Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety defines a hazard as:

1. Any condition that is unexplained

2. Any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work

3. A risk that is unmanageable

4. Only physical dangers present in the workplace

The correct answer is: Any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work

The definition provided by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety emphasizes that a hazard refers to any source of potential damage, harm, or adverse health effects. This definition captures the broad nature of hazards, including not only physical dangers but also chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks that could emerge in the workplace. It highlights that hazards can lead to detrimental outcomes, and importantly, the context in which these hazards exist plays a significant role in determining their potential impact. The definition's inclusion of the phrase "under certain conditions at work" further clarifies that the presence of a hazard doesn't always guarantee harm; rather, it is the specific circumstances and how individuals interact with these hazards that determine the level of risk. For example, a chemical substance may be hazardous, but without exposure under certain conditions, it may not cause harm. Conversely, other options present narrower or misleading interpretations. For instance, describing a hazard as any condition that is unexplained inadequately encapsulates the concept, as it overlooks identifiable risks that can cause harm. The notion that a hazard is merely a risk that is unmanageable fails to recognize that many hazards can be managed or mitigated through appropriate safety measures. Finally, limiting hazards to only physical dangers neglects the