Question 1
In order to use the risk matrix to assess the risks of the proposed installation, first a list of tasks to be performed must be identified. Then, the potential hazards associated with each task must be determined. Next, the severity and probability of occurrence must be rated. Finally, the risk matrix can be constructed in a similar manner as Table 17-3 (American Society of Safety Engineers [ASSE] 2012). It is important that the following questions be considered when performing a risk assessment using the risk matrix:
What are the possible hazards associated with each of these tasks? Are there any mechanical, electrical, thermal, noise, radiation, ergonomic, or material hazards?
What would be the outcome if each hazardous event occurred?
How sever would the outcome be of these hazardous events?
What is the probability that the hazardous event will occur? How often is it expected to happen and for what time duration? What is the extent of the exposure (ASSE, 2012)?
It is also very important to factor human error into the risk assessment. This can be done by considering hazards that would result from human errors such as a slip, lapse, mistake or violation, as described by the Health and Safety Executive of Great Britain. This might specifically include, for example a slip up of pushing an incorrect button to operate a machine that happens to be located next to the correct button (Health and Executive Board, “n.d.”). These hazards can then be added into the risk matrix by looking at the hazardous conditions that could result and rating the severity and probability of occurrence, as discussed above.
References
American Society of Safety Engineers. (2012). Title of Book: Subtitle. USA: American Society of Safety Engineers.
Health and Safety Executive. (“n.d.”). Humans and Risk. HSE Human Factors Briefing Note No. 3. Retrieved from http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/topics/03humansrisk.pdf
Question 2
A risk is defined as, “possible loss in terms of severity and probability” while a hazard is, a “condition with the potential for causing injury or damage,” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], 2013). The main difference between these two terms is that a hazard is a condition that exists while a risk refers to the loss that could occur as a result of the hazardous situation or condition. (OSHA, 2013). Ideally, hazards should be mitigated so that there is no risk. In most circumstances, however, this is not practical. The amount of risk that is deemed allowable is the acceptable risk. The remaining risk that remains after measure have been taken to reduce or eliminate the risk is called the residual risk. (Main & Manuele, 2002).
The level of risk that is acceptable risk for machine guarding depends on the desired level of risk reduction. This is something that is subjective and determined during the risk assessment process (ASSE, 2012). For example, a fixed guard can be used in to cover an opening where a “workpiece is fed through an opening in the guard,” (ASSE, 2012). In this case, there is still some residual risk that a worker could injure themselves by, for example, sticking their hand through the guard. This risk, however, might be deemed acceptable because of the hazard placement on the risk matrix might be slight or unlikely.
References
American Society of Safety Engineers. (2012). Title of Book: Subtitle. USA: American Society of Safety Engineers.
Main, B. W., & Manuele, F. A. (2002, January 9). On Acceptable Risk. EHSToday. Retrieved from http://ehstoday.com/news/ehs_imp_35066
Occupational Health and Safety Administration. (2013) Title [PDF document]. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwjahbLHy8XKAhXrsYMKHWvCAAsQFggqMAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osha.gov%2Fdte%2Fgrant_materials%2Ffy11%2Fsh-22224-11%2F3_Risk_Management.pptx&usg=AFQjCNHmXZFbhxLAxFJV_1eiJ3nkHLxcAA&sig2=-MHwbZf5lrWIw8fS5l6tEg&bvm=bv.112454388,d.amc&cad=rja
