Page 47 - CHEF Guide

What are the Hazards?

I. What are the Hazards?

Hazard refers to an inherent property of a substance that is capable of causing an adverse effect. Hazards include
chemical hazards such as flammability, toxicity, and reactivity in addition to hazardous process conditions and equipment
related hazards. Various parameters associated with these hazards are often quantified in order to determine relative
hazard severity and prioritize the work. The hazards are the first step in the HIRA workflow (See Figure 1-3).

How Often
What are the What can go How Bad might it Is the Risk
Hazards? Wrong? could it Be? Happen? Tolerable?

Select Identify Develop Analyze Estimate Analyze Implement Sustain
Equipmentor Chemical Scenarios Consequences Frequency Risk Additional Performance
Activity to be and Process Safeguards as for Life Cycle
Analyzed Hazards Needed of Facility

I.1 Finding Chemical Process Hazard Information

Compiling hazard information is the first step to understanding hazards. There are several excellent resources to find
chemical hazard information in preparation for a Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis study.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a typical source of information for hazards associated with the chemicals. Information
for flammability, toxicity, and environmental issues are commonly included. The US National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
has a rating system for Flammability, Health, and Reactivity based on a numerical value from 0 to 4 (with 4 being most
hazardous) commonly found on an SDS. The European Dangerous Substances Directive on Classification, Labeling and
Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, as well as the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals, use Physical Hazard Statements and Health Hazard Statements based on quantitative
measures, which may be found on an SDS.

In addition to these Hazard Ratings found on an SDS, flammability information such as flash point or lower flammable
limit, toxicity information such as Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) concentrations [12], and reactivity
information such as heat of reaction may be used. This information may be found in CAMEO Chemicals (a downloadable
database for emergency responders of hazardous chemicals available through the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration) [13], the Chemical Reactivity Worksheet [14], and other literature sources.

The CAMEO® software suite is a system of software applications used widely to plan for and respond to chemical
emergencies. It is one of the tools developed by EPA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to
assist front-line chemical emergency planners and responders.

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