The result of this phase is an overall conclusion of the risk level. In this phase, a conclusion will be made combining the outcome of the hazard characterization and exposure assessment.
By definition, risk is the combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm.
The risk characterisation should include an analysis of the uncertainty and the variability of the assessment.
With this phase the work of the risk assessors and data analysts will stop. The result of this phase can be forwarded to risk managers and risk communicators for whom it’s further to decide whether or not and what type of action needs to be taken. They will also balance subjective factors.
For illustration: The outcome of this phase can be that the use of the product will lead to a low level of risks. This does not automatically means that there will be no action. Equally, an outcome which shows high risk levels does not mean that action will be taken. A judgement on the acceptability of the risk level will be made in the next phase ‘risk evaluation’.
