5.15Risk assessment tables#
The following tables have been extracted from Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management.
Figure 5.15(a) – Risk priority chart
| Likelihood How likely is it to happen? | Insignificant (I) | Minor (Mi) | Moderate (Mo) | Major (Ma) | Catastrophic (C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almost certain (A) | 3 H | 3 H | 4 A | 4 A | 4 A |
| Likely (L) | 2 M | 3 H | 3 H | 4 A | 4 A |
| Possible (P) | 1 L | 2 M | 3 H | 4 A | 4 A |
| Unlikely (U) | 1 L | 1 L | 2 M | 3 H | 4 A |
| Rare (R) | 1 L | 1 L | 2 M | 3 H | 3 H |
Table in words
- For a likelihood of Almost certain (A) and consequences of Insignificant (I), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Almost certain (A) and consequences of Minor (Mi), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Almost certain (A) and consequences of Moderate (Mo), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Almost certain (A) and consequences of Major (Ma), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Almost certain (A) and consequences of Catastrophic (C), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Likely (L) and consequences of Insignificant (I), the risk priority is 2 M.
- For a likelihood of Likely (L) and consequences of Minor (Mi), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Likely (L) and consequences of Moderate (Mo), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Likely (L) and consequences of Major (Ma), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Likely (L) and consequences of Catastrophic (C), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Possible (P) and consequences of Insignificant (I), the risk priority is 1 L.
- For a likelihood of Possible (P) and consequences of Minor (Mi), the risk priority is 2 M.
- For a likelihood of Possible (P) and consequences of Moderate (Mo), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Possible (P) and consequences of Major (Ma), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Possible (P) and consequences of Catastrophic (C), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Unlikely (U) and consequences of Insignificant (I), the risk priority is 1 L.
- For a likelihood of Unlikely (U) and consequences of Minor (Mi), the risk priority is 1 L.
- For a likelihood of Unlikely (U) and consequences of Moderate (Mo), the risk priority is 2 M.
- For a likelihood of Unlikely (U) and consequences of Major (Ma), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Unlikely (U) and consequences of Catastrophic (C), the risk priority is 4 A.
- For a likelihood of Rare (R) and consequences of Insignificant (I), the risk priority is 1 L.
- For a likelihood of Rare (R) and consequences of Minor (Mi), the risk priority is 1 L.
- For a likelihood of Rare (R) and consequences of Moderate (Mo), the risk priority is 2 M.
- For a likelihood of Rare (R) and consequences of Major (Ma), the risk priority is 3 H.
- For a likelihood of Rare (R) and consequences of Catastrophic (C), the risk priority is 3 H.
Figure 5.15(b) – Risk score and statement
| Score and statement | Action |
|---|---|
| 4 A: Acute | ACT NOW – Urgent – do something about the risk immediately. Requires immediate action. |
| 3 H: High | Highest management decision is required urgently. |
| 2 M: Moderate | Follow management instruction. |
| 1 L: Low | OK for now. Record and review if any equipment / people / materials / work processes or procedures change. |
Likelihood#
Likelihood is the product of the probability that a hazard will occur, based on historical experience, and the time of exposure to that hazard. This is determined from the table following:
Table 5.15(a) – Likelihood
| Likelihood | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Almost certain | Once per day to one week | The hazard is expected to occur in most circumstances |
| Likely | Once per week to one month | The hazard will probably occur in most circumstances |
| Possible | Once per month to one year | The hazard will probably occur in some circumstances |
| Unlikely | Once in one to five years | The hazard could occur at some time but unlikely |
| Rare | Once in five to 10 years | The hazard may occur only in very exceptional circumstances |
Consequence#
Consequence is the most probable outcome of exposure to the hazard. This is determined from the table following:
Table 5.15(b) – Consequence
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe | Fatality, loss of limb. Extensive damage to equipment or public services. Major incident. |
| Major | Extensive injuries requiring hospitalisation. Equipment damage extensive and insurance claim required. May involve members of the public. |
| Moderate | Medical treatment required for injuries and lost time recorded. No hospitalisation. Equipment damage costs below insurance claim amount. |
| Minor | First aid / casualty treatment. Minor damage to equipment. |
| Insignificant | No injury. No damage to equipment. |