Keywords: Hazard, Hazard identification, Risk assessment, OHSAS18001:2007, Risk, Risk analysis, Risk management, Safety, Electrical hazards, Control measures
This study’s main objective was to identify the hazards associated with each step involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity at SEC and to generate controls to ensure that risks are eliminated or reduced to tolerable level. The hazard identification and risk assessment tool were developed from clause 4.3.1 of OSHAS 18001 to improve safety at Swaziland Electricity Company.
Section 2 of the paper presents the definition of hazard identification and risk assessment with reference to some concepts from literature. The proposed simplified tool is then presented in section 3. Section 4 concludes the findings of the study.
Hazard identification and risk assessment: The hazards are defined as potential or harm or all aspects of technology and activity that produces risks [5]. Whilst risk assessment is about deciding who might be harmed and then judging how likely it is something goes wrong, and how serious the consequences could be and how to reduce it to as low a level as possible [6]. The Health and Safety Executive [7], Kaplan and Garrick [8]; Gillett defines risk assessment as a process that determines the degree of risks that employees face from exposure to health and safety hazard arising from a given activity, facility or system at work and to establish controls requiring prioritization.
In this paper risk assessment refers to the process that identifies the hazards associated with particular activities/tasks on electricity sites, evaluates the effects and estimate hazard or aspects of exposure to these hazards. These are then prioritized, controlled and reviewed continuously. The outcome of this process is to dictate what applicable and suitable monitoring and measurement, training operational control, objectives and targets as well as related safety programmes must be put in place by the organization [9].
The data obtained using the questioners and focus groups meetings was subjected to quantitative analysis. Variables such as employee’s skills, educational background, age, work experience exposure to environmental health and safety training, were used to determine the environmental risks associated with the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity.
General framework of risk assessment: Risk assessment is a stepwise process consisting of interrelated but distinct phases. Thus the context must be established first before the hazard is identified. The same is true for estimation of the risk stage, in that it cannot start until finishing identification of the hazard stage. Five stages of risk assessment have been identified, which are establishing the context, identifying the risk, estimating the risk, evaluating the risk and controlling/responding to the risk. This has been adopted from a framework by Australia New Zealand risk standard 2004 as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Shows hazard identification adopted from Australia New Zealand risk standard (2004).
Figure 2: Hazard identification process and risk assessment process which has been used in this study.
The steps in the following sections highlight the tool that was used for hazard identification and risk assessment at Swaziland Electricity Company, the case for the study.
Data collection was based on the following, experienced employees who were well versed of their daily activities and associated risks and control and a competent team to do the hazard identification. According to clause 4.3.1 there are various methods of hazard identification including, job safety analysis (JSA), Hazard and operability Analysis (HAZOP) and what if method. The business unit’s teams from (generation, transmission and distribution) assembled and conducted the Hazard identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) following the process using the chart in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Hazard identification and risk assessment process.
A team of experts from the sampled business units engaged in a brainstorming session. For the hazard identification step, the business units listed all activities and processes in their departments. This included all activities which are carried out in routine, emergency and non-routine basis. They identified all processes and related inputs and outputs and determined the associated hazards. The business units had to determine the hazards, who could be harmed and how. They also had to identify legal requirements related to activities carried out and related controls. This stage was meant to determine potential risks associated with activities performed by personnel as well as other people exposed such as visitors and contractors.
Risk analysis/evaluation
Hazard Evaluation criteria for safety and significance determination
Risk assessment and significance evaluation were identified and rated as stipulated in the Tables 1-4 in the next section based on severity, probability, exposure and controls.
i) Severity; What will the severity or consequence of the hazard be?
ii) Probability: How likely can the risk consequence occur?
iii) Exposure: The consideration is made concerning how many people are exposed to each hazard and for how long.
iv) Controls: How much of the personnel are likely to be exposed?
Table 1: Severity rating (adopted from NOSA 2012 and modified).
Table 2: Probability rating (adopted from NOSA 2012 and modified).
Table 3: Exposure rating (adopted from NOSA 2012 and modified).
Table 4: Hierarchy of control rating (adopted from NOSA 2012 and modified)
Once severity, probability and exposure were determined, the business unit assigned a pure risk rate by summing up all three scores. Existing controls were considered to determine the residual risk, according to the formula below:
Residual risk=Pure risk- existing controls
Where Pure risk=Probability score+Severity score+Exposure
Residual risk calculation
Pure risk=Severity+Probability+Exposure
Significance=Pure risk - Existing Controls
About Swaziland electricity safety
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Swaziland electricity safety have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient Swaziland electricity safety for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various Swaziland electricity safety featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
Related Contents
