What Does Hazard Identification Mean?

Hazard identification is the process in which the hazards of a workplace are identified within a system, procedure or equipment.

Hazard identification is a part of risk assessment in which the hazards are identified for further investigation. Once the hazards are identified then proper measures can be taken to eliminate them by using engineering controls. For example, if a fan is installed without a fan cage, then installing a fan cage will be an engineering control to eliminate the associated hazards of using the fan without a cage. The administrative controls can also be incorporated. For example, in this case, the administrative control will be to repeatedly check if the fan cage is still intact.

Being aware of on-site risks is vital. Before doing any work, take a few minutes to check your surroundings. Think about what you will be doing, what equipment and plant you will need, how you could get hurt, and what you’ll do if something unexpected happens. Asking yourself these seven simple questions is a good place to start – it could be a lifesaver.

• Can I come into contact with an energy source?

• Can I come into contact with a hazardous substance?

• Can I be struck by or strike against anything?

• Can I be caught in, on or between anything?

• Can I slip, trip or fall on the same or lower level?

• Can I be injured by poor job/plant design?

• Can I strain or sprain a muscle?