AW 101 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Chap 6

6.0 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL (HIRARC)

6.1 Understand hazard, risk and danger

6.1.1 Definition of hazard

Hazard means a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury
or ill health, damage to property, damage to the environment or a combination of these.

6.1.2 Definition of risk and danger

Risk means a combination of the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event with
specified period or in specified circumstances and the severity of injury or damage to the
health of people, property, environment or any combination of these caused by the
event.
Danger is an exposure to a harmful eventuality, may be avoidable through caution,
forethought, and/or decisive action.

6.2 Types of hazard

6.2.1 Classification of physical hazard

Physical hazards are the most common hazards and are present in most workplaces at
some time. Physical work hazards are workplace hazards that can affect the body. They
may include radiation and excessive noise levels. Other examples of physical hazards are
falls or poorly communicated evacuation routes. Falls are the number one cause of office
workplace injuries, and they can be easily avoided by mandating clear walkways and
proper lifting procedures.
Examples include: frayed electrical cords, unguarded machinery, exposed moving parts,
constant loud noise, vibrations, working from ladders, scaffolding or heights, spills,
tripping hazards.

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6.2.2 Classification of biological hazard

Biological hazards come from working with people, animals or infectious plant material.
Biological work hazards may occur if workers are exposed to living organisms or
properties, such as parasites, viruses, fungi and bacteria. These types of work hazards
may also come from toxins and allergens. Employees who work in medical offices or
health care facilities may be more at risk for this type of work hazard. This is because they
can be easily exposed to blood-borne pathogens and diseases. Office and industrial
workers may be at risk of exposure to biological hazards if they come into contact with
dangerous mold or asbestos.
Examples include: blood or other bodily fluids, bacteria and viruses, insect bites, animal
and bird droppings.

6.2.3 Classification of chemical hazard

Chemical hazards are present when you are exposed to any chemical preparation (solid,
liquid or gas) in the workplace. Chemical work hazards may result if an employee inhales
or absorbs harmful chemicals through his mouth, nose or via skin contact. Chemical
hazards can come in several forms, such as liquids, vapors, gases, mists, fumes or solids.
To prevent these types of hazards, employers should mandate that employees who come
into contact with harmful chemicals wear protective clothing, gloves, masks and eye
wear. Employees who work in manufacturing plants and labs may be more susceptible to
these types of hazards.
Examples include: cleaning products and solvents, vapours and fumes, carbon monoxide
or other gases, gasoline or other flammable materials.

6.2.4 Classification of phychological hazard

Psychological hazards: Those that are basically causing stress to a worker. This kind of
hazard troubles an individual very much to an extent that his general well-being is
affected
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Examples include: Work-related stress, whose causal factors include excessive working
time and overwork, Violence from outside the organization, Bullying, which may include
emotional and verbal abuse, Sexual harassment, Mobbing, Burnout, Exposure to
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unhealthy elements during meetings with business associates, e.g. tobacco, uncontrolled
alcohol

6.2.5 Classification of ergonomic hazard

Ergonomic hazards occur when the type of work you do, your body position and/or your
working conditions put a strain on your body. They are difficult to identify because you
dont immediately recognize the harm they are doing to your health. Ergonomic hazards
may be described as problems that can occur when a worker's physical workplace or
typical work procedures do not match up with his physical size or work positions. These
types of hazards may occur in both office and light industrial settings. According to
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website, office employees may
face ergonomic hazards such as poor seating or lighting
Examples include: poor lighting, improperly adjusted workstations and chairs, frequent
lifting, repetitive or awkward movements.

6.3 Understand Risk Control

6.3.1 Classification of Hierarchy of Control

a. Elimination
Elimination - remove the hazard from the workplace. Getting rid of a hazardous
job, tool, process, machine or substance is perhaps the best way of protecting
workers. For example, a salvage firm might decide to stop buying and cutting up
scrapped bulk fuel tanks due to explosion hazards.

b. Substitution
Substitution - substitute a substance, method or material to reduce the risk or the
hazard. Sometimes doing the same work in a less hazardous way is possible. For
example, a hazardous chemical can be replaced with a less hazardous one.
Controls must protect workers from any new hazards that are created.

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c. isolation
separate the hazard from the workplace.

d. Engineering Control
engineering control - includes designs or modifications to plants, equipment,
ventilation systems, and processes that reduce the source of exposure.
i.
ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

Redesign - Jobs and processes can be reworked to make them

safer. For example, containers can be made easier to hold and lift.
Isolation - If a hazard cannot be eliminated or replaced, it can some
times be isolated, contained or otherwise kept away from workers.
For example, an insulated and air-conditioned control room can
protect operators from a toxic chemical.
Automation - Dangerous processes can be automated or
mechanized. For example, computer-controlled robots can handle
spot welding operations in car plants. Care must be taken to
protect workers from robotic hazards.
Barriers - A hazard can be blocked before it reaches workers. For
example, special curtains can prevent eye injuries from welding arc
radiation. Proper equipment guarding will protect workers from
con tacting moving parts.
Absorption - Baffles can block or absorb noise. Lockout systems
can isolate energy
sources during repair and maintenance.
Usually, the further a control keeps a hazard away from workers,
the more effective it is.
Dilution - Some hazards can be diluted or dissipated. For example,
ventilation systems can dilute toxic gasses before they reach
operators.

e. Administrative Control
Administrative Control- controls that alter the way the work is done,
including timing of work, policies and other rules, and work practices such
as standards and operating procedures (including training, housekeeping,
and equipment maintenance, and personal hygiene practices).
i.

Safe work procedures - Workers can be required to use

standardized safety practices. The employer is expected to ensure
that workers follow these practices. Work procedures must be
periodically reviewed with workers and updated.

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ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

Supervision and training Initial training on safe work procedures

and refresher training should be offered. Appropriate supervision
to assist workers in identifying possible hazards and evaluating
work procedures.
Job rotations and other procedures can reduce the time that
workers are exposed to a hazard. For example, workers can be
rotated through jobs requiring repetitive tendon and muscle
movements to prevent cumulative trauma injuries. Noisy processes
can be scheduled when no one is in the workplace.
Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs - Housekeeping
includes cleaning, waste disposal and spill cleanup. Tools,
equipment and machinery are less likely to cause injury if they are
kept clean and well maintained.
Hygiene - Hygiene practices can reduce the risk of toxic materials
being absorbed by workers or carried home to their families. Street
clothing should be kept in separate lockers to avoid being
contaminated by work clothing. Eating areas must be segregated
from toxic hazards. Eating should be forbidden in toxic work areas.
Where applicable, workers should be required to shower and
change clothes at the end of the shift.

f. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing is used when other controls
measures are not feasible and where additional protection is needed. Workers
must be trained to use and maintain equipment properly. The employer and
workers must understand the limitations of the personal protective equipment.
The employer is expected to require workers to use their equipment whenever it
is needed. Care must be taken to ensure that equipment is working properly.
Otherwise, PPE may endanger a workers health by providing an illusion of
protection.

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AW 101 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Chap 6

6.4 Method in Deploying Portable Fire Extinguisher / Hose Reel

Before using your fire extinguisher, be sure to read the instructions before it's too late.
Although there are many different types of fire extinguishers, all of them operate in a
similar manner.
Use this acronym as a quick reference (it is a good idea to print this reference and pin it
next to your fire extinguisher):
P

Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will
allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important - in order to put out the fire,
you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If
the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and
forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance,
several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to
read the instructions on your fire extinguisher - different fire extinguishers recommend
operating them from different distances. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at
the flames!!!!
A typical fire extinguisher contains 10 seconds of extinguishing power. This could be less
if it has already been partially discharged. Always read the instructions that come with
the fire extinguisher beforehand and become familiarized with its parts. It is highly
recommended by fire prevention experts that you get hands-on training before operating
a fire extinguisher. Most local fire departments offer this service.
Once the fire is out, don't walk away! Watch the area for a few minutes in case it reignites. Recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.

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Types Of Fire Extingusher

Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each
fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire
the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The
following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher.
Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood,
cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers
indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.
Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene,
grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the
approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.
Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit
breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of
electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical
rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are
for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium
and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are
they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.
Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications. Your fire extinguishers
should have ABC ratings on them.

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Here are the most common types of fire extinguishers:

Water extinguishers or APW extinguishers (air-pressurized water) are suitable for
class A fires only. Never use a water extinguisher on grease fires, electrical fires or
class D fires - the flames will spread and make the fire bigger! Water extinguishers
are filled with water and are typically pressurized with air. Again - water
extinguishers can be very dangerous in the wrong type of situation. Only fight the
fire if you're certain it contains ordinary combustible materials only.
Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a
combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and
pressurized with nitrogen.
o BC - This is the regular type of dry chemical extinguisher. It is filled with
sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. The BC variety leaves a
mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned immediately to prevent
any damage to materials.
o ABC - This is the multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The ABC type is
filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a
sticky residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a
computer

HOSE REEL

Fire hose reels are located to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of
water to combat a potential fire risk. The length of a fully extended fire hose is 36 meters
with a diameter of 19mm (outside diameter). These appliances are designed to deliver, as
a minimum, 0.33L of water per second. A control nozzle attached to the end of the hose
enables the operator to control the direction and flow of water to the fire. All fire hose
reels come with a unique ball valve shut-off device, a plastic or solid brass hose reel
nozzle and mounting bracket.

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AW 101 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Chap 6

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AW 101 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Chap 6

ACTIVITES AND EXERCISE

SECTION A :OBJECTIVE

1. The following are types of hazard, EXCEPT:a. Psychological Hazard

b. Physical Hazard
c. Ergonomic Hazard
d. Working Hazard
2. Administrative control is one of the classification in hierarchy control. Which of the
following are not include in the administrative control?
a. Safe work procedure
b. Housekeeping, repair and maintenance program.
c. Dilution
d. Hygiene
3. HIRARC is an acronym of
a. Hazard identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control
b. Hazard Identification, Risk Control, and Risk Assessment
c. Hazard Implementation, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control
d. Hazard Implementation, Risk Control and Risk Assessment.
4. Which of these are TRUE about the Hierarchy Of Control.
i.
Elimination
ii.
Substitution
iii.
PPE
iv.
Isolation
v.
Administrative Control
vi.
Engineering Control
a.
b.
c.
d.

I, ii, iv, vi, v & iii

I, ii, iii, iv, v & vi
I, ii, iv, v, iii & v
I, ii, iii, vi, v & iv

5. Which of these are not include in Engineering Control?

a. Redesign
b. Dilution
c. Absorption
d. Job rotation

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6. Fire extinguisher are divided into FOUR (4) categories base on different types of fire.
The following are TRUE EXCEPT:a. Class A wood, paper, cloth and trash
b. Class B metal & combustible metal alloy
c. Class C live electrical equipment
d. Class D - metal & combustible metal alloy
7.
Those are basically causing stress to a worker.
Troubles an individual very much to an extent that his/her general being affected
This statement is about the.
a. Chemical Hazard
b. Psychological Hazard
c. Ergonomic Hazard
d. Physical Hazard
8.
Can affected body
Include radiation and excessive noise level
Falls or poorly communicated evacuation routes
This statement is about the.
a. Chemical Hazard
b. Ergonomic Hazard
c. Biological Hazard
d. Physical Hazard
9. PPE is an acronym of
a. Personal Protection Equipment
b. Personal Protective Equipment
c. Professional Protection Equipment
d. Professional Protective Equipment
10. (i) Pull the pin
(ii) Squeeze the lever slowly
(iii) Aim the base of fire
(iv) Sweep from side to side
Organize the steps on how to use the fire extinguisher.
a.
b.
c.
d.

I, iii, iv & ii
I, iii, ii & iv
I, ii, iii & iv
I, ii, iv & iii

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AW 101 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH Chap 6

SECTION B: TRUE/FALSE

a. Hazard means a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human
injury or ill health, damage to property, damage to the environment or a
combination of these. (TRUE/FALSE)
b. Biological hazards come from working with people, animals or infectious plant
material. (TRUE/FALSE)
c. Chemical hazards are present when you are exposed to any chemical preparation
(solid, liquid or gas) in the workplace. (TRUE/FALSE)
d. Hierarchy of controls are elimination, substitution, isolation, administrative
control, engineering control, and personal protective equipment. (TRUE/FALSE)
e. Administrative Control are include Safe work procedures, Supervision and
training, Job rotations, Housekeeping, repair and maintenance programs and
Hygiene. (TRUE/FALSE)
f. Class A fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene,
grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the
approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. (TRUE/FALSE)
g. Class B extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood,
cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers
indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.
(TRUE/FALSE)
h. Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are
for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium
and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are
they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.
(TRUE/FALSE)
i.

Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types and are suitable for a
combination of class A, B and C fires. These are filled with foam or powder and
pressurized with nitrogen. (TRUE/FALSE)

j.

The length of a fully extended fire hose is 29 meters with a diameter of 10mm
(outside diameter). (TRUE/FALSE)
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SECTION C : SUBJECTIVE
a. Define hazard, risk and danger
b. Explain briefly with an example about types of hazard
c. State SIX (6) classification of Hierarchy of Control
d. Explain briefly about Engineering Control and Administrative Control.
e. There are a few types of fire extinguisher. However they are operating in similar
manner. Explain briefly on how to use the fire extinguisher.

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