Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC)
Every safety professional must master the process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying effective controls. Together, these steps form HIRARC — a systematic approach to managing workplace hazards. This guide explains HIRARC in depth, provides real-world examples, and ends with exam-oriented questions, answers, and FAQs.
1. What is HIRARC?
HIRARC stands for:
- Hazard Identification (HI)
- Risk Assessment (RA)
- Risk Control (RC)
It’s a structured process used worldwide to manage occupational health and safety risks. By following HIRARC, organisations can proactively prevent accidents and comply with regulatory standards such as OSHA and ISO 45001.
2. Step 1: Hazard Identification
2.1 Definition
Hazard Identification is the process of recognizing anything with the potential to cause harm — substances, activities, processes, equipment, or situations.
2.2 How to Identify Hazards
- Conduct regular workplace inspections.
- Break down jobs into tasks (Job Safety Analysis).
- Review incident/near-miss reports.
- Consult workers for input.
- Check Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals.
2.3 Examples
- Unprotected machine parts (physical hazard).
- Repetitive lifting (ergonomic hazard).
- Bloodborne pathogens in a healthcare setting (biological hazard).
3. Step 2: Risk Assessment
3.1 Definition
Risk Assessment evaluates the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm and the severity of the harm.
3.2 Key Components
- Likelihood: How often the event may occur.
- Severity: How serious the harm could be.
- Exposure: How frequently people are exposed.
3.3 Tools and Methods
- Risk matrices (e.g., 5×5 grid).
- Quantitative scoring.
- Task-Based Risk Assessment (TBRA).
- Bowtie Analysis.
3.4 Example
Hazard: Handling acid.
Risk: Likelihood of spill and severity of burns.
Assessment: High risk due to frequent handling and severe consequences.
4. Step 3: Risk Control
4.1 Definition
Risk Control involves implementing measures to eliminate hazards or reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
4.2 Applying the Hierarchy of Controls
- Elimination: Remove the hazard entirely.
- Substitution: Replace with something less hazardous.
- Engineering Controls: Isolate people from the hazard.
- Administrative Controls: Change work practices and policies.
- PPE: Provide personal protective equipment as a last resort.
4.3 Example
Hazard: Welding fumes.
Control: Use local exhaust ventilation (engineering), rotate staff (administrative), and supply respirators (PPE).
5. Benefits of Using HIRARC
- Proactive Prevention: Identifies hazards before incidents occur.
- Prioritisation: Focuses resources on high-risk areas.
- Compliance: Meets regulatory and audit requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: Encourages regular review of controls.
6. Implementing HIRARC in the Workplace
- Develop a written HIRARC procedure.
- Train staff on hazard recognition and reporting.
- Use standard forms for recording hazards, risks, and controls.
- Review assessments after incidents or process changes.
- Involve employees at every stage to improve accuracy and buy-in.
For more on hazard and risk control, see OSHA’s Hazard Prevention and Control page.
🎓 Exam-Oriented Questions with Detailed Answers
Short Answer Questions
Q1. What does HIRARC stand for?
Answer: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control.
Q2. Name two methods used to identify hazards.
Answer: Conducting workplace inspections and reviewing incident reports.
Q3. List the five levels of the hierarchy of controls used in Risk Control.
Answer: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.
Long Answer Questions
Q1. Describe the process of Hazard Identification in detail.
Answer: Hazard Identification involves systematically recognising anything with the potential to cause harm. Methods include physical inspections, reviewing tasks (JSA), studying past incidents, consulting employees, and reviewing SDS and manuals. This forms the baseline for risk assessment.
Q2. Discuss how Risk Assessment complements Hazard Identification.
Answer: Hazard Identification finds “what could harm,” while Risk Assessment evaluates “how likely and how severe” harm could be. Without assessing risk, you cannot prioritise hazards or allocate resources effectively. For example, both a minor chemical irritant and a highly toxic acid are hazards, but their risks differ drastically.
Q3. Explain how the Hierarchy of Controls should be applied in Risk Control.
Answer: Start by trying to eliminate the hazard. If that’s not possible, substitute with a less hazardous option. Then apply engineering controls (barriers, ventilation), administrative controls (training, rotation), and finally PPE as the last line of defense. This ensures maximum protection for workers.
Scenario-Based Questions
Q1. A construction site uses scaffolding with unprotected edges. Apply HIRARC.
Answer:
- Hazard Identification: Unprotected edges (fall hazard).
- Risk Assessment: High likelihood and severe consequence (fatal falls).
- Risk Control: Install guardrails (engineering), restrict access (administrative), train workers, provide fall protection (PPE).
Q2. Workers handle corrosive cleaning agents daily. Apply HIRARC.
Answer:
- Hazard Identification: Corrosive chemicals.
- Risk Assessment: Frequent exposure, high severity (chemical burns).
- Risk Control: Substitute with less corrosive agents, install automated dispensing, train workers, provide gloves and face shields.
Q3. An office has poor lighting and cluttered walkways. Apply HIRARC.
Answer:
- Hazard Identification: Inadequate lighting and obstacles.
- Risk Assessment: Medium likelihood, moderate severity (trips and falls).
- Risk Control: Improve lighting (engineering), implement housekeeping (administrative), display warning signs (PPE not applicable).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main purpose of HIRARC?
Answer: To systematically identify hazards, assess their risks, and implement effective controls to prevent incidents and protect workers.
2. How often should HIRARC be conducted?
Answer: At least annually and whenever there are changes in equipment, processes, or after incidents.
3. Who is responsible for HIRARC in a workplace?
Answer: Safety professionals typically lead, but all employees should participate by reporting hazards and following controls.
4. Is HIRARC mandatory?
Answer: While the term may vary, regulators like OSHA and standards like ISO 45001 require organisations to identify hazards, assess risks, and control them — which is essentially HIRARC.
5. Can software tools help with HIRARC?
Answer: Yes. Digital tools and apps can standardise forms, calculate risk scores, and store data for easier review and audits.
6. How does HIRARC tie into the Hierarchy of Controls?
Answer: HIRARC identifies and assesses hazards, then applies controls starting at the top of the hierarchy (elimination) down to PPE.
7. Conclusion
HIRARC — Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control — is the backbone of effective safety management. By systematically applying these steps, safety professionals can identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement controls following the hierarchy. This proactive approach prevents incidents, ensures compliance, and builds a culture of safety.
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