In the context of PSM, what is a hazard?

In the context of Process Safety Management (PSM), a hazard is defined as a potential source of harm. This definition encompasses a wide range of scenarios in which a substance or situation could lead to injury, damage to property, or adverse effects on the environment. Recognizing hazards is a foundational aspect of risk management, as it allows organizations to identify and assess risks related to their operations.

Understanding hazards as potential sources of harm emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in safety management. This perspective motivates proactive risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate controls to mitigate the identified hazards, thereby enhancing overall safety.

In contrast, other descriptions provided do not accurately represent the concept of a hazard within PSM. For example, a situation that guarantees harm would refer to a certainty of injury or damage, which undermines the concept of risk assessment that focuses on likelihood and consequences. An unavoidable risk implies no possibility of mitigation or control, contradicting the objective of PSM, which aims to minimize risks. Lastly, a safe operational procedure would describe a method or approach that ensures safety, rather than identifying a potential hazard itself.