OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Define key terms Hazard &Risk
- Describe the Fire Risk Assessment
- Describe the steps of Fire Risk Assessment
1 Hazard
Something with potential to cause harm. Generally, hazard is classified
Mechanical Hazards | Non-Mechanical Hazards |
Crushing | Electrical |
Cutting | Fire |
Entanglement | Slip, Trip, Fall |
Trapping | Noise |
Stabbing | Hazardous Substances |
Abrasion | CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) |
2 Risk:
Risk is the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm in combination with the severity of damage or loss that might foreseeably occur.
RISK= Likelihood x Consequence
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3 Fire Risk Assessment
Formalized process of identifying fire hazard, evaluating risk and eliminating risk to acceptable level. Main objective of fire risk assessment is the prevention of Fire incidents.
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4. Steps of Fire Risk Assessment
- Identification of Fire Hazard
- Identify the people who might be harmed
- Evaluate risk and Control measures
- Record significant findings and implement them
- Review and update
4.1. Identification of Fire Hazards
4.1.1 Fire Hazard can be Identified by
- Inspections
- Surveys
- Task Analysis
- MSDS
- NFPA Diamond
- Incident data
4.1.2 Elements to be Consider in Identification of Fire Hazard
4.1.2.1 Source of Fuel
- Storage & Location of Fuel
- Type of Fuel (Combustible, Flammable)
- Amount of Fuel
4.1.2.2 Source of Ignition
- Hot works
- Electrical equipment & wiring
- Temperature exposure
- Mechanical heat
- Smoking
4.1.2.3 Source of Oxygen
- Storage of Oxygen Cylinders
- Storage of Oxidizing
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4.2. Identify the People at Risk of Fire
In fire risk assessment consider people who might be affected by fire
- Employees
- Contractor
- Visitors
- Public
- Vulnerable (Disable persons, toddlers, Impaired)
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4.3. Evaluate Risk & Control Measure
4.3.1 Evaluate Risk
Risk can be evaluated by using Risk Assessment Matrix
Risk = Likelihood x Consequences
4.3.2 Control Measures
The general hierarchy of control is
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- PPE
4.3.2.1 Elimination
If a hazard can be eliminated then the risk created by the hazard disappear this might be done by completely avoiding that activity.
4.3.2.2 Substitution
Sometime if possible, to substituted one hazard with another that create less risk. Substitute Flammable fuel with combustibles
4.3.2.3 Engineering Control
- Fire Detection and Alarms
- Fire Fighting Equipment (Fixed and portable)
- Means of Escape
- Lighting
- Compartmentation
- Fire Doors
4.3.2.4 Administrative control
- Safe System of Work (Work Permit System).
- Housekeeping
- Signs and notices
- Trainings and drills
- Supervision
4.3.2.5 Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment that protect personnel from one or more risk to their safety and health
- Safety Helmet
- SCBA
- Fire Suit
- Safety Shoes
4.4. Record Significant Findings
Significant findings of risk assessment should record
- Identification of activity/ area with significant Fire Hazard
- Evaluation of existing control measures
- Assessment of emergency procedures and emergency plans
- Date of assessment
- Name of competent person
- Review date
4.5. Review
In particular, the risk assessment should be reviewed
- After significant that might affect fire safety
- After a Fire Emergency
- Periodically

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