Characteristics of hazards (https://www.preventionweb.net/)

 Natural hazard events can be characterized by their magnitude or intensity, speed of onset, duration, and
the area they cover.
 Hazards occur at different intensities (or magnitudes) over different time scales (sometimes known as
temporal scales).
Enrichment Activity/ies

1. Watch the uploaded video and take note on the meaning of hazard.
2. Identify and list down the different hazard on the video.

Answer/s
1. Natural Hazards ( Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Eruptions, Floods, Landslide and etc.)
2. Atmospheric Hazard ( excess rainfall, Freezing Rain, Hail,Heavy Snowfalls and etc.)
3. Hydrologic ( Floods, Wave, Drought and Rapid Glacier advance)
4. Geologic ( Mass Movement, Earthquake and Volcanic Eruption)
5. Biologic ( epidemic in humans, plants and animals)

Give your reflection or insight to the lesson in 40-50 words.

A hazard is a source or a situation with the potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill-health,
damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of these.An unwanted event is a
situation or condition where there is a loss of control of the hazard that leads to harm.

Assessment

1. Explain in your own idea the meaning of hazard. 15 -20 words each.
Answer/s
- A hazard is a source or a situation with the potential for harm in terms of human
injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of
these.
2. How hazard can be determined? 40-50 words
Answer/s
- A hazard is something that can cause harm, e.g. electricity, chemicals, working up
a ladder, noise, a keyboard, a bully at work, stress, etc. A risk is the chance, high or low, that
any hazard will actually cause somebody harm. For example, working alone away from your
office can be a hazard

2. Why is there a need to determine the hazard in an area? Explain in 20 – 30 words.

Answer/s
- Overall, the goal of hazard identification is to find and record possible hazards that may
be present in your workplace. It may help to work as a team and include both people
familiar with the work area, as well as people who are not – this way you have both the
experienced and fresh eye to conduct the inspection.

Suggested Readings: Read the related topic on the books listed below or you can surf in the internet.
1. http://www.charim.net/methodology/52
2. http://memp.colacotway.vic.gov.au/ch01s04s03.php
Assignment: Research and explain in your own idea on what exposure means.

 Exposure represents the stock of property and infrastructure exposed to a hazard, and it can include
socioeconomic factors.