Standard risk assessment procedures in product design and manufacture.

What is a Risk Assessment?

Think of it like a safety check before you jump into a swimming pool. You look for hazards, judge how likely they are to happen, and decide how serious they could be. In product design, this helps keep everyone safe while creating and using the product.

Standard Risk Assessment Procedure

1. Identify Hazards ⚠️ – Anything that could cause harm (e.g., sharp edges, electrical faults).
2. Assess Likelihood – How often could the hazard occur? (Rare, Possible, Likely).
3. Assess Consequence – How serious would the harm be? (Minor, Moderate, Severe).
4. Rate the Risk – Combine likelihood and consequence.
   Example: $R = P \times C$ where $P$ = Likelihood, $C$ = Consequence.
5. Determine Control Measures – What can you do to reduce the risk? (Design changes, safety guards, training).
6. Implement & Monitor – Put controls in place and keep checking if they work.
7. Review & Update – When the design changes or new information appears, redo the assessment.

Risk Assessment Matrix Example

Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)

• Elimination – Remove the hazard entirely.
• Substitution – Replace with a safer alternative.
• Engineering Controls – Design safety features (guards, ventilation).
• Administrative Controls – Policies, training, signage.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Gloves, goggles, ear protection.

Exam Tips for A-Level 9705

🔍 Show the process: Write each step clearly – hazard, likelihood, consequence, rating, control.

📝 Use diagrams: A simple risk matrix or flowchart can illustrate your thinking.

💡 Give real examples: Relate hazards to everyday items (e.g., a toy with small parts).

?? Explain control hierarchy: Why you choose one control over another.

📚 Practice calculations: Be comfortable with $R = P \times C$ and interpreting the result.