M4 The concept of Hazard

Module Overview

• Module Title: The Concept of Hazard

• Instructor: Ronelio E. Zuilan

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the concept of hazard

• Identify different types of hazards

• Assess the impact of various hazards

Performance Standard

• Relate various types of hazards to preparedness strategies

Learning Objectives

• Define types of hazards and provide examples

• Observe safety signs and symbols

• Appreciate the importance of precautionary measures

Definitions of Hazard

• General Definition: An agent that has the potential to cause harm (Burton et al., 1978).

• Standards Australia: A source of potential harm or a situation causing loss.

• ADPC: A natural event capable of causing harm or loss.

• USGS: A phenomenon that may disrupt or damage people and their environment.

• Dormant Hazards: Hazards that are potential but inactive until they create an emergency.

Types of Hazards

1. Natural Hazards: Arise from environmental processes (earthquakes, floods).

2. Quasi-Natural Hazards: Result from the interaction of natural processes and human activities (pollution).

3. Technological Hazards: Human-made hazards (industrial accidents).

General Hazard Classifications

• Natural Hazards: Purely natural events like earthquakes or floods.

• Quasi-Natural Hazards: Interaction between natural events and human activities (e.g., smog).

• Technological Hazards: Human-induced events causing harm (e.g., chemical spills).

Impacts of Hazards

1. Physical: Death and destruction of infrastructure.

2. Psychological: Depression and trauma.

3. Socio-Cultural: Displacement, cultural loss, and ethnic conflicts.

4. Economic: Job loss, decreased livelihood, and property damage.

5. Environmental: Loss of biodiversity, water pollution, and forest degradation.

6. Biological: Illnesses due to exposure to biological agents pandemics).

Hazard Signs and Symbols

• Recognizable symbols that indicate potential hazards (flammable materials, toxic substances).

• Familiarity with these signs enhances safety awareness.

Real-World Applications

• Urban Planning: Understanding hazards for infrastructure safety in disaster-prone areas.

• Environmental Science: Addressing hazards related to climate change impacts.

• Public Health: Managing biological hazards to prevent disease outbreaks.

Assessment Activities

• Spot the Hazards: Identify and classify hazards in provided scenarios.

• Summative Assessment: Analyze a real-life situation involving hazards and propose solutions.