(146a) Common Mistakes with the Application of a Risk Matrix

This education session is based on the risk assessment principles and methodologies from publications of the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), International System Safety Society (ISSS), American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), and Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP). The presentation will discuss lessons learned from the use of qualitative, semiqualitative, and qualitative risk matrices. Risk management guides and references from these organizations as well as additional standards (e.g., ANSI, SEMI) provide the hazards analysis (HA) practitioner with guidance on the use of risk matrices to support the identification of risk. Risk matrices are a tool in the HA practitioner's toolbox to help make risk-based decisions to assign resources. Proper use of the risk matrix is a powerful tool; whereas, misapplication of the risk matrix may yield a hollow promise of safety and waste resources. The information and lessons learned provided will aid the HA practitioner with addressing unmitigated risk, mitigated risk, and adequacy of safeguards.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Use qualitative risk matrix development principles.

• Identify common mistakes in risk matrix usage.

• Calculate consequence & frequency derivations.

• Utilize preventive & mitigative control applications.