Preliminary Hazard Analysis Procedure

Overview

Preliminary hazard analysis is performed to identify possible hazards that could be created by the system being designed. This information can then be used to reduce the severity or build-in safeguards against the effects of the identified hazards.
Common sources of hazards are:

• Sources and propagation paths of stored energy in electrical, chemical, or mechanical form;
• Mechanical moving parts;
• Material or system incompatibilities;
• Nuclear and electromagnetic radiation (including infra-red, ultra-violet, laser, radar, and radio frequencies);
• Collision and subsequent problems of survival and escape;
• Fire and explosion;
• Toxic and corrosive liquids and gases escaping from containers or being generated as a result of other malfunctions (for example, overheating);
• Deterioration in long-term storage;
• Noise including sub-sonic and supersonic vibrations;
• Biological hazards, including bacterial growth in such places as fuel tanks;
• Human error in operating, handling, or moving near equipment of the system;
• Software error where it can cause loss of life or limb to humans, or cause major damage to property.

When a hazard is identified it can be categorized and treated as accepted or as needing further investigation. When safety is an issue the hazard will be tracked in an hazard log and subjected to continual review.

When a hazard is accepted its effects shall be controlled by a change in design.

Under construction. 

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