Hazard Analysis (HAZAN)

What is HAZAN

HAZAN (Hazard Analysis) is a systematic method for identifying and assessing hazards in the workplace.

The technique focuses on job tasks as a way of identifying hazards before they occur. HAZAN considers the relationship between the employee, the task to be performed, the tools at the worker’s disposal, and the surrounding environment.

Once uncontrolled hazards have been identified by a HAZAN analysis, steps can be taken to either eliminate the risks or reduce them to an acceptable level.

Objectives

  • Hazard Identification
  • Cause Identification
  • Risk Determination

Methodology

  1. Define the scope

Break down the job into its component tasks and observe each task being performed (input from employees who have performed the task can also be solicited). Identify and document the hazards associated with each task by considering every possible scenario that could result in an accident and asking the following questions:

  • What could go wrong?
  • What are the potential consequences of an incident?
  • How could it happen?
  • What are the possible contributing factors?
  • How likely is it for an incident to take place?

 

  1. Control Measure

Note appropriate control measures for each task, such as engineering controls or personal protective equipment (PPE). Identify any training requirements for carrying out the job safely and review the analysis with the employees who perform the job.