Glossary · Risk assessment and risk reduction
Hazard
Also known as: danger source
In machine safety, a hazard is a potential source of injury or damage to health. Hazards are usually classified by origin, such as mechanical or electrical, or by the nature of the potential harm, such as crushing or burns.
- Machine safety
- Risk assessment
In one sentence
A hazard is a potential source of harm; identifying every hazard over the whole machine lifecycle is the starting point of any machine risk assessment.
Example
A CNC lathe presents mechanical hazards from the rotating chuck, ejection hazards from chips and workpieces, electrical hazards in the control cabinet and noise hazards during cutting.
How it applies
- Risk assessment: Identify hazards for every lifecycle phase and operating mode, including setting, cleaning, troubleshooting and maintenance. ISO 12100 provides lists of typical hazards to support a systematic search.
- Evidence: Record each identified hazard in a hazard log or the risk assessment, with a unique ID that links it to measures, verification and instructions.
- Technical documentation: Warnings should name the hazard, its consequence and how to avoid it. The DITA hazard statement structures exactly these parts.
- AI and retrieval: Stable hazard IDs and a controlled hazard vocabulary make it possible to find every document that mentions a hazard when a design changes.
Hazard vs. risk
A hazard exists whether or not anyone is near it. Risk arises only when a person can be exposed, and combines the probability and severity of harm.