Evaluating Risk and Controlling Hazards
Evaluating Risk
After you recognize a hazard, your next step in the Electrical Safety Model is to evaluate your risk from the hazard.
Risk Matrix
The closer you work to the "danger zone," the more likely you'll be exposed to the electrical hazard.
Risk = Probability + Severity
To analyze and evaluate risk we must determine two variables: probability and severity.
- Probability The likelihood or chance that a particular event will occur, often expressed as a percentage or a ratio.
- Severity is the extent of damage, harm, or impact that an event or condition may cause, often used to assess risks or outcomes.
You can estimate probability; however, severity is nothing more than a matter of luck.
For instance, exposed wires should be recognized as a hazard. If the exposed wires are 15 feet off the ground, you're not close to the danger zone so the probability of an injury is low. However, if you are going to be working on a roof near those same wires, the probability would be high. In either situation, contact with the exposed wire could be fatal. But if the employee is working at elevation and could fall, the severity is more likely going to be fatal.
Another factor increasing your risk of injury is working around combinations of hazards. Improper grounding and a damaged tool greatly increase your risk. Wet conditions combined with other hazards also increase your risk. You will need to make decisions about the nature of hazards to evaluate your risk and do the right thing to remain safe.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. What two variables must be determined when evaluating the risk of an electrical hazard?
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