Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What type of system safety analysis is used in the early stages of a project to identify gross hazards?

1. System Safety Analysis

2. Failure Mode Effects Analysis

3. Preliminary Hazard Analysis

4. Root Cause Analysis

The correct answer is: Preliminary Hazard Analysis

Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is an essential tool used in the early stages of a project to identify gross hazards. It serves as a structured approach that allows safety professionals to systematically evaluate potential hazards before they become more complex as the project progresses. The PHA focuses on identifying and ranking hazards based on their severity and likelihood, providing a foundational understanding of risks involved with the project. This early identification of gross hazards is particularly important as it enables teams to implement safety measures and design improvements at a stage when changes can be made more easily and cost-effectively. By addressing potential risks early on, organizations can lead to safer designs and operational procedures, ultimately enhancing overall project safety. Other types of analysis, such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA), are typically applied in later stages of project development or after incidents have occurred, making them less suitable for the initial identification of gross hazards. System Safety Analysis is a broader concept that encompasses various techniques, including PHA, but does not specifically target the early identification of gross hazards as effectively as a PHA does.