Defining hazards
Hazard and risk are not synonyms
This domain checks whether you can separate a hazard (something with the potential to cause harm) from a risk (the chance, high or low, that somebody will be harmed, together with how serious the harm could be). A wet floor is a hazard; the risk depends on who walks there, how likely a slip is, and what injury could result. The exam often gives a short scenario and asks for the hazard, the risk, or the next control.
The risk assessment process
HSE's five steps are: identify the hazards; decide who might be harmed and how; evaluate the risks and decide on precautions; record the significant findings; review and update. Risk is commonly judged by likelihood and severity. Controls follow the hierarchy: eliminate the hazard, substitute something safer, use engineering controls (guards, extraction, isolation), use administrative controls (procedures, training, rotation), and use PPE last. PPE relies on correct fit, use and maintenance, so it is a last resort, not a first step.
Worked example
A cleaner decants a strong floor cleaner into an unlabelled drinks bottle. Hazard: corrosive chemical. Who is harmed: the cleaner, other staff, visitors, possibly children. Risk: high because the bottle invites accidental drinking and the chemical is corrosive. Controls: eliminate decanting by buying pre-labelled doses; if not possible, use a dedicated labelled chemical container, store it securely, provide gloves and eye protection, train staff, and record the assessment. Review if the product or task changes. PPE alone would not fix the mistaken-identity risk.
Traps that cost marks
- Calling the wet floor 'the risk' rather than the hazard.
- Going straight to gloves or goggles before considering elimination or substitution.
- Forgetting cleaners, visitors, young workers, pregnant workers and contractors.
- Recording an assessment and never reviewing it after a change.