What identification method is used for determining the severity of a hazard?

Risk assessment is the process used to determine the severity of a hazard. This method involves systematically evaluating potential hazards to identify their nature, likelihood of occurrence, and potential impacts. By conducting a risk assessment, one can quantify risks associated with various hazards, which helps in understanding which hazards pose the greatest threat and require immediate attention or mitigation measures.

During a risk assessment, factors such as the environment, the individuals involved, and the specific circumstances surrounding the hazard are taken into account. This thorough analysis enables proper prioritization of safety measures and resource allocation, ultimately leading to a safer working or living environment.

In contrast, visual inspection alone may reveal obvious hazards but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the risk associated with them. Medical evaluations focus on the health aspect and may address existing conditions but do not analyze the hazard's severity. Control alarms are reactive measures used to alert individuals to imminent dangers but are not a method for determining the severity of a hazard upfront. Therefore, risk assessment stands out as the most effective identification method for evaluating and prioritizing hazards.