Controlling hazards and risks

Identifying hazards

A hazard is anything in the workplace environment that may lead to an accident or injury. A hazard can cause harm to people, property and to work processes.

Acute hazards cause immediate injury

Chronic hazards can happen over time.

To identify hazards in the workplace:

• observe work tasks and work area
• examine accident and injury records
• ask your co-workers
• organise regular safety audits or safety inspections

Mechanical hazards

These are related to plant and equipment. Machines can be hazardous if:

• they are unguarded
• they are not maintained properly
• the workplace doesn't have good operating procedures
• untrained workers are using them
• new or very young workers are not supervised when using them
• a worker wears unsuitable clothing when using them.

Biological hazards

Biological hazards are biological (e.g. pathogens) that can cause a hazard to health. Always use personal protective equipment when taking biological samples.

Chemical hazards

Some of the dangers associated with chemicals are:

• Poisonous
• Corrosive
• Flammable
• Explosive
• Toxic

Chemicals can get into our bodies several ways.

Inhalation

Dangerous substances can enter our bodies through the lungs and become absorbed in the bloodstream. Airborne materials can include poisonous gases, dusts and powders.

Ingestion

Dangerous substances can enter our bodies through our mouths. This can be through swallowing, putting your hands in your mouth or smoking after handling a dangerous substance.

You should not eat, smoke or store food near dangerous substances.

Skin Absorption

Dangerous substances can be absorbed through the skin into the blood stream. This can be through handling dangerous goods without PPE, or through cuts or breaks in your skin.

Classes of chemical hazards

Chemicals can be classified into one of nine hazard classes. Each hazard class has a number and a symbol.

Confined Spaces

Confined spaces can increase the risk involved with hazards. For example, gases can become concentrated more quickly in a confined space.

 

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