Identifying hazards

A hazard is anything with the potential to cause damage to people, the environment, property, plant or equipment. Hazards can include things such as noise, computer workstations, electricity, radiation and chemicals.

There are a number of ways that hazards may be identified:

• At UTS the work environment risk and safety checklists are a tool to assist (UTS staff access only).

  Hazards are usually linked to activities, so a good starting point is to identify activities, tasks or projects undertaken in your workplace and ask yourself: "What types of hazards are present?". Thinking about the work environment where tasks are carried out can help identify hazards.

  It is often useful to list the steps involved in a task or project. Breaking the activity into steps can make hazard identification simpler.

  By law, management must identify hazards in consultation with employees as part of the risk management process.

• Some hazards will also be identified through the reporting of accidents or incidents.

Hazard table

The hazard table provides a more detailed list of possible hazards that may exist at UTS.

Hazard or source of risk	Examples
Chemical	Dangerous goods, hazardous substances, dust, fumes, vapours and gases
Cytotoxins	Carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens
Environment	Emissions to atmosphere, discharge to soil and water bodies, nuisance noise and odour
Ergonomics	​Lifting or moving awkward or heavy objects, repetitive or awkward movements
Genetically        modified organisms	Any dealings with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetic manipulation
Imported biological material	Imported: cell lines, culture media, laboratory animals, microorganisms, reagents of biological  origin, animal serum, animal tissue extracts
Ionising radiation	Radioactive substances
Pathogenic micro-organisms	Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi or viruses, human blood or bodily fluids.
Physical	Noise, hazardous plant or equipment, lasers, ionising radiation source or apparatus, extreme temperature, compressed gases, pressure vessels, lifts/hoists/cranes, electrical equipment.
Psychosocial	Workplace stress, bullying and harassment, violence in the workplace, fatigue, and alcohol and drug use.​
Work environment	Outdoor work, work in confined space, work in isolation, work at a height, potentially volatile or violent clients/interviewees