What is hazard?

Hazard definition:

Hazard means existing unsafe condition or action or situation or event or their combination which has potential to cause an accident. Thus, the hazard can become a cause of accident or risk and it can exist without accident or risk. When due to hazard, an accident happens, it is converted into an accident.

If a hazard still exists, an accident may happen again. (Hazard is a condition that might cause an accident or risk and harm to people, property, and environment).

Types of hazards

• Biological hazard
• Chemical hazard
• Ergonomic hazard
• Physical hazard
• Psychological hazard
• Safety hazards
• Environmental hazards.

What is Biological hazard?

Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, etc. Biological hazards are biological agents that have the capacity to cause harmful effects on humans. These organisms are widespread in the natural environment; they are found in air, water, soil, plants, and animals.

What is Chemical hazard?.

Chemical hazard is a hazard due to chemicals like acids, pesticides, carbon monoxide, flammable liquids, welding fumes, silica dust, etc. and it is realized by fire, explosion, toxicity, radiation, etc. Workers can be exposed to chemicals in liquids, gases, vapors, fumes, and particulate materials.

Types of chemical hazard:

1. Inflammable
   • Solvent, Hydrocarbons, phosphorous, flammable substance.
2. Explosives
   • Dust solvent, vapor, powder, solid substance, etc.
3. Toxic
   • Dust, fumes, gas, vapors, mist, poisons, carcinogens.
4. Corrosive
   • Acid, alkali, Irritant.
5. Radioactive
   • Atomic energy.

What is Ergonomics hazard?

Ergonomic hazards Occur when the type of work, body positions, and working conditions put a strain on your body and that can result in musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. Examples are given below.

• Back injury
• Hand, wrist, arm, neck stress as a result of computer use
• Uncomfortable positions which cause stress to the muscles
• Injury due to overexertion
• Muscle tearing
• Poor posture
• Frequent lifting
• Manual handling

What is Physical hazard?

Physical hazards can affect those who work in harmful environments or extremely hot or cold weather conditions. It can injure workers with or without contact. These hazards are the most common hazards and these types of hazards include:

• Electrical hazard.
• Radiation hazard.
  1. Ionising (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-rays, neutrons, etc.)
  2. Non-ionising (UV, IR, Microwaves, Laser beams, etc.)
• Expose to Sound and vibration
• Mechanical hazard. (Examples, unguarded machine, no fencing, no safety device, no control device, unsafe, machine, equipment, instruments, etc.)
• Falling (objects & people)
• Fire

What is Psychological hazard?

Psychological hazards include:

• Shift work
• Workload
• Dealing with the public
• Harassment
• Discrimination
• Threat of danger
• Constant low-level noise
• Stress
• Violence
• Heights
• Tunnels.

What is Safety hazard?

Safety hazards create unsafe working conditions. For example:

• slipping/tripping hazards
• inappropriate machine guarding
• Fall from heights etc

What is Environmental hazard?

Environmental hazards include:

• Emissions
• Spills
• Products that pollute the earth
• Groundwater
• Wastes.

Faq’s for Hazard: