|
|
 |
|
|
If you Google for the definition of “Risk Assessment” you will find different but similar phrases (search for “define: risk assessment”).
Such as:
- The process used to determine risk management priorities by evaluating and comparing the level of risk against predetermined standards, target risk levels or other criteria or;
- A risk assessment is the identification of danger and estimation of the probability of an occurrence or;
- A process which estimates the likelihood that exposed people may have health effects or;
- The process of identifying hazards and assessing the risks of harm and loss threatened by that hazard. Risk Assessment also usually includes the evaluation of the consequences of a materialized risk and implements risk reduction control measures (etc.)
Risk assessment is however everything but a phrase, at least it can not be explained by a definition. Therefore these basic principles will introduce the elements which should be incorporated in any risk assessment in the field of (consumer) product safety.
1 The assessment should have clear objective(s) reflecting the informational needs of decision makers and determined in an iterative dialogue between the assessor(s) and the decision maker(s).
 Note
2 The scope and content should be based on the objectives of the assessment and best professional judgement, considering the benefits and costs of acquiring additional information before undertaking the assessment.
Note
3 The type of risk assessment shall be responsive to the nature of the potential hazard, the available data, and the decision needs.
Note
4 The level of effort put into the risk assessment shall be commensurate with the importance of the decisions to be made.
Note
5 The assessment shall be objective, systematic, structured and –as far as practically possible – evidence based
Note
6 The risk shall be characterised qualitatively and, whenever possible, quantitatively.
7 Risk Assessment should explicitly describe its own uncertainty and the causes of the uncertainty
Note
8 Risk Assessment should be multidisciplinary and therefore transparent and understood by all involved and / or interested parties through their inclusion and involvement in the process.
Note
9 Appropriate procedures for peer review and public participation should be used in the process of preparing the risk assessment.
Note
10 Risk Assessment should be dynamic, iterative and responsive to change.
 Note
Risks change with time. New risks emerge and others decline. As events occur and control activities take place, knowledge changes and increases. It is therefore important that risk assessment is not a ‘one pass’ process and that there is a ‘monitor and review’ element to ensure that risk assessment and controls reflect the current situation.
Involvement of interested parties and, in particular, decision makers in the risk assessment process is essential to ensure it remains relevant and up to date.
As relevant and scientifically plausible information becomes available, the risk assessor shall, considering the resources available, consider: revising the risk assessment to incorporate such information; and updating or replacing the assumptions to reflect new data or scientific understandings.
|
|
| |
|
|
