What term refers to the process of systematically identifying potential hazards in operations to reduce risk?

• A. Fire Suppression System
• B. Hazard Analysis
• C. Interlock
• D. Monitoring

Answer: (B)

The process of systematically identifying potential hazards in operations to reduce risk is hazard analysis. It’s a structured assessment that seeks out where things could go wrong, how serious it could be, and how likely it is, so you can put controls in place before problems happen. In flammable-refrigerant refrigeration systems, a hazard analysis helps you spot risks like leaks, ignition sources, overpressure, and improper venting, guiding design choices, procedures, and safety measures such as ventilation, gas detection, shutoff interlocks, and regular maintenance. The other terms describe specific safety tools or actions (a fire suppression system responds to a fire; an interlock prevents unsafe operations; monitoring is ongoing observation), but they don’t capture the overall process of proactively identifying hazards to reduce risk.