NEBOSH HSE Process Safety Management (PSM) Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Mastering Your Certification!

A major accident hazard typically refers to a significant risk that can lead to catastrophic events, especially those involving highly hazardous substances. This concept is crucial in process safety management, as it focuses on the potential for severe incidents that can cause substantial harm to people, the environment, and property.

In industries where hazardous materials are handled, a major accident hazard encompasses scenarios where accidents might result in explosions, toxic releases, fires, or other catastrophic events. Identifying and understanding these hazards allow organizations to implement robust safety measures, risk assessments, and emergency response plans aimed at preventing such incidents.

In contrast, the other options address situations or concerns that do not rise to the level of major accident hazards. Minor risks associated with routine operations may include day-to-day activities that are low-risk and manageable. Normal operational safety concerns often revolve around regular safety protocols, which are important but do not signify a major accident hazard. Unlikely hazards that require little attention suggest risks that are not significant enough to warrant extensive safety measures and do not align with the definition of major accident hazards as they typically represent low probabilities or consequences.