Hazard Identification
Hazard Identification
The exam tests whether you can find hazards before they become incidents, using structured methods rather than walkthrough impressions.
Core rules
- Job hazard analysis (JHA/JSA) breaks a task into steps, identifies hazards at each step, and assigns controls in hierarchy order. It works best for high-risk, non-routine, and maintenance tasks.
- HAZID, what-if analysis, checklists, and energy-source analysis complement JHA. Change analysis examines new equipment, processes, materials, or staffing.
- Hazard identification should cover routine and non-routine work, normal and emergency conditions, and human factors such as fatigue and error-likely tasks.
- Near-miss and close-call reporting is a leading source of hazard information; low reporting often signals fear, not safety.
- Inspections need a defined scope, trained observers, and a tracking system; otherwise findings repeat.
Worked example
Task: replacing a filter on a solvent line. Step 1 isolate: hazard is residual pressure and solvent exposure; controls are LOTO, a line-breaking permit, and PPE. Step 2 open housing: hazard is splash and vapor; controls are drain-down, local exhaust, and face shield. Step 3 remove filter: hazard is contaminated media; controls are a drain tray, compatible gloves, and a labeled waste container. Step 4 restart: hazard is re-energization with the housing open; control is a verified pre-start check. The reasoning is step-specific: a generic wear PPE control would miss the pressure and re-energization hazards entirely.
Traps
- Listing only hazards visible on the day of the walk.
- Ignoring low-frequency, high-severity tasks such as maintenance and startup.
- Recording hazards without an owner, due date, or exposure estimate.