Example 8: Hazard Screening Tools used to Support Graded Task Hazard Analysis

DOE-STD-1120-2005/Vol. 2

containers successfully performed their pressure-wave barrier function and prevented damage to the

adjacent facilities and components.

Example 8:

Hazard Screening Tools used to Support Graded Task Hazard Analysis

To support the deactivation of a plutonium processing facility, a task-based hazard screening process was

implemented. Over the course of the project, two different hazard screening tools were used to assist in

grading hazard analysis activities. The first tool, which was the Preliminary Hazard Screening and

Assessment (PHSA), aided the project team in selecting the appropriate level of analysis based on the

team's experience in conducting the task, the complexity of task activities and overall perceived risk. A

PHSA checklist was organized to elicit these project characteristics and completed by the cognizant

engineer and safety analyst for each major deactivation task. For example, a PHSA was completed for

the task of transferring contaminated nitric acid from large tanks to tanker trucks for shipment. The

results of the screening indicated that the task was complex; involved chemical, radiological, and physical

hazards; and had not been conducted previously. Additionally, since the task involved handling of 48

weight percent nitric acid with uranium contamination, and failure of the coupling equipment could result

in severe consequences to workers, facility management concluded that a more detailed hazard analysis

was warranted.

As the project progressed, the PHSA was expanded to a computerized task hazard screening tool that

accommodated self-directed work teams. The newly expanded tool served three main functions: (1) to

assist work teams in identification of hazards and appropriate controls; (2) to identify the need for

involvement of safety professionals to ensure that appropriate controls are established; and (3) to identify

tasks that require additional analysis, such as Job Safety Analysis or Hazard and Operability Study. The

computerized screening tool consisted of several screens, each addressing separate task hazards (e.g.,

nuclear safety, industrial safety, industrial hygiene, and radiological protection). In cases where the

hazards were well known and evaluated, and work was routine ( i.e., skill of the craft with approved

radiological controls and no permits required, such as cutting and welding), a simple hazards checklist

was all that was required.

One key to this process was the fact that the workers involved in task activities participated in the hazard

screening process. Resulting information was used in the pre-job briefing to ensure that all workers were

aware of the hazards and controls. Using this process, the incidents of lost work day injuries decreased

significantly during the project.

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