Hazard and risk
A hazard is anything that can cause harm: a sharp blade, hot glue, a slippery floor, a toxic solvent, loud noise, a trailing cable.
Risk is the chance that the hazard actually causes harm, combined with how bad the harm would be.
Kinds of hazard: physical (heat, noise, sharp edges, electricity), chemical (solvents, dust, fumes), biological (germs, mould), ergonomic (bad posture, heavy lifting) and psychological (stress, long hours).
Caring for your body also counts: rest breaks, good posture, hand washing and drinking water.
Risk assessment step by step
- Identify the hazards. Walk around and look.
- Decide who might be harmed and how (users, visitors, cleaners).
- Evaluate the risk: likelihood (1–3) × severity (1–3). 1–2 low, 3–4 medium, 6–9 high.
- Add controls to lower the risk.
- Record and review the assessment, especially after an accident or change.
Risk assessments are needed before using machines, chemicals or new processes in a design workshop, lab, art studio or workplace.
Hierarchy of control and PPE
Controls are ranked from most to least effective:
- Eliminate: remove the hazard (do not use the solvent at all).
- Substitute: use something safer (water-based paint instead of solvent paint).
- Engineering controls: guards, extraction fans, interlocks, emergency stops.
- Administrative controls: rules, training, signs, rotas, supervision.
- PPE (personal protective equipment): goggles, gloves, apron, ear defenders, dust mask, safety boots. Last because it only protects one person and only if worn correctly.
Chemicals and materials come with a safety data sheet that lists hazards and safe handling. Rules for hazardous substances (such as the UK COSHH rules) make employers assess them.
Safety signs, safe materials and the law
Safety signs
- Red circle with bar: prohibition (no smoking).
- Blue circle: mandatory (wear goggles).
- Yellow triangle: warning (hot surface, high voltage).
- Green square: safe condition (fire exit, first aid).
- Red square: fire equipment.
Safe tools and art materials
- Keep machine guards in place; never wear loose sleeves near rotating parts.
- Use paints, glues and sprays with fresh air; choose water-based, non-toxic (look for safety labels) where you can.
- Cut away from your body; store blades covered.
- Darkroom and printmaking chemicals: gloves, labels, correct disposal.
- Choose materials that are safe for users and the environment (less toxic, recyclable).
Laws and duties
Most countries have health and safety laws. Employers must provide a safe workplace, training and PPE and must assess risks. Workers must follow rules, use PPE and report hazards. In India, factory safety is covered by national labour codes; in the UK by the Health and Safety at Work Act; the International Labour Organization sets global standards.
Key formulas and definitions
- Risk = likelihood × severity (each 1–3; score 1–9)
- Score 1–2 low · 3–4 medium · 6–9 high
- Hierarchy: Eliminate > Substitute > Engineering > Admin > PPE
- Signs: red circle = prohibited · blue circle = must · yellow triangle = warning · green square = safe
Worked examples
1. A student uses a scroll saw. The blade can cut fingers (severity 3). With a guard and training, an injury is unlikely (likelihood 1). Find the risk score.
Risk = 1 × 3 = 3, medium. Keep the guard, train, supervise, use a push stick and tie back hair.
2. An art class uses a spray adhesive in a small room with no window. Suggest controls using the hierarchy.
Eliminate: use glue stick or tape. Substitute: low-fume water-based glue. Engineering: spray in a booth with extraction or outdoors. Admin: short use, sign on door. PPE: mask and gloves, last.
3. A cable trails across a corridor. Likelihood 3, severity 2. Score and action?
3 × 2 = 6, high. Remove the hazard: re-route the cable or use a socket nearby. Cover it with a cable protector only if it cannot be moved.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up hazard and risk. The hazard is the thing; risk is the chance and size of harm.
- Jumping straight to PPE. PPE is the last line; first try to remove, replace or guard the hazard.
- Doing a risk assessment once and forgetting it. Review after changes or accidents.
- Thinking a yellow triangle means 'you must'. Yellow triangle warns; blue circle means must.