The Hazard Log

The Hazard Log The Role of the Hazard Log The hazard log is a store of information about the hazards relevant to the system or product in question. It should act as a central control system for the management and demonstration of on-going safety activities. It should contain the documentary evidence on the handling of risks that will be vital to the construction of a safety case. The hazard log should contain information on all possible hazards, even ones that are considered to be incredible. One of the worst comments that can be made about an accident or dangerous event is “ … we hadn't even thought that could happen”. Even when a hazard has been analysed and identified as tolerable, the information about the hazard should be retained as a historical record of progress. The choice of information captured is an open one, but particular structures are recommended according to the industry and system type that is being considered. However, a number of key information items are consistent across them. The Requirement for a Hazard Log Many of the standards and regulations cited in earlier chapters of this book have the requirement to keep a record of the hazards and risks that are considered when conducting a safety review – even if an explicit ‘safety case’ is not being developed. And as with the precise name used for the safety study, the precise name used for the record log is also different. The name used in the UK is pretty consistent as the ‘hazard log’, the defence industry standard for safety management of defence systems [MoD 2004], has the following requirement at section 10.4;

The contractor shall implement a Hazard Log and manage it as part of the Safety Management System. The Hazard Log shall be the primary mechanism for providing traceability of the risk management process and assurance of the effecting management of hazards and accidents. The Hazard Log shall be updated through the life of the contract to ensure that it accurately reflects the risk management activity.