What is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and how is it used in maintenance operations?

• A. Break a job into steps, identify hazards, apply controls, train workers, and implement preventive measures; used to prevent incidents
• B. A financial risk assessment
• C. A routine equipment check
• D. An environmental impact study

Answer: (A)

A Job Hazard Analysis is a structured planning method used in maintenance to reduce risk by examining a task step by step, identifying hazards at each step, and specifying controls before work starts. It involves breaking the job into sequence steps, spotting potential hazards such as electrical shocks, hot surfaces, pinch points, chemical exposures, or falls, and then applying protective measures in a prioritized order—eliminate the hazard if possible, substitute a safer method, use engineering controls, implement administrative controls and training, and provide appropriate PPE. After selecting controls, workers are trained on the hazards and the plan, and the preventive measures are put in place to prevent incidents. In maintenance operations, this approach yields a clear, documented plan that guides safe execution, supports safety training, and aligns with permit-to-work and other safety procedures. It’s not a financial risk assessment, a routine equipment check, or an environmental impact study, which are different types of analyses.