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HSW Handbook Hazard Management Effective Date: 1 December 2020 Version 4. Authorised by Chief Operating Officer (University Operations) Review Date: 1 December 2023 Page 1 of 6
Appendix A (Page 1 of 6 )
5 STEP HAZARD MANAGEMENT PROCESS
Step 1 Planning or pre start check
Consider the sequence of steps involved in carrying out the task from start to finish.
Does the activity expose the worker to any hazards which could result in a significant injury or illness
(e.g. medical treatment, hospitalisation)? (Refer to the list of examples on this Appendix, pages 2 - 5 as a guide)
Does the activity involve the use of an item of plant/equipment or chemical in a different way to how the manufacturer
intended?
Does the task involve the use of a Hazardous chemical or nanoparticles?
Is the activity an event (e.g. function such as an open day) or require the co-ordination of a number of tasks which
could impact on the safety of the worker(s) completing the task or others in the vicinity?
Is the activity to be conducted in a different workplace/environment to normal and modification to the workplace or
process is required?
Are there any concerns/uncertainty that the activity (e.g. tools and equipment, chemicals, the work environment, the
physical/mental/emotional demands of the tasks) may place a worker at risk of injury/illness?
If yes to any of the above, do not start the activity
until you reach step 5
If no to all
of the above
Is there an existing Risk assessment (RA) for the activity on file? No formal Risk
assessment
is required
It is an activity which is
considered low risk.
There is no expectation
that an injury/illness will
occur. If there was an
injury/illness, treatment
would be very
minor/negligible
(e.g. first aid treatment
requiring a band aid).
Complete the activity
safely and in
accordance with:
the manufacturer’s
instruction; and/or
Safety Data Sheet;
and/or
any information/
instruction/training
provided.
Seek assistance from
your Supervisor/Person
in control of the
area/activity if you are
unsure of the method of
work or have any
concerns.
No Risk assessment held
Select and complete the appropriate
RA template
Single task (Appendix B1); or
Multiple tasks (Appendix B2); or
Short Form (Appendix B3)
Yes – A Risk assessment held
Check whether the hazards and control
measures are correct for your activity.
If no
Go to step 2 and
complete a new
Risk assessment
(Appendix B1, B
or B3)
If Yes
Go to step 5
Step 2 Identify the hazards
Identify the hazards that could cause harm (injury/illness) through
immediate or long term exposure and how/when the worker is exposed to
the hazard(s) during the activity. An activity may have many different
hazards. (Refer to pages 2 – 5 of this Appendix for guidance).
Step 3 Assess the level of risk
Based on the nature of the activity and the hazard(s) identified
Determine the likelihood and consequences of an injury/illness using the
Risk assessment table on the RA template.
Step 4 Control the risk
Determine the controls to ensure the highest level that is reasonably
practicable under the Hierarchy of controls (see page 6 of this Appendix)
are selected, to either eliminate/minimise the risk.
In consultation with your Supervisor/Person in control of the area/activity:
Ensure that specific control measures that are mandated are documented
on the RA and that these have a direct correlation with the hazard they
are controlling.
Obtain the relevant authorisations to complete the activity, based on the
level of residual risk (i.e. the remaining risk after controls are in place).
Step 5 Complete the activities safely and in accordance with the Risk assessment.
Ensure your own safety and the safety of others for the duration of the activity.
Review the Risk assessment if the conditions change e.g. new hazards are identified.
HSW Handbook Hazard Management Effective Date: 1 December 2020 Version 4. Authorised by Chief Operating Officer (University Operations) Review Date: 1 December 2023 Page 2 of 6
Appendix A (Page 2 of 6 )
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
(EXAMPLES)
If the hazard is applicable to the activity, then transfer the hazard and how
the worker could be exposed onto your Risk assessment template
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Stop and think. What could cause harm?
Identify each hazard
that is part of this work process
Examples of how/when the worker could be exposed to the hazard
(e.g. what is the route of exposure?)
Hazardous chemical Use of: ☐ a corrosive ☐ an explosive ☐ an acid ☐ a flammable liquid/solid/gas ☐ a toxic poison Including hazardous waste Where practical name the category or name of chemical on the Risk assessment. The SDS for the chemical will provide additional information. ☐ Could the worker be exposed to potential harm via inhalation? ☐ Could the worker be exposed to potential harm via skin absorption? ☐ Could the worker be exposed to potential harm via ingestion? ☐ Could the chemical splash into the worker’s eyes? ☐ Could the worker be required to work with the chemical for long periods of time? ☐ Is the chemical a carcinogen, mutagen, reproductive toxicant or sensitisation agent? ☐ Could an accidental spill place the worker and others in the vicinity at risk? ☐ Is the chemical being used in an enclosed space? ☐ Could other workers make contact with the chemical or contaminated surfaces (e.g. during cleaning, contractors entering the space)? ☐ Does the chemical require decanting, spraying, heating? ☐ Could the chemical cause a fire and explosion if there is a source of ignition? ☐ Could exposure to the chemical require an immediate first aid response (e.g. antidote, emergency shower)? ☐ Is there the potential for vapour accumulation? ☐ Is the chemical an asphyxiant? ☐ Do the storage containers need to have impact protection in place? ☐ Are there specific transfer/transport arrangements required for the chemical? ☐ Are there specific storage arrangements required for the chemical? Use of a Nanomaterial (^) ☐ Could the worker be exposed to nano-sized particles that could enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or contact through the skin? Refer to the Chemical Safety Management Handbook chapter and FAQ Nanomaterials for further information on the risk assessment process. Hazardous Plant/Equipment (“Plant”) (During operation) ☐ Rotating/moving parts (e.g. shafts, pullies, sprockets, gears, belt conveyors) ☐ Hard surfaces moving together ☐ Scissor or shear action ☐ Eject objects (parts, components, waste) ☐ Sharp edge – moving/stationary ☐ Ignition sources (flame or spark) ☐ Compressed air or high pressure fluid ☐ Electricity ☐ Explosive or flammable atmosphere ☐ Ergonomic (e.g. equipment design/layout) ☐ Mobile plant/equipment (e.g. forklifts, pallet jacks, earthmoving equipment) ☐ Heat (radiated or conducted) or steam ☐ Harmful noise ☐ Poorly positioned control levers or buttons Could the plant/equipment: ☐ entangle a person’s hair, clothing, gloves, jewellery, in moving parts? ☐ crush a person (e.g. material fall off the plant, uncontrolled/unexpected movement of the plant)? ☐ stab, puncture or strike e.g. due to coming into contact with sharp or flying objects? ☐ shear a body part (e.g. between two parts of the plant/between the plant and a work structure)? ☐ expose the worker to live electrical conductors (e.g. proximity, overload of electrical circuits)? ☐ expose the worker to gases/vapours/liquids/dusts/other substances triggered by the operation? ☐ explode or implode, or reach high temperatures? ☐ exceed safe noise levels (e.g. more than 85 decibels over a normal shift or a single noise level above 140 decibels) due to very loud impact or explosive sounds? ☐ require the worker to adopt poor ergonomic posture/repeat the same movements? (see Hazardous Manual Activity)? ☐ overturn, collide with another person or thing (e.g. moving powered plant)? ☐ malfunction (e.g. is an industrial robot/remotely/automatically energised plant at the workplace)? ☐ expose the worker to hazardous levels of vibration (to whole or part of body)? ☐ cause a significant burn ☐ require energy sources to be isolated e.g. for cleaning, maintenance? ☐ require the operator to climb onto the equipment during operation? ☐ be operated in a confined space? (See FAQ Confined space for additional guidance) ☐ controls be inadvertently bumped or knocked? ☐ require extension leads which present electrical hazards if damaged or wet? ☐ require the operator to make adjustments to the mechanism of machinery while the machine is in motion/operation? ☐ require the use of Hazardous chemicals during operation, cleaning, maintenance? (see section above)
HSW Handbook Hazard Management Effective Date: 1 December 2020 Version 4. Authorised by Chief Operating Officer (University Operations) Review Date: 1 December 2023 Page 4 of 6
Appendix A (Page 4 of 6 )
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
(EXAMPLES)
If the hazard is applicable to the activity, then transfer the hazard and how
the worker could be exposed onto your Risk assessment template
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Stop and think. What could cause harm?
Identify each hazard
that is part of this work process
Examples of how/when the worker could be exposed to the hazard
(e.g. what is the route of exposure?)
Fall from one level to another / Falling objects ☐ Could the worker fall from a cliff?) ☐ Could the worker fall from a ladder, work platform or item of plant/equipment? ☐ Could the worker fall from a roof or through a structure, fragile surface? ☐ Could the worker fall into an unguarded hole in the floor such as hatchway, inspection hole, pit, tank or machinery? ☐ Could the worker be hit by a falling object? High risk travel (Travel to a high risk destination) ☐ Is the worker travelling to a DFAT level 3 destination? i.e. Reconsider your need to travel (This level means that there are serious and potentially life threatening risks that make the destination unsafe for tourism and unsuitable for most travellers. This could be due to an ongoing threat of terrorism or kidnapping, frequent incidents of violent crime, ongoing civil unrest, widespread disease, or other safety risks including a natural disaster.) ☐ Is the worker travelling to a DFAT level 4 destination? i.e. Do not travel (This level means that the security situation is extremely dangerous. This may be due to a high threat of terrorist attack or kidnapping, ongoing armed conflict, violent social unrest, or critical levels of violent crime. It is often a combination of these.) The DFAT Smart traveller website provides additional information. The Travel & Entertainment Policy & Procedures sets out the approval process for travel to a high/very high risk destination. Operation of a drone (Regardless of the size or if operated indoors or outdoors) ☐ Is the worker operating a drone for work purposes? Refer to the University website - The Unmanned Research Aircraft Facility (URAF) for all compliance requirements including risk assessments. Strict protocols apply to all University activities requiring the operation of a drone to meet the requirements for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems under the Civil Aviation Act and Regulations. All operations regardless of drone type or activity must be approved by the University’s Chief Remote Pilot. Non-compliance by any University staff or students could lead to the cancellation of our licence which would impact on all University pilots and mean that all University drones would be grounded. No insurance cover will apply. Electrical Electric shock (working on or near power lines or live power) Hidden wiring/cables (wall or ground penetration) ☐ Could the worker be penetrating a wall or ground and there is the potential for contact with electrical wiring/cables? ☐ Could the worker be operating electrical equipment near water (beyond what the manufacturer intended) or outdoors? ☐ Could the equipment be chewed on by animals? ☐ Is the electrical cord subject to crushing or crimping? ☐ Could the equipment be in direct contact with dust, vibration, heat, or corrosive chemicals that could cause damage to the item? ☐ Could the equipment be immersed in water or in an environment where there is condensation on the floors or walls? Boating and diving activity ☐ Could the worker be at risk of drowning? ☐ Could the worker be exposed to weather extremes? ☐ Could the worker require emergency medical treatment during the activity? ☐ Could there be communication issues (e.g. by virtue of location or isolation) ☐ Could equipment failure harm the worker? ☐ Could the worker come into contact with dangerous marine animals? Noise and sound (Produced during an activity) ☐ Could the worker be exposed to noise levels approaching/greater than safe exposure standards (including music) >85dB(A) or peak level approaching/greater than 135dB(C) for any period of time?
HSW Handbook Hazard Management Effective Date: 1 December 2020 Version 4. Authorised by Chief Operating Officer (University Operations) Review Date: 1 December 2023 Page 5 of 6
Appendix A (Page 5 of 6 )
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
(EXAMPLES)
If the hazard is applicable to the activity, then transfer the hazard and how
the worker could be exposed onto your Risk assessment template
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Stop and think. What could cause harm?
Identify each hazard
that is part of this work process
Examples of how/when the worker could be exposed to the hazard
(e.g. what is the route of exposure?)
Confined space entry ☐ Poor air quality/insufficient oxygen ☐ Chemical exposure ☐ Extreme temperature ☐ Flooding ☐ Suffocation, crushing, engulfment ☐ Could the worker be required to enter into an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not designed or intended primarily to be occupied by a person (e.g. a pit, tank, vat, pipe, duct, silo, container)? A specific Permit to Work is required to address the hazards. Refer to the HSW Handbook Confined Space FAQ Operation of a Firearm (^) ☐ Could the worker be required to operate a firearm or be part of a work related activity where someone is operating a firearm? Specific requirements and licences are required to meeting the requirements of the Firearms Act and Regulations. Refer to the HSW Handbook chapter Firearms Safety Management for information. Hot work (e.g. welding) ☐ Burns, fire and heat ☐ Dust, smoke and fumes ☐ Light radiation ☐ Asphyxiation ☐ Is the worker required to do welding, grinding, thermal or oxygen cutting or heating or other related heat producing or spark-producing operations? A hot-work permit is required for this activity. Refer to the HSW Handbook Hot work FAQ for further information on hazard management. Other ☐ Off campus activity Remote or isolated work ☐ Temperature extremes (hot or cold) ☐ Is the worker required to work in a remote location that would require specific arrangements to be in place for rescue and/or medical assistance? (Refer to the Off campus activities FAQ which includes a risk assessment decision tool and a specific Risk assessment template for “Off campus activities”/Field Work.) ☐ Is the worker required to work in a location where they could suffer hyperthermia (i.e. body is overheated), or work in a cold room? DESCRIPTORS FOR ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF RISK Likelihood Table CATEGORY DESCRIPTION Almost certain There is an expectation that an event/incident will occur. Likely There is an expectation that an event/incident could occur but not certain to occur. Possible This expectation lies somewhere in the midpoint between “could” and “improbable”. May happen occasionally. Unlikely There is an expectation that an event/incident is doubtful or improbable to occur. Rare There is no expectation that the event/incident will occur. Consequences Table CATEGORY DESCRIPTION Severe Injury resulting in death, permanent incapacity. Major Injury requiring extensive medical treatment (e.g. hospitalisation), or activities could result in a Notifiable occurrence. Moderate Injury requires formal medical treatment (e.g. hospital outpatient/doctors visit) Activities could result in an Improvement/Prohibition Notice. Minor Injury requires first aid treatment. Negligible Injury requires minor first aid (e.g. bandaid), or result in short term discomfort (e.g. bruise, headache, muscular aches), no medical treatment. Risk matrix Likelihood Consequences Negligible Minor Moderate Major Severe Almost Certain Medium High Very High Very High Very High Likely Medium Medium High Very High Very High Possible Low Medium High High Very High Unlikely Low Low Medium Medium High Rare Low Low Low Medium Medium
