The e-Hazard Safety Cycle™ requires a firm basis and understanding of the risk assessment process. A good starting point would be the organization’s existing risk assessment system. We have found that using an existing system harnesses the power of familiarity. If the company does not have a risk assessment system, it should consider adopting a standardized system. Typical systems may include a quantitative risk assessment (scoring based on the frequency of the exposure, probability and consequence if the risk materialized) or BowTie risk assessments. See NFPA 70E®-2015 Annex F on the Risk Assessment Procedure.
Driving the concept of parallel processes is key to the e-Hazard Safety Cycle™. While the organization may be busy initiating a risk assessment program, there are two common hazards that have already been identified through consensus standards: arc flash and shock hazards. These are risk assessed through an arc flash engineering study that will include a shock assessment.
Following is an in-depth look at the risk assessment element using the “Envision, Execute, Evaluate and Evolve” cycle.