Hazard recognition

Hazard recognition is a process that involves:

our ability to identify energy sources

Hazard Recognition is a process that involves recognizing energy sources using several tools:

Our knowledge

Our experience

Our senses (coupled with clues) We use our 5 natural senses to identify the presence
of energy sources - seeing, hearing, feeling, and smelling and tasting.

Our job planning skills

Experience is the most important tool to usebut it can lead to complacency

Now that we will identified the energy sources related to our activity today, the challenge is to
recognize where these energy sources can be found .

We use energy to accomplish our work. When we plan tasks we plan to use energy, remove energy,
or transfer energy from one state to another.

The energy sources work environment come from these 8 categories:

(read slide bullets)

1. Motion
Motion is present in all moving Objects. Trauma from impact, struck by, caught between, strains, pinch
points, equipment damage from loss of integrity.

2. Chemical
Chemical energy is released during contact with chemicals or other substances.

Acid/base burns, thermal burns, irritation, toxic exposure, asphyxiation from oxygen deficiency;
environmental contamination

Discuss various ways that chemical energy can cause injury or damage.

MSDSs are a good source of information for chemical energy

3. Gravity
Gravity is a force on elevated bodies such as materials on shelves, materials transported with a
crane, or people in an elevated position Trauma from impact, struck by, (fall, falling objects, etc.)

Point out that gravity is one energy source that is always present.

Common workplace issues associated with gravity include:

Falling - fall protection is essential to prevent falling

Weight of heavy equipment and loads placed on shelving

Use proper rigging equipment and proper loading procedures

Use caution when working and while positioning loads

4. Pressure
Pressure is a force applied over a surface; stored in pneumatic and hydraulic systems; sound
pressure Trauma from impact or struck by (loose hose), injection in body, hearing loss from high
noise level; damage from loss of mechanical integrity

Describe pressure and how it is present in the workplace.

High-pressure lines

Sound

5. Electrical
Electrical energy is made available by the flow of electric current through a conductor Shock, burns,
or electrocution (death); injuries caused by reaction to electrical shock (fall, etc.); electrical charges
from sources such as static electricity or induction; equipment damage from loss of mechanical
integrity

6. Radiography

Radiation energy released from radioactive sources or light

Injuries include burns, radiation sickness, flash burn to eyes from welding arc or sunlight

7. Biological
Biological agents include wildlife, insects, and blood borne pathogens
 Skin irritations, diseases, poisoning from venomous creatures

Contact can result in anything from the common cold to rabies or hepatitis

Sources include:

Bacteria, viruses, humans, insects, plants, birds, reptiles, and other animals