Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) Study

Q1. What is the Objective of HIRARC?

A1. The objective of HIRARC is as follows:

The primary objective of Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) is to proactively identify potential hazards in the workplace or any other environment, assess the associated risks, and implement control measures to minimize or eliminate those risks.

Q2. What is the Scope of HIRARC?

A2. The Scope of HIRARC is as follows:

The scope of a Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) study defines the boundaries and focus of the assessment. It outlines what aspects of the workplace or activity will be evaluated and what hazards and risks will be considered.

Q3. What references are commonly used for HIRARC Study?

A3. The references used for HIRARC study is as follows:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines,
  • International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines,
  • national standards and regulations, industry-specific guidelines,
  • ISO standards,
  • guidance from health and safety agencies, these references provide frameworks and best practices for identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace hazards and risks.

Q4. What is the order of precedence for HIRARC Study guidelines?

A4. The order of precedence for HIRARC study is as follows:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514)
  • As per Client Guidelines and
  • National & International reference books.

Q5. What are the Steps for HIRARC Study?

A5. The steps for HIRARC Study are as follows:

  • classify work activities;
  • Identify hazard;
  • conduct risk assessment (analyses and estimate risk from each hazard), by calculating or estimating–
  • Decide if risk is tolerable and apply control measures (if necessary).
    • likelihood of occurrence, and
    • severity of hazard;
  • Decide if risk is tolerable and apply control measures (if necessary).

Hazard Evaluation is carried out to identify the hazard that exists, the consequences that might occur as a result of hazards, the likelihood that events might take place that would impact an accident with such a consequence, and the likelihood that safety system, Mitigating systems and emergency alarms and evaluation plan would function property and eliminate or reduce the Consequences.

Q6. What are the documents required for the HIRARC Study?

A6. The documents required for the HIRARC Study include the following

  • Scope of work
  • Workplace Layout and Floor Plans 
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
  • Incident and Accident Reports
  • MSDS or Chemical properties of RM &FG
  • Equipment Manuals and Specifications
  • Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
  • Training Records
  • Regulatory Requirements and Standards
  • Records of Inspections and Audits

Q7. What are documents deliverables for HIRARC Study?

A7. The documents deliverables for HAC Study are as follows:

  • Executive Summary
  • Document Review
  • Submission of terms of reference
  • HIRARC Methodology
  • Risk Ranking Matrix
  • HIRARC Worksheet
  • Comments Resolving sheets
  • Reference
  • List of tables
  • List of appendix

Q8. Who is responsible for conducting HIRARC?

A8. HIRARC team includes the following:

HIRARC is typically conducted by a multidisciplinary team that includes safety professionals, managers, supervisors, and workers who have knowledge of the workplace and its processes. Ultimately, management is responsible for ensuring that HIRARC is conducted effectively and that appropriate control measures are implemented.

Q9. What are the differences between hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control?

A9. Difference between hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control is as follows:

Hazard identification involves identifying potential sources of harm in the workplace, whereas risk assessment evaluates the likelihood and severity of harm occurring from those hazards. Risk control involves implementing measures to reduce or eliminate the identified risks.

Q10. Which software will be used for the HIRARC study?

A10. Following Software is used in HIRARC Study

  • PHA Pro version 8.19 software.

Q11. What information does the executive summary of a HIRARC Report typically include?

A11. Executive summary of a HIRARC Report typically includes the following information:

The executive summary of a Report provides a overview of the study’s objectives, methodology, key findings, and recommendations.

It typically includes:

  • Purpose and Scope: Briefly explain the purpose and scope of the HIRARC study, including the area or process assessed and the timeframe of the assessment.
  • Methodology: Summarize the methodology used to conduct the HIRARC study, including the techniques and tools employed for hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control.
  • Key Findings: Highlight the main findings of the study, including significant hazards identified, assessed risks, and key observations related to workplace safety and health.
  • Risk Prioritization: Summarize the prioritization of risks based on their likelihood and potential consequences, indicating which risks are considered high priority for control measures.
  • Control Measures: Provide an overview of the recommended control measures for managing identified risks, including both existing controls and proposed enhancements or new measures.
  • Conclusions: Summarize the overall conclusions drawn from the HIRARC study, including any trends or patterns observed, areas of particular concern, and strengths or weaknesses identified in current risk management practices.
  • Recommendations: Present actionable recommendations for improving workplace safety and health based on the findings of the HIRARC study. These recommendations may include specific actions to address high-priority risks, enhance control measures, and strengthen safety management systems.
  • Next Steps: Outline the proposed next steps or follow-up actions to be taken based on the recommendations provided in the executive summary, including timelines and responsibilities for implementation.

Q12. What should be done with the findings of a HIRARC study?

A12. Following needs to be done with the findings of HIRARC Study:

The findings of a HIRARC study should be documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders, including management, workers, and safety committees. Actionable recommendations for controlling identified risks should be implemented, and the effectiveness of control measures should be monitored and reviewed regularly.

Q13. How HIRARC Worksheet looks like?

A13. Following is the format for HAZID Worksheet:

Q14. What is the Comment Resolution Sheet Format?

A14. The meaning of Comment Resolution Sheet (CRS) is as follows: A comment resolution sheet is a document used to track and address comments, feedback, or issues raised during a review process, audit, or evaluation

DISCLAIMER

This Blog is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. It is advisable to verify all information presented and consult with appropriate experts or professionals before making any decisions or implementing any strategies based on the content of this blog. HSE Risk Management Services Pvt. Ltd. accept no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided herein.