In an industrial or electrical environment, risk management is not just a regulatory requirement enshrined in the Labour Code: it is an essential condition for ensuring the safety of the team and business continuity.
The involvement of 3rd party external companies further increases this complexity by introducing new hazards, often unknown to the client. The risk prevention plan then becomes the central tool for anticipating, identifying and controlling all dangerous situations. More than a formality, implementing a risk prevention plan is a genuine approach to analysing and managing safety.
Definition of the risk prevention plan
The risk prevention plan is a mandatory document when work is carried out by a 3rd party external company on an industrial site (whether classified or not) or on electrical networks. Its purpose is to prevent accidents related to simultaneous activity, i.e. the simultaneous presence of several companies in the same area.
Prevention covers all hazards: electrical risks (electric arc, direct/indirect contact, lockout), chemical risks (emissions, mixtures, explosive atmospheres), mechanical risks (moving equipment), as well as organisational and environmental risks (falls from height, handling, traffic, noise, etc.). The plan summarises what has been identified, the associated measures and the respective responsibilities.
The risk prevention plan can also be annual. In this case, it is a structuring document that lists, organises and guides all actions aimed at controlling occupational risks within an organisation. It is based on the Risk Assessment Document (so-called DUER in French) and translates prevention priorities into concrete measures: technical and organisational actions, training, controls and monitoring. Updated each year, the annual occupational risk prevention plan enables efforts to be planned, the necessary resources to be allocated and continuous improvement in health and safety at work to be ensured.
Risk identification and analysis
Risk identification and analysis involves several distinct stages
Information gathering, the first step in a risk prevention plan
When implementing a risk prevention plan, the first and essential step is to gather accurate information. This begins with a preliminary site visit, which is essential for identifying risk areas: electrical substations, cabinets, operating machinery, ATEX (EXplosive Atmospheres) zones, confined spaces, workplaces, fluid installations, hazardous work, etc.
This joint preliminary inspection is based on existing documents: plans, electrical diagrams, safety data sheets, internal procedures, incident reports, and analyses of previous interventions. Feedback plays a key role in anticipating possible deviations.
Risk analysis
To structure the analysis, several methods are commonly used:
The root cause analysis tree
The root cause analysis tree is a risk analysis method that aims to reconstruct, in a logical and chronological way, the sequence of events that could lead to a dangerous situation. Starting from the existence of a risk, the analysis gradually traces back to the technical, organisational and human causes, highlighting their links and interactions. This “pre-accident” logic helps to understand the chain of risks and aggravating conditions.
The risk assessment matrix
It is the most widely used tool in QSE (Quality, Safety, Environment). The criticality matrix is a central tool in risk analysis, enabling hazards to be assessed and prioritised by cross-referencing two key dimensions: the probability of an event occurring and the severity of its consequences:
- Probability of occurrence (rare to frequent)
- Potential severity (minor, serious, critical, fatal)
The combination of these two parameters gives a criticality level (low, moderate, high, unacceptable) that guides the prioritisation process.
Often presented in the form of a colour-coded grid, it provides a quick overview of risk levels and helps prioritise preventive actions. By positioning each hazardous situation within the matrix, the organisation can target the most relevant corrective measures, optimise resource allocation and structure a consistent and effective risk management strategy.
QSE assessment grids
They enable the analysis to be structured around standardised categories: technical, environmental, human, organisational, electrical, chemical and ergonomic risks, etc. This approach ensures comprehensive and consistent coverage of all hazards.
The important thing is to obtain a comprehensive and objective view of all the risks associated with the operation, including coactivity and machine-operator interactions.
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Risk prioritisation and management in a risk prevention plan
Once analysed, risks must be classified according to their level of severity, frequency and controllability. The most critical risks are subject to enhanced measures.
The prevention plan then details the control measures, which can be divided into several levels:
Organisational measures
Organisational measures structure the way in which interventions are supervised to ensure safety. They clearly define the roles and responsibilities between the client, management and external companies.
The main organisational measures include:
- Planning work outside of operating hours helps to avoid dangerous simultaneous activities.
- Authorisation procedures (fire permits, consignments, access to sensitive areas).
- The appointment of an incident commander or lockout officer
- Communication, organised through briefings, written instructions and coordination meetings.
- Managing access to the site and traffic ensures flow control and limits risky interactions.
- Emergency procedures (alert, evacuation, first aid).
Technical procedures in a risk prevention plan
Technical procedures vary depending on the environment and equipment in question:
- Electrical lockout/tagout procedures
- Powering down machines
- Neutralisation of fluids or chemical sources
- Ventilation or control of hazardous atmospheres
Hardware measures
In addition to technical procedures, it is recommended that physical prevention and safety measures be implemented, such as:
- Markings, signage, physical barriers
- Specific PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): insulated gloves, arc flash or ionising radiation protection, filtering masks, harnesses, etc.
Prioritisation allows major risks to be given priority and prevention measures to be finely tuned.
Formalisation in the risk prevention plan
The risk prevention plan must clearly reflect the identified hazards and the measures adopted. The wording must be:
- Structured: job description, analysis by area, list of risks, associated measures.
- Operational: actions must be applicable in the field, without ambiguity.
- Traceable: cited reference documents, preliminary analyses, procedures.
Both parties – the user company and the external company – must draw up and sign the document in writing, confirming their understanding and commitment. The parties must sign this document prior to implementation. It commits them to liability and guarantees the effective application of the measures on site.
Pégase: Altsis’ solution to help you manage risks
A digital solution such as the Pégase solution offered by Altsis greatly facilitates the identification, formalisation and monitoring of risks. Thanks to document centralisation, all stakeholders have direct access to technical data sheets, plans, procedures and incident histories.
The platform enables:
- Assisted drafting of relevant prevention plans
- Real-time updates to prevention plans.
- Version tracking and full traceability.
- Structured reporting for QSE managers and site managers.
- Preparation and verification of the necessary habilitations for electrical work.
- To provide examples of risk prevention plans
By digitising the prevention plan using its specialised software, the Pégase solution reduces the risk of error. It also improves coordination between stakeholders.
Consult our prevention plan template for more details and information.
What does ALTSIS offer?
ALTSIS offers a digital solution to ensure compliance: PEGASE
The risk prevention plan: a central element of safety
The risk prevention plan is the cornerstone of safety in a multi-company context. Its quality depends on rigorous methods and tools that enable reliable and shared formalisation.
