5: Tolerable Risk
Definition/Typical Issues
Are the consequences of the causal factor tolerable for the organization given the potential for recurrence and no corrective or preventive actions? Is it acceptable to leave the situation as is?
Is it considered a tolerable risk to continue performing the task as it was performed during the incident? Was the loss associated with the incident considered acceptable?
Did the management systems perform as designed AND as desired?
Typical issues that are coded under this node include:
- Infrequent light bulb failures
- Tolerable product variations
Note 1: Tolerable risk may also be referred to as acceptable risk in some organizations or in some situations. For example, a risk matrix (i.e., a graph of consequences versus frequency) may show a region on it labeled "acceptable risk" or "tolerable risk."
Examples
Example 1
- The organization did not require the investigation of relief valve openings. Although failing to correct the causes of the openings led to an increased risk, the organization believed the risk was tolerable.
Example 2
- The organization did not require procedures for some operations. It only developed procedures that were required by outside organizations (regulatory bodies and certification organizations). Although development of some additional procedures would have reduced the risk of the operation, the organization believed that the risk was tolerable without them.
Example 3
- The organization knew that fires could be started because of hot work being performed in the facility. The organization had developed policies and procedures on hot work. The organization ensured that the policies and procedures were followed. A fire occurred when hot work ignited some insulation on the inside of a duct near the work area. The procedure had been reasonably followed by the personnel performing the work. The policy does not require personnel to open up equipment and look inside to identify potential hot work hazards. The organization decided not to change the policies or procedures because they believed that the standards, policies, and administrative controls (SPACs) adequately controlled the risk.
Example 4
- An employee stumbled and fell. The hallway she was walking down was clear of obstructions and well lit, and the flooring was secure. The employee was not carrying anything and was not distracted. No specific cause of the incident could be identified.
Typical Recommendations
- Review the organization's risk acceptance criteria to ensure that it is still appropriate.
Cross-References
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 262 | Tolerable Risk |