Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) turns a broad concern into a specific control decision. Start with a real task, the people exposed and the credible consequence. A score helps organize discussion; it does not authorize hazardous work.
Describe the exposure clearly
Instead of writing only “pump maintenance,” identify opening a pressurized dosing line, unexpected motor start, lifting the assembly and restarting with guards removed. Include routine, non-routine and emergency conditions, as well as nearby workers and contractors.
Separate existing controls from proposed controls. Verify an existing control in the field: a written isolation procedure is useful only if the required isolation points can be identified and verified for that task.
Use a matrix without hiding the consequence
The practice workbook uses illustrative severity and likelihood scales from 1 to 5 and multiplies them. Define the scales and decision thresholds for your own site. ISO 45001 does not prescribe this particular matrix or these numerical cutoffs.
A potentially fatal consequence still needs explicit review even when likelihood is rated low. Missing ratings remain incomplete. Do not lower a residual score until controls have been implemented and their effectiveness verified.
Choose a stronger control and follow through
Work down the hierarchy: eliminate the task or exposure, substitute, engineer protection, add administrative controls and use appropriate PPE. Assign an owner, due date and verification evidence. Discuss the task with workers before approving the method.
Revisit the assessment after process changes, incidents, near misses or a control failure. Use the same action tracker for learning and closure, while keeping permit-to-work and specialist engineering reviews as separate requirements.
Practice downloads
Use the bilingual PDF worksheets in print or alongside the editable Excel files. Examples are for learning; adapt the records to the approved procedures and requirements at your site.
- HIRA and environmental aspect registers — Excel (.xlsx)
- Plant safety, HIRA and emergency worksheet (PDF · English / বাংলা)
Reference documents
- ISO 45001 — occupational health and safety
- HSE: Safe work in confined spaces (PDF)
- IFC General EHS Guidelines (PDF)
ISO catalogue pages identify the standards; access full texts through their publishers. Government and freely available guidance PDFs are linked directly above.
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Health and Safety in ETP, STP and WTP · Environmental Aspects and Impacts in Treatment Plants
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