HAZCON
A Construction Hazard Study (HAZCON) is a structured technique using guidewords to identify potential hazards during construction. Where appropriate a HAZCON can be conducted during design stage but definitely at the start of the construction phase.
A HAZCON study is the early identification and understanding of the potential construction / engineering difficulties, risks and hazards within a project. It is essential if the risks are to be avoided or reduced. When a possible hazard is identified, a probable cause shall be established and then the likelihood and consequences of the hazard examined. Judgement should then be made on the residual risk and whether further control measures are required. Any remedial actions shall then be documented and actioned.
Prior to the HAZCON the Chair should:
- Divide the plant into suitable areas to be analysed
- Agree Guide words
- Team members: ideally the Construction Manager has viewed the construction site in advance
- Suitable venue
- Distribute the documentation pack, including drawings and key documents
The chair should be suitably competent including training, qualifications and experience.
At the HAZCON meeting comprehensive record should be completed at the meeting. This should include the wording of any actions, the actionee and return date. Any action sheets should be issued straight after the meeting. The chair should review the closeout action comments and check the evidence to ensure closure, where possible. Any actions unable to be closed out, should be transferred to the CDM Risk Register.
Once all of the action sheets have been completed, to the satisfaction of the chair, then a closeout report shall be prepared. The report will include all relevant documentation, or references to the drawings used, including revision status. The close-out should be completed prior to the commencement of any construction activities.
