Qualitative Risk Matrix

Severity Qualitative Risk Analysis Risk Definitions

The severity of the hazard being realized is categorized by reviewing and choosing Qualitative risk analysis uses words to describe the magnitude of the
High (Intolerable)
a descriptor. The team reviews and chooses the severity which best represents the potential severity and likelihood. The risk level is then also expressed with
seriousness of the possible consequences should the incident occur. All four types words such as High, Medium and Low. Qualitative analysis is generally used If the risk level is High, it is
of severity must be considered (People, Asset/Production, Environment and in high level Preliminary Risk Assessment processes, any Qualitative Risk considered to be unacceptable.
Reputation). Each of the severity categories are represented on the Risk Matrix by Assessment or workplace risk assessments such as Job Safety Analysis High is illustrated on the Risk
a description (e.g. Catastrophic). The descriptor chosen must represent the and Hazard Spotting. This is mainly because the qualitative approach is Matrix as the area shaded in
severest category agreed upon by the team. For example, if the Environment more appropriate to the detail required in the assessment of the level of risk red. If a high risk result remains,
severity was slight but the Asset/Production severity was major then major is the being managed. If a high level of risk is identified, normal practice is to once all available controls have
overall severity rating which should be used. conduct a more detailed risk assessment. been identified, the task must
not be undertaken. Further
Decision Issue
review, consultation and risk
assessment is required.
People
Asset/
Environment Reputation Likelihood
Production
Medium (Tolerable)
Massive effect;
Extensive
Potential fatalities Damage; long
environmental
impact could Impact would 5 Medium Medium High High High
A risk defined as Medium is
Catastrophic or permanent term impact
last for decades; receive national Catastrophic
considered tolerable; this
disabling Injury on operations;
or Illness long term loss
long term and global attention region of the Risk Matrix is
contamination
in revenue
requiring remediation shaded in yellow. Although
these risks are in the tolerable
Major Damage;
major damage
Major effect;
environmental
Impact would 4 Medium Medium Medium High High range, efforts should still be
Severe Injury
or Illness/
to equipment; impact could
receive regional and
industry coverage;
Major made to reduce them to levels
Major Hospitalization/
delay in last for years;
potential chronic that are as low as reasonably
operations; area becomes
Disability health impact

Severity
short term restricted for a
to community practicable. This is the ALARP
loss in revenue limited period of time
principle and it must be clearly
3 Low Medium Medium Medium High demonstrated.
Severe effect;
Local Damage; environmental impact Considerable impact
Severe

Severe Injury or
severe damage
to equipment;
could last for
months; reportable
to local community;
potential acute health
Low (Acceptable)
Severe Illness / Lost Time impact on part of quantity spill or impacts to community;
The acceptable risk criteria is
2
operations; partial release; spill or Community response
loss of revenue release requires plan activated
cleanup Low Low Medium Medium Medium described as Low, this is the
Minor region of the Risk Matrix
Minor Damage; Minor effect; shaded in green. Any risk that
Minor injury damage to environmental impact Minor impact;
Minor or Illness / equipment; could last for weeks; immediate area to lies below the lower bound of
OSHA recordable / minor impact spill or release facility may be alerted;
Doctor Visit on operations; no external to facility odor or noise complaints 1 the tolerable region is broadly
loss in revenue no cleanup required Low Low Low Medium Medium acceptable. Note that if a risk is
Slight
Slight effect; acceptable this does not
Slight Damage; environmental impact Slight Impact;
no significant could last for days; no impact to
necessarily preclude the
Slight Injury/Illness;
initiation of improvements if
Slight First aid case
impact on
operations;
no long term
consequences;
local community;
little notice A B C D E they are economic, readily
no loss in revenue spill or release by community
Rare Unlikely Possible Probable Almost
internal to facility Certain identified and practicable.

Likelihood
The likelihood of the hazard being realized The event may only occur in The event The event The event will probably The event is expected to
is categorized by reviewing and choosing a exceptional circumstances could occur at some time may occur at some time occur in most circumstances occur in most circumstances
descriptor. The choice is based on the
Industry standard practices and An event of this type has This event is known to occur This event occurs based
information available to the team and based safeguards would prevent been known to occur but unlikely but several failures would be
This event could occur
on the existing safeguards
if a single safeguard fails
on the team’s knowledge and experience of this event from occurring based on the safeguards required for the event to occur may not be adequate
industry and company data.
Revision 2

Rare Unlikely Possible Probable Almost Certain

Silverdot Ref: 90055