Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00414:body:0:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00414
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 20577–23238

way – these requirements must be complied with.
    * A code of practice or other guidance sets out a way of controlling a hazard or risk that is applicable to your situation and you choose to use the recommended controls. In these instances, the guidance can be followed.
    * There are well-known and effective controls that are in use in the particular industry, that are suited to the circumstances in your workplace. These controls can simply be implemented.

3.2 How to do a risk assessment
All hazards have the potential to cause different types and severities of harm, ranging from minor discomfort to a serious injury or death.
For example, heavy liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders can cause muscular strain when they are handled manually. However, if the cylinder is damaged causing gas to leak which is then ignited, a fire could result in serious burns. If that leak occurs in a store room or similar enclosed space, it could result in an explosion that could destroy the building and kill or injure anyone nearby. Each of the outcomes involves a different type of harm with a range of severities, and each has a different likelihood of occurrence.

Work out how severe the harm could be
To estimate the severity of harm that could result from each hazard you should consider the following questions:
    * What type of harm could occur (e.g. muscular strain, fatigue, burns, laceration)? How severe is the harm? Could the hazard cause death, serious injuries, illness or only minor injuries requiring first aid?
    * What factors could influence the severity of harm that occurs? For example, the distance someone might fall or the concentration of a particular substance will determine the level of harm that is possible. The harm may occur immediately something goes wrong (e.g. injury
      from a fall) or it may take time for it to become apparent (e.g. illness from long-term exposure to a substance).
    * How many people are exposed to the hazard and how many could be harmed in and outside your workplace? For example, a mobile crane collapse on a busy construction site has the potential to kill or injure a large number of people.
    * Could one failure lead to other failures? For example, could the failure of your electrical supply make any control measures that rely on electricity ineffective?
    * Could a small event escalate to a much larger event with more serious consequences?
      For example, a minor fire can get out of control quickly in the presence of large amounts of combustible materials.

Work out how hazards may cause harm
In most cases, incidents occur as a result of a chain of events and a failure of