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RiskMan2 
Integrated Risk Prioritization 
Matrix User Guide 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presented by: 
HES Risk Management Center of Excellence 
 
Approved: March 2006 
Version: 1.0 
 
 
 
©2006 by Chevron Corporation 
 
This document contains proprietary information of Chevron Corporation. Any use of this document 
without express, prior, written permission from Chevron Corporation and/or its affiliates is prohibited. 
 
Corporate – Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix User Guide 
Contents 
1.0 Overview.................................................................................................................................... 1 
1.1 Scope .....................................................................................................................................1 
1.2 Purpose and Objective ...........................................................................................................1 
2.0 Procedure .................................................................................................................................. 5 
2.1 Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix Instructions.................................................................5 
2.1.1 Steps for Use ..................................................................................................................... 5 
2.1.2 Uncertainty........................................................................................................................ 7 
2.2 Risk Levels and Further Action.............................................................................................7 
2.3 Consequence..........................................................................................................................8 
2.3.1 Safety................................................................................................................................. 9 
2.3.2 Health .............................................................................................................................. 10 
2.3.3 Environment.................................................................................................................... 10 
2.3.4 Assets .............................................................................................................................. 11 
2.4 Likelihood............................................................................................................................11 
3.0 Roles and Requirements ........................................................................................................ 12 
4.0 Measurement and Verification.............................................................................................. 13 
5.0 Continual Improvement......................................................................................................... 13 
Document Control Information ...................................................................................................... 13 
Document List................................................................................................................................... 13 
Appendix A: Generic List of Hazards and Top Events or Conditions of Concern .................... 15 
Appendix B: Health Consequence Examples................................................................................. 19 
Appendix C: Environmental Consequence Examples .................................................................. 21 
Appendix D: Safety Consequence Examples ................................................................................. 23 
 
List of Figures 
Figure 1: Chevron Health, Environment and Safety Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix ............. 3 
Figure 2: Integrated Risk Prioritization Steps for Use...................................................................... 5 
Figure 3: Risk Level and Actions ..................................................................................................... 7 
Figure 4: Consequence Scale and Indices......................................................................................... 8 
Figure 5: Likelihood Scale, Indices and Descriptions .................................................................... 12 
 
List of Tables 
Table 1: Identifying Actionable and Non-Actionable Risks ........................................................... 7 
Table 2: Safety Consequence Descriptions ..................................................................................... 9 
Table 3: Health Consequence Descriptions................................................................................... 10 
Table 4: Environmental Consequence Descriptions...................................................................... 11 
Table 5: Asset Consequence Descriptions .................................................................................... 11 
Table 6: Qualified Facilitator Descriptions ................................................................................... 12 
Table 7: Document History ........................................................................................................... 13 
Table 8: Document List ................................................................................................................. 13 
 
 
 
Version 1.0. Revised March 2006. i 
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Corporate – Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix User Guide 
1.0 Overview 
1.1 Scope 
This user guide describes the application of the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix within the 
RiskMan2 Procedure. The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is the Chevron corporate qualitative 
health, environment and safety (HES) risk tolerance criteria and is endorsed for use across the 
company. Under no circumstances should any part of this matrix be changed or modified, adapted or 
customized. It is not a substitute for and does not override any relevant legal obligations. 
Use of the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is not encouraged, but is allowed, outside of the HES 
Risk Management process, RiskMan2 framework or other OE processes in which it is cited as a tool. 
In all cases it is mandatory to manage identified intolerable risks via the Risk Mitigation and Closure 
requirements outlined in RiskMan2 Sub-Procedure 4. When applied within the HES Risk 
Management process this document provides specific instructions for use of the matrix but does not 
replace the need to refer and adhere to the RiskMan2 Procedure, sub-procedures and supporting tools. 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is not intended to identify or evaluate non-HES risks, such 
as financial risks, contractor performance, schedule impacts and construction uncertainties. It is not 
intended to address HES risks that are outside of Chevron operational control, including construction 
activities at third-party fabrication facilities. Finally, the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix does not 
address inherently low risks (risks with very low impacts that are best addressed with other tools). 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix must only be used by qualified personnel. Unqualified risk 
analysis may result in an understatement or overstatement of risk, with different actual risk exposures 
to the public and workforce than predicted. 
1.2 Purpose and Objective 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is a risk assessment tool developed specifically to meet 
Operational Excellence (OE) expectations for performing health, environmental and safety risk 
assessments. It is designed to help Business Units, Asset Management Teams and Project 
Development Teams manage, identify and rank HES risks of existing facilities, activities and new 
projects logically and consistently. Risks may berelated to potential incidents (events), activities or 
ongoing practices. 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix allows four dimensions of risk to be evaluated concurrently: 
• Health 
• Safety 
• Environment 
• Assets (limited specifically to facility damage, business interruption, loss of product) 
While evaluated concurrently, each dimension of risk is discrete. No correlation between the 
types of harm being studied may be made between HES and asset risk dimensions. 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is not designed to identify or evaluate social or reputation 
risks. Teams should refer and use the Environmental Aspect and HES Signpost User Guide as part of 
the suite of RiskMan2 tools. 
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Event can reasonably be 
expected to occur in life of 
facility
1 Likely 6 5 4 3 2 1
Conditions may allow the 
event to occur at the facility 
during its lifetime, or the event 
has occurred within the 
Business Unit
2 Occasional 7 6 5 4 3 2
Exceptional conditions may 
allow consequences to occur 
within the facility lifetime, or 
has occurred within the OPCO
3 Seldom 8 7 6 5 4 3
Reasonable to expect that the 
event will not occur at this 
facility. Has occurred several 
times in the industry, but not in 
the OPCO
4 Unlikely 9 8 7 6 5 4
Has occurred once or twice 
within industry 5 Remote 10 9 8 7 6 5
Rare or unheard of 6 Rare 10 10 9 8 7 6
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Workforce: Minor injury 
such as a first-aid.
AND
Public: No impact
Workforce: One or more 
injuries, not severe.
OR
Public: One or more minor 
injuries such as a first-aid. 
Workforce: One or more 
severe injuries including 
permanently disabling 
injuries.
OR
Public: One or more 
injuries, not severe.
Workforce: (1-4) Fatalities 
OR
Public: One or more 
severe injuries including 
permanently disabling 
injuries.
Workforce: Multiple 
fatalities (5-50)
OR
Public: multiple fatalities 
(1-10)
Workforce: Multiple 
fatalities (>50)
OR
Public: multiple fatalities 
(>10) 
Workforce: Minor illness or 
effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to 
function and treatment is 
very limited or not 
necessary
AND
Public: No impact 
Workforce: Mild to 
moderate illness or effect 
with some treatment and/or 
functional impairment but is 
medically managable
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse 
effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to 
function and medical 
treatment is limited or not 
necessary.
Workforce: Serious illness 
or severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level 
of medical treatment or 
management
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse 
effects with mild to 
moderate functional 
impairment requring 
medical treatment.
Workforce (1-4): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public: Serious illness or 
severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level 
of medical treatment or 
management.
Workforce (5-50): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public (1-10): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects. 
Workforce (>50): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public (>10): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects. 
Impacts such as localized 
or short term effects on 
habitat, species or 
environmental media. 
Impacts such as localized, 
long term degradation of 
sensitive habitat or 
widespread, short-term 
impacts to habitat, species 
or environmental media
Impacts such as localized 
but irreversible habitat loss 
or widespread, long-term 
effects on habitat, species 
or environmental media 
Impacts such as significant, 
widespread and persistant 
changes in habitat, species 
or environmental media 
(e.g. widespread habitat 
degradation) .
Impacts such as persistent 
reduction in ecosystem 
function on a landscape 
scale or significant 
disruption of a sensitive 
species. 
Loss of a significant portion 
of a valued species or loss 
of effective ecosystem 
function on a landscape 
scale.
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
C
on
se
qu
en
ce
 
D
es
cr
ip
tio
ns
Minimal damage. Negligible 
down time or asset loss. 
Costs < $100,000.
Some asset loss, damage 
and/or downtime. Costs 
$100,000 to $1 Million.
Serious asset loss, damage 
to facility and/or downtime. 
Costs of $1-10Million.
Major asset loss, damage 
to facility and/or downtime. 
Cost >$10 Million but 
<$100 Million. 
Severe asset loss or 
damage to facility. 
Significant downtime, with 
appreciable economic 
impact. Cost >$100MM 
but <$1billion.
Total destruction or 
damage. Potential for 
permanent loss of 
production. Costs 
>$1billion
Likelihood Indices
Assets
(Facility Damage, Business 
Interruption, Loss of Product)
C
on
se
qu
en
ce
 D
es
cr
ip
tio
ns
Environment 
Consequence Indices
This matrix is endorsed for use across the Company. 
It is not a substitute for, and does not override any relevant legal obligations.
Under no circumstances should any part of this matrix be changed or modified, adapted or customized. 
This matrix identifies health, safety, environmental and asset risks and is to be used only by qualified and competent personnel. 
Where applicable it is to be used within the Riskman2 structure and governance of an OE Risk Management Process. If applied outside of these Processes, it is also 
mandatory to manage identified intolerable risks and comply with the Risk Mitigation Closure Guidelines.
6 - Risk is tolerable if reasonable safeguards / management systems are confirmed to be in place 
and consistent with relevant requirements of the Risk Mitigation Closure Guidelines.
C
on
se
qu
en
ce
 
D
es
cr
ip
tio
ns
 &
 In
de
x
(w
ith
ou
t s
af
eg
ua
rd
s)
Safety
The above legend applies only to HES risks, where risk levels 1-6 are actionable and mandatory. 
For risks that may result in facility damage, business interruption, loss of product, the "Assets" category below should be used. 
Asset risk reduction is at the discretion of management. Under no circumstances may a direct or indirect translation of Asset loss to HES consequences, or between any 
discrete categories of HES consequences be inferred.
Consequence
Indices
C
on
se
qu
en
ce
 D
es
cr
ip
tio
ns
 &
 In
de
x
(w
ith
ou
t s
af
eg
ua
rd
s)
Health 
(Adverse effects resulting 
from chronic chemical or 
physical exposures or 
exposure to biological 
agents) 
Decreasing Consequence/Impact
Chevron Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix
For the Assessment of HES & Asset Risks from Event or Activity
D
ec
re
as
in
g 
Li
ke
lih
oo
d
Likelihood 
Descriptions
5 - Additional long term risk reduction required. If no further action can be reasonably taken, SBU 
management approval must be sought to continue the activity.Legend 
Likelihood Descriptions & Index
(with confirmed safeguards)
Legend applies to identified HES risks
(see guidance documents for additional explanations) 
1, 2 , 3, 4 - Short-term, interim risk reduction required. Long term risk reduction plan must be 
developedand implemented. 
7, 8, 9, 10 - Manage risk. No further risk reduction required. Risk reduction at management / team 
discretion.
 
Figure 1: Chevron Health, Environment and Safety Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix 
 
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2.0 Procedure 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix shown in Figure 1 is an assessment tool that helps reduce 
the guessing or subjective feelings about risk by applying structure, training and experience to answer 
the following questions: 
• What can fail/go wrong or what are the ongoing activities that introduce exposures? 
• What are the consequences? 
• How likely are the consequences/impacts to occur? 
• What is the overall risk? 
The following sections describe the considerations and instructions for use. 
2.1 Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix Instructions 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is a tool that standardizes qualitative risk assessment 
enabling the characterization of health, environment, safety and certain asset risks. The matrix axes, 
consistent with the definition of risk, are consequence and likelihood. The consequence and likelihood 
combine to form a risk ranking from the intersection of columns. Risk levels range from one to 10, the 
lower the number the higher the determined risk. 
2.1.1 Steps for Use 
To ensure quality and consistency of results using the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix, the 
user should follow a series of logical steps to determine the risk ranking for a hazard. These steps, 
as described in Sub-Procedure 2 of RiskMan2, are depicted in Figure 2. These steps may require 
some adaptation for use within other OE processes; however, the same basic logic sequence should 
apply. 
 Apply Hazard 
 
 
 
Brainstorm Causes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 2: Integrated Risk Prioritization Steps for Use 
 
Develop Recommendations 
or confirm Safeguards in 
accord with RiskMan2 Sub 
Procedure 3 or 4 
Describe purpose- intent 
Identify consequence(s) 
Sequentially for Safety, Health, Environment & Assets 
(with no safeguards) 
Identify safeguards/controls 
Risk Rank on Matrix: 
 
1. Rank Consequence (no safeguards) 
2. Rank Likelihood of consequence with safeguards 
3. Flag Signposts and Environmental Aspects 
 
Perform sequentially for 
Health, Environment, Safety & Assets 
Risk Level 1-6? 
Last Cause? 
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These steps are explained below. 
1. Select the hazard of concern. A hazard is defined as a chemical, biological or physical 
condition that has the potential for causing harm to people, property or the environment. Only 
when subjected to real world events does a hazard represent a risk. A generic hazards list is 
provided in Appendix A. Not all of the hazards indicated in the list apply to all facilities and 
activities. Further, some facilities may have hazards not included in the generic list. In these 
cases, the hazards should be modified as appropriate. 
2. Select or brainstorm the top event or condition of concern. Similarly a list of generic top 
events or conditions of concern associated with the hazards is provided in Appendix A. 
3. Brainstorm possible causes that could lead to each event of concern. The rules of 
brainstorming apply; there is no such thing as a bad idea; do not discuss or edit other’s ideas 
while brainstorming; keep the discussion moving. Remember to stay focused on the hazard and 
top event or condition of concern when looking for causes. After the team has run out of 
causes, review the list that has been created and verify that they are plausible causes within the 
system for that hazard. While brainstorming, causes with similar consequences should be 
grouped together. If a particular cause/consequence scenario is different, then it should be 
treated separately. 
4. Determine the potential consequences (HES and asset) for each cause. Consequences are 
brainstormed for credible scenarios that can develop from the hazard under consideration. Poor 
or incomplete scenario development can lead to a faulty estimate of the risk, because important 
events might not be identified, or might be handled incompletely. For each hazard/top event of 
concern/cause grouping, develop the consequences with no safeguards. No credit should be 
given for operator action, controls, alarms, procedures or preventative systems. Consequences 
shall be developed to their plausible conclusion, specifically looking outside the scenario under 
study for potential effects. This is considered analyzing the global consequences of the event of 
concern. 
5. Identify safeguards or controls currently in place, or expected to be in place, to prevent, 
detect, control or mitigate the event/activity and/or its consequence(s). Document 
procedures and/or systems that prevent the cause from occurring or mitigate the effects of the 
potential consequences. Examples include alarms, operator surveillance, shutdown safety 
systems, immunization programs, emergency response procedures, etc. The safeguards need 
not be confined to the system under study. For existing facilities, if the team is unable to verify 
safeguards, credit must not be taken in the risk ranking. 
6. Rank the risk, using the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix. Risks are evaluated based 
upon: 
■ The potential consequences (C-Consequence) without safeguards. Select the corresponding 
matrix consequence level (1–6). 
■ How probable (L-Likelihood) the above consequence would be considering the safeguards 
in place. Select the corresponding matrix likelihood level (1–6). 
■ The Consequence and Likelihood levels are combined to determine the Risk Priority 
Ranking (1–10) from the matrix. This also determines required follow-up action. 
■ Perform this ranking sequentially for health, environment and safety and asset risks for the 
specific cause/consequence scenario. 
For any HES or asset category where there are no consequences or consequences are negligible, 
it is acceptable to leave this particular HES or asset category ranking blank. However, it is 
important that all relevant HES categories for a given hazard be ranked. 
7. Flag and consider signposts and environmental aspects. Signposts are issues that could lead 
to business/reputation impacts resulting from stakeholder response to potential HES 
consequences and from potential social impacts. Environmental aspect identification, 
prioritization and documentation should be consistent with ISO 14001 expectations. Refer to 
the Environmental Aspect and HES Signpost User Guide. 
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8. Determine initial areas where risk reduction should be considered (risks that are in the 
actionable and mandatory risk region or that clearly need to be addressed). Develop initial 
recommendations as guided by the legend on the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix. 
2.1.2 Uncertainty 
All qualitative assessments involve uncertainty. Where knowledge about the behavior of a system 
is incomplete, teams shall adopt a conservative approach to risk ranking. 
In rare circumstances, where teams are unable to reach a conclusion on a consequence and 
likelihood rating, the teams should conceptually and conservatively consider the plausible 
consequences and whether they are consistent with industry standards or The Chevron Way. If the 
scenariois determined to be unacceptable, then the team should rank the risk within an actionable 
risk (Risk Level 1–6) as appropriate to direct further study or mitigation. 
2.2 Risk Levels and Further Action 
The selection of consequence and likelihood will result in assigned risk levels (1–10) and risk 
prioritization. The legend corresponding to the risk level from the Integrated Risk Prioritization 
Matrix is shown in Figure 3. 
 
5 - Additional long term risk reduction required. If no further action can be reasonably taken, SBU 
management approval must be sought to continue the activity.Legend 
Legend applies to identified HES risks
(see guidance documents for additional explanations) 
1, 2 , 3, 4 - Short-term, interim risk reduction required. Long term risk reduction plan must be 
developed and implemented. 
7, 8, 9, 10 - No further risk reduction required. Risk reduction at management / team discretion.
6 - Risk is tolerable if reasonable safeguards / management systems are confirmed to be in place 
and consistent with relevant requirements of the Risk Mitigation Closure Guidelines.
 
Figure 3: Risk Level and Actions 
 
The above legend applies only to HES risks. Asset risk reduction is at the discretion of management. 
Under no circumstances may a direct or indirect translation of asset loss to HES consequences or 
between any discrete categories of HES consequences be inferred. 
The legend establishes different thresholds and priorities for action for different levels of HES risk. 
Table 1 summarizes the decision criteria for action for the risk levels. Additional information and 
guidance is available in Sub-Procedure 4. 
In developing risk reduction and/or confirming risk levels, further study may be warranted. Guidance 
on further functional health, environment and safety assessments is provided in Sub Procedure 3. 
Table 1: Identifying Actionable and Non-Actionable Risks 
Risk Level Description Additional Decision-Making 
Criteria 
Actionable? 
Intolerable 
Qualitative risk levels 1–4 
Above Quantitative Safety 
Risk Target 
None Actionable 
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Risk Level Description Actionable? Additional Decision-Making 
Criteria 
The current management of risk is 
inconsistent with The Chevron Way 
OR 
For risk level 5, management 
approval has not been obtained to 
accept the risk 
Actionable 
Risk 
Reduction 
Required 
Unless 
Unreasonable 
Qualitative risk levels 5–6 
Below Quantitative Safety 
Risk Target but above Risk 
Reduction Not Required 
The current management of risk is 
consistent with The Chevron Way 
AND 
For Risk Level 5, management 
approval has been obtained to accept 
the current risk 
Non-
actionable 
The current management of risk is 
inconsistent with The Chevron Way Actionable Risk 
Reduction 
Not Required 
Qualitative risk levels 7–10 
Below Quantitative Safety 
Risk Reduction Not 
Required 
The current management of risk is 
consistent with The Chevron Way 
Non-
actionable 
 
2.3 Consequence 
The Consequence scale is the horizontal axis which ranges from 1 (catastrophic) to 6 (incidental). The 
lower the number, the more severe the consequence, as shown in Figure 4. 
 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Consequence
Indices
Decreasing Consequence/Impact
 
Figure 4: Consequence Scale and Indices 
 
On the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix, consequence descriptions are provided for the functional 
areas of safety, health, environment and assets. The following sections and Appendixes B, C and D 
are provided to assist the user in assigning appropriate and consistent consequences in each functional 
area. 
Some general principles for establishing consequences: 
• The consequences are with no safeguards or controls in place. 
• The consequences of any given scenario may impact each of safety, health, environment and 
assets. Alternatively it may only impact one or more, as applicable. 
• Consequences should be distinct. For a given scenario “double counting” should be avoided, 
for example, ranking an illness or life shortening health affect and a safety injury or fatality 
from the same scenario. 
• The consequence scale for each functional area includes six indices, with each differing from 
the adjacent one by a magnitude of 10 (e.g., “Moderate” can be interpreted as ten times more 
severe than “Minor” 
 
 
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Safety and Health 
Potential consequences to the public are conservatively offset from the workforce consistent with 
societal expectation and regulatory precedence. 
In determining whether a potential impact has either a safety or health impact or both, users should 
consider the following: 
• The mechanism in which the incident/impact occurs 
• The types of studies that may be applicable to further understand the risk 
• What mitigations would reduce the risk 
For example, a hydrocarbon fire from a ruptured vessel which has the potential for severe burns to 
workforce personnel may be judged to have long-term disabling health effects. However, the event 
may have been severe enough to cause a fatality, in which case it should be classed as a safety event. 
In addition, the types of further studies (like HAZOPs) and risk mitigation measures are better suited 
within the safety approach. 
Conversely, a small chemical burn incurred through inappropriate handling may have short-term 
effects and could be classed as a safety and minor consequence; however, the mitigations may be 
better suited to the health program. 
Environment 
When assigning potential environmental consequences these involve environmental receptors only. 
Where a scenario impacts the environment with the potential to also impact human receptors it should 
be ranked in environment and also ranked in human health or safety, as appropriate. 
2.3.1 Safety 
The safety consequence category is described as adverse outcomes applicable to the workforce and 
public and that typically originate from event driven risks. 
Appendix D provides further explanation of the types of safety injuries classified in each 
consequence descriptions along with examples. Some basic examples of hazards or top events of 
concern that are categorized under safety include the acute impacts to personnel from the 
following: 
■ Slips, trips and falls 
■ Electrocution 
■ Fire and explosion 
■ Dropped objects 
■ Falls from heights 
■ Transportation incidents and collisions 
■ Explosives 
■ Physical handing (pinch points, sharp objects, heavy objects) 
Table 2: Safety Consequence Descriptions 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Workforce: Minor injury 
such as a first-aid.
AND
Public: No impact
Workforce: One or more 
injuries, not severe.
OR
Public: One or more minor 
injuries such as a first-aid. 
Workforce: One or more 
severe injuries including 
permanently disabling 
injuries.
OR
Public: One or more 
injuries, not severe.
Workforce: (1-4) Fatalities 
OR
Public: One or more 
severe injuries including 
permanently disabling 
injuries.
Workforce: Multiple 
fatalities (5-50)
OR
Public: multiple fatalities 
(1-10)
Workforce: Multiple 
fatalities (>50)
OR
Public: multiple fatalities 
(>10) 
 
 
 
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2.3.2 HealthThe health consequence category includes potential impacts relating to occupational safety and 
health, community health, biological, natural and chemical vectors. 
Health consequences may pertain to the following: 
■ Acute effects: those which occur suddenly and in a short time (seconds to hours) following 
a chronic or non-event related exposure (e.g., exposure to a biological agent), generally to 
higher levels or concentrations of a health hazard. 
■ Chronic effects: those which occur gradually over a long period of time following repeated 
and prolonged exposure to relatively low levels or concentrations of a hazardous agent. In 
certain cases a short-term exposure may result in a chronic health effect. 
Table 3: Health Consequence Descriptions 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Workforce: Minor illness or 
effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to 
function and treatment is 
very limited or not 
necessary
AND
Public: No impact 
Workforce: Mild to 
moderate illness or effect 
with some treatment and/or 
functional impairment but is 
medically managable
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse 
effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to 
function and medical 
treatment is limited or not 
necessary.
Workforce: Serious illness 
or severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level 
of medical treatment or 
management
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse 
effects with mild to 
moderate functional 
impairment requring 
medical treatment.
Workforce (1-4): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public: Serious illness or 
severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level 
of medical treatment or 
management.
Workforce (5-50): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public (1-10): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects. 
Workforce (>50): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects
OR
Public (>10): Serious 
illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or 
significant life shortening 
effects. 
 
Examples of hazards scenarios that are categorized under health include impacts to personnel from 
the following: 
■ Physical Agents: chronic or occupational related exposure to noise, vibration, heat, cold, 
radiation, physical/manual handling, ergonomics 
■ Biological Agents: infectious disease, blood borne pathogens (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B), 
contaminated food or water (salmonella), water borne pathogens (legionnaires), insect 
vectors (e.g., malaria), disease carrying and venomous animals (e.g., snakes, spiders, 
animals carrying rabies or tetanus) and poisonous plants. 
■ Chemical Agents: chronic or occupational related exposure to carcinogens; sensitizer, toxic 
to reproduction; produce local or system effects; corrosive; irritant; asphyxiate, burns and 
particulates. 
Appendix B provides further explanation and examples related to health consequences. 
2.3.3 Environment 
The environment consequence category includes potential impacts that may pertain to: 
■ Physical Environment: air, surface or groundwater or land 
■ Biological Environment: animal and plant populations, their behavior, numbers and 
diversity. 
In establishing potential consequence level, the user should be guided by the matrix, additional 
description and examples below and should consider the following: 
■ the nature of the receiving environment 
■ the spatial scale of effects 
■ the duration (temporal scale) of effects 
■ the degree of change relative to baseline or to some criteria of acceptability 
Given the environmental range of receptors, sensitivity and impacting activities and events, the 
environmental consequence descriptions in Table 4 are a guide. Throughout the description, the 
term “such as” is synonymous with “for example” and users are recommended to refer to 
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Appendix C which provides additional calibration examples. The examples are divided into two 
types of categories “Planned” or “Event” based with impact as tabulated below. 
Planned activities Events (excursion/deviation/upset) 
• Pits • Groundwater plumes 
• Discharges • Spills onshore 
• Air emissions • Spills offshore 
• Noise and light • Erosion 
• Dredging 
• Clearing 
• Resource use 
Table 4: Environmental Consequence Descriptions 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Impacts such as localized 
or short term effects on 
habitat, species or 
environmental media. 
Impacts such as localized, 
long term degradation of 
sensitive habitat or 
widespread, short-term 
impacts to habitat, species 
or environmental media
Impacts such as localized 
but irreversible habitat loss 
or widespread, long-term 
effects on habitat, species 
or environmental media 
Impacts such as significant, 
widespread and persistant 
changes in habitat, species 
or environmental media 
(e.g. widespread habitat 
degradation) .
Impacts such as persistent 
reduction in ecosystem 
function on a landscape 
scale or significant 
disruption of a sensitive 
species. 
Loss of a significant portion 
of a valued species or loss 
of effective ecosystem 
function on a landscape 
scale.
 
 
2.3.4 Assets 
The asset consequence category includes potential impacts that may result from a HES incident or 
be identified during the results of discussions. 
The scale of consequences involves units of US$. The estimation would include factors including 
but not limited to the costs incurred due to the following examples: 
■ Downtime, schedule delay and loss of revenue 
■ Repair of damaged equipment, replacement or new construction 
■ Estimated costs of recovery, restoration activities from environmental spills and releases 
Table 5: Asset Consequence Descriptions 
 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Minimal damage. Negligible 
down time or asset loss. 
Costs < $100,000.
Some asset loss, damage 
and/or downtime. Costs 
$100,000 to $1 Million.
Serious asset loss, damage 
to facility and/or downtime. 
Costs of $1-10Million.
Major asset loss, damage 
to facility and/or downtime. 
Cost >$10 Million but 
<$100 Million. 
Severe asset loss or 
damage to facility. 
Significant downtime, with 
appreciable economic 
impact. Cost >$100MM 
but <$1billion.
Total destruction or 
damage. Potential for 
permanent loss of 
production. Costs 
>$1billion
 
2.4 Likelihood 
 
The Likelihood scale from the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is the vertical axis and ranges 
from 1 (likely) to 6 (remote). The lower the number the more likely the event of condition is to occur. 
 
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The descriptions are to be interpreted based on historical 
evidence and experience that the identified consequences have 
occurred within the facility, business unit, operating company, 
across the industry or at all. Event can reasonably be 
expected to occur in life of 
facility
1 Likely
Conditions may allow the 
event to occur at the facility 
during its lifetime, or the 
event has occurred within 
the Business Unit
2 Occasional
Exceptional conditions may 
allow consequences to 
occur within thefacility 
lifetime, or has occurred 
within the OPCO
3 Seldom
Reasonable to expect that 
the event will not occur at 
this facility. Has occurred 
several times in the 
industry, but not in the 
OPCO
4 Unlikely
Has occurred once or twice 
within industry 5 Remote
Rare or unheard of 6 Rare
D
ec
re
as
in
g 
Li
ke
lih
oo
d
Likelihood 
Descriptions Likelihood Indices
 
When the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is used for 
prioritizing past events, present activities or future activities 
that are planned, the likelihood for these scenarios is 1: 
“likely.” For example, this applies to the determination of 
planned air emissions and water discharges, or clearing 
activities. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5: Likelihood Scale, Indices and Descriptions 
3.0 Roles and Requirements 
The Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix shall be used only by qualified and competent personnel. A 
multi-disciplined team is recommended when using the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix to enable 
the representation of operations, HES, design, engineers as well as those appropriate to develop the 
range of the hazard scenarios under consideration. 
When the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix is used under the Risk Management process, use of a 
RiskMan2 Qualified Facilitator and Environmental/Health/Social Facilitator may be required, as 
dictated by the process. For other applications of the Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix, use of 
these facilitators is not mandated but is encouraged where applicable to enable quality and 
consistency of results as well as efficiency in use. 
Descriptions of facilitator qualification requirements are summarized in Table 6 below. 
Table 6: Qualified Facilitator Descriptions 
Role Qualification 
RiskMan2 Qualified Facilitator Attended the four-day RiskMan2 Qualified Facilitator training 
program. Have sufficient qualitative risk assessment experience to 
pass the RiskMan2 Qualified Facilitator exam, administered upon 
completion of the course. Significant (10 years+) engineering 
experience with facilities and operations. Exceptions based upon 
specific individual qualifications. 
RiskMan2 Qualified 
Environmental/Health/Social 
Facilitator 
Attended RiskMan2 Qualified Environmental/Health/Social 
Facilitator workshop. Demonstrated experience and competence 
with 10+ years in environment, social and health issues. 
Exceptions based upon specific individual qualifications. 
 
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4.0 Measurement and Verification 
Measurement and verification will be implemented as described in the RiskMan2 Procedure or 
applicable OE process. 
5.0 Continual Improvement 
Continual improvement will be implemented as described in the RiskMan2 Procedure or applicable 
OE process. 
Document Control Information 
 
Table 7: Document History 
Version 
Number 
Date Notes 
1.0 March 2006 Initial release 
 
 
Document List 
The following table provides a list of the documents referenced in this procedure. 
Table 8: Document List 
Attachment Title File Name 
Environmental Aspect and HES 
Signpost User Guide 
 CORP RM Env Aspect Signpost User Guide
Sub Procedure 4 CORP_RM_Sub-Procedure4
Sub Procedure 3 CORP_RM_Sub-Procedure3
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Appendix A: Generic List of Hazards and Top Events or Conditions 
of Concern 
Hazard Top Events or Conditions of 
Concern 
Flammable gas Loss of containment 
Hazardous (e.g., sour/toxic) gas Loss of containment 
Hazardous (e.g., sour/toxic) gas Reaction 
Inert gas or asphyxiants Loss of isolation/containment 
Inert gas or asphyxiants N2 saturation (diving) 
Inert gas or asphyxiants [O2] deviation 
Crude oil or heavy HCs Loss of containment 
Crude oil or heavy HCs Rapid phase transition 
Crude oil or heavy HCs Ignition 
Crude oil or heavy HCs Chronic environmental or health effects 
Condensate or light HCs Loss of containment 
Condensate or light HCs Rapid phase transition 
Condensate or light HCs Ignition 
Hazardous liquids/chemicals Loss of containment 
Hazardous liquids/chemicals Pyrophoric action 
Hazardous liquids/chemicals Reaction/mixing, rapid phase transition 
Hazardous liquids/chemicals Chronic environmental or health effects 
Smoke Impeded Emergency Escape and Response 
(EER) 
Hazardous solids Loss of containment 
Hazardous solids Leaching 
Hazardous solids Hydrate formation 
Hazardous solids Pyrophoric action 
Hazardous solids Reaction 
Hazardous solids Chronic environmental or health effects 
Radiation (UV, X-ray, visible, alpha, beta, gamma) Uncontrolled applications/unsealed sources 
Radiation (UV, X-ray, visible, alpha, beta, gamma) Change in ambient light conditions 
Radiation (UV, X-ray, visible, alpha, beta, gamma) Chronic environmental or health effects 
Particulates (dust, sand, asbestos, ash) Combustible mixture 
Particulates (dust, sand, asbestos, ash) Uncontrolled applications/unsealed sources 
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Hazard Top Events or Conditions of 
Concern 
Particulates (dust, sand, asbestos, ash) Chronic environmental or health effects 
Explosives Uncontrolled applications (e.g., premature 
ignition, unexploded ordinances) 
Open areas behind retention or below grade (pits, 
basins, ditches, liquid filled or dry) 
Unintended entry 
Open areas behind retention or below grade (pits, 
basins, ditches, liquid filled or dry) 
Chronic environmental or health effects 
Biological agents (viruses, bacterial/microbial 
pathogens, parasites, vermin) 
Disease transmission 
Biological agents (viruses, bacterial/microbial 
pathogens, parasites, hazardous animals and plants) 
Contact (e.g., bites, allergic reactions) 
Stored energy Release and impact of objects under tension 
or compression 
Vibration Acute and chronic environmental and 
health affects (e.g., muscular skeletal, 
environmental receptor disturbance) 
Natural external events: 
• geological (subsidence, erosion) 
• tectonic (earthquake, volcano, tsunami) 
• climatic (wind, flooding, ice, lightening, 
hurricanes/cyclones; tornadoes) 
• storm swell and metocean (waves, currents 
including VIM [Vortex Induced Motion]) 
Loss of containment 
Natural external events: 
• geological (subsidence, erosion) 
• tectonic (earthquake, volcano, tsunami) 
• climatic (wind, flooding, ice, lightening, 
hurricanes/cyclones; tornadoes) 
• storm swell and metocean (waves, currents 
including VIM [Vortex Induced Motion]) 
Chronic environmental or health effects 
Aqueous mixtures and discharges (e.g., produced 
water, muds and cuttings, effluents, thermal/cold 
water discharges) 
Loss of containment 
Aqueous mixtures and discharges (e.g., produced 
water, muds and cuttings, effluents, thermal/cold 
water discharges) 
Explosive mixture 
Aqueous mixtures and discharges (e.g., produced 
water, muds and cuttings, effluents, thermal/cold 
water discharges) 
Operation outside design parameters 
Aqueous mixtures and discharges (e.g., produced 
water, muds and cuttings, effluents, thermal/cold 
water discharges) 
Chronic environmental or health effects – 
chemical 
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Hazard Top Events or Conditions of 
Concern 
Aqueous mixtures and discharges (e.g., produced 
water, muds and cuttings, effluents, thermal/cold 
water discharges) 
Chronic environmental effects – 
physical/temperature 
Emissions (e.g., CO2, CH4, NOX, VOC, SOX) Operation outside design parameters 
Emissions (e.g., CO2, CH4, NOX, VOC, SOX) Chronic environmental or health effects 
Noise Chronic environmental or health effects 
Noise Change in ambient sound conditions 
Extreme physical conditions (cold, heat, high current, 
draught, humidity, dry) 
Compromised facility integrity 
Extreme physical conditions (cold, heat, high current, 
draught, humidity, dry) 
Acute and chronic health effects 
Maintenance activity including subsea and other 
activity 
Loss of containment 
Maintenance activity including subsea and other 
activity 
Chronic environmental or health effects 
Maintenance activity including subsea and other 
activity 
Compromised facility integrity 
Maintenance activity including subsea and other 
activity 
Acute or chronic environmental effects – 
clearing, dredging or access related 
Transport includes all transport, air, water, land Unintended impact 
Transport includes all transport, air, water, land Unintended force/velocity of impact 
Transport includes all transport, air, water, land Unintended take of wildlife or aquatic life 
(impact) 
Transport includes all transport, air, water, land Noise effects (see Noise) 
Transport includes all transport, air, water, land Acute or chronic environmental effects – 
clearing, dredging or access related 
Physical handling (pinch points, sharp objects, heavy 
objects) 
Acute and chronic safety effects 
Electrical energy (e.g., low, medium and high voltage) Acute and chronic safety or health effects 
Human error prone environments (e.g., poor lighting, 
awkward location of equipment) 
Acute and chronic safety or health effects 
(e.g., slips, trips, falls, RSI) 
External event (e.g., toxic or flammable release, fire 
or explosion, or plume from third-party facility) 
Unexpected hazard entering or impacting 
site 
Undesirable outside human intervention (e.g., piracy, 
sabotage, assault, terrorism, shooting) 
Loss of Containment 
Undesirable outside human intervention (e.g., piracy, 
sabotage, assault, terrorism, shooting) 
Chronic safety or health effects 
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Hazard Top Events or Conditions of 
Concern 
Heights/accessible tall structures Chronic safety or health effects 
Dropped objects Chronic safety or health effects 
Natural or local resource use (e.g., fresh water, 
construction activity, land clearing, use of local food 
sources) 
Acute or chronic environmental effects – 
clearing, dredging or access related 
Natural or local resource use (e.g., fresh water, 
construction activity, land clearing, use of local food 
sources) 
Overuse of scarce or key resource 
Construction activity Loss of containment 
Construction activity Chronic environmental or health effects 
Construction activity Compromised facility integrity 
Construction activity Acute or chronic environmental effects – 
clearing, dredging or access related 
 
 
Corporate – Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix User Guide 
Appendix B: Health Consequence Examples 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Consequence 
Workforce: Minor illness or effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to function and treatment is very 
limited or not necessary
AND
Public: No impact 
Workforce: Mild to moderate illness or effect with 
some treatment and/or functional impairment but is 
medically managable
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse effect with limited or no 
impacts on ability to function and medical treatment 
is limited or not necessary.
Workforce: Serious illness or severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level of medical treatment or 
management
OR 
Public: Illness or adverse effects with mild to 
moderate functional impairment requring medical 
treatment.
Workforce (1-4): Serious illness or chronic 
exposure resulting in fatality or significant life 
shortening effects
OR
Public: Serious illness or severe adverse health 
effect requiring a high level of medical treatment or 
management.
Workforce (5-50): Serious illness or chronic 
exposure resulting in fatality or significant life 
shortening effects
OR
Public (1-10): Serious illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or significant life shortening 
effects. 
Workforce (>50): Serious illness or chronic 
exposure resulting in fatality or significant life 
shortening effects
OR
Public (>10):Serious illness or chronic exposure 
resulting in fatality or significant life shortening 
effects. 
Workforce
Agents or activities that result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to localized effect or minor illness; has little or no 
limitation in physical, physiological or mental function that 
impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; medical treatment is limited or not 
necessary. 
Agents or activities that result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to an adverse health effect with mild to moderate 
limitation in physical, physiological or mental function that 
impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; effect is medically treatable. 
 Agents or activities that result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to serious illness or chronic health effects with high 
limitation in physical, physiological or mental function that 
impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; and requires ongoing medical treatment 
and/or frequent assistance to accomplish daily activities. 
Impact on workers (1 to 4): Agents or activities that result 
in changes in cell, tissue or organ function or damage to 
cells, tissues or organs; leads to serious illness that can be 
fatal, or substantially shortens life expectancy
Impact on workers (5 to 50): Agents or activities that result 
in changes in cell, tissue or organ function or damage to 
cells, tissues or organs; leads to serious illness that can be 
fatal, or substantially shortens life expectancy
Impact on workers (>50): Agents or activities that result in 
changes in cell, tissue or organ function or damage to 
cells, tissues or organs; leads to serious illness that can be 
fatal, or substantially shortens life expectancy
Public Not Applicable
Agents or activities that result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to minor illness or adverse health effect; has no or 
little limitation in physical, physiological or mental function 
that impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; and medical treatment is limited or not 
necessary.
Agents or activities that result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to an adverse health effect with mild to moderate 
limitation in physical, physiological or mental function that 
impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; effect is medically treatable. 
 Agents or activitiesthat result in changes in cell, tissue or 
organ function or damage to cells, tissues or organs that 
leads to serious illness or chronic health effects with high 
limitation in physical, physiological or mental function that 
impacts an individual’s capacity to work, interact or live 
independently; and requires ongoing medical treatment 
and/or frequent assistance to accomplish daily activities. 
Impact on public (1 to 10): Agents or activities that result 
in changes in cell, tissue or organ function or damage to 
cells, tissues or organs; leads to serious illness that can be 
fatal, or substantially shortens life expectancy
Impact on public (>10): Agents or activities that result in 
changes in cell, tissue or organ function or damage to 
cells, tissues or organs; leads to serious illness that can be 
fatal, or substantially shortens life expectancy
Workforce 
* Minor changes in respiratory function 
(coughing/sneezing/nasal congestion or other hay-fever 
like symptoms) 
* Watering of the eyes; mild eye or skin irritation (from 
chronic exposure) 
* Mild, tinitus (ringing in the ear) or Threshold shift in 
hearing but less than Standard Threshold Shift (STS) 
* Gastrointestinal distress (food/water contamination or 
food/water-borne illnesses) that does not require medical 
intervention 
* Mild joint pain 
* Occasional RSI discomfort
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in: 
* Standard threshold shift (STS) in hearing (such as can 
result from occupational noise or solvent exposure). 
* Decline in visual acuity related to working environment 
(such as or severe glare or harsh lighting). 
* Work-related decline in skeleto-muscular function (grip 
strength – vibration or RSI). Frequent, severe back pain.
* Environmental exposures that resolve with limited 
medical intervention (mild to moderate heat exhaustion or 
chronic hypothermia).
Biological Agents resulting in: Fever, dizziness, nausea, 
vomiting; gastrointestinal distress (food/water 
contamination or food/water-borne illness) that requires 
medical intervention but not hospitalization. 
* minor venomous animal bites
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in: 
* Respiratory effects such as irritation without tissue 
damage, shortness of breath without loss of consciousness 
or mild, occupational asthma (or exacerbation of pre-
existing respiratory disease). 
* Allergies requiring occasional medications (such as mild 
catalyst or solvent sensitivity). 
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in: 
* Environmental exposures that are serious but not 
normally fatal with medical intervention (severe heat 
exhaustion, chronic hypothermia).
* Significant decline or loss in visual acuity, significant 
decline or loss in hearing.
* Work related loss of skeleto-muscular function or 
debilitating nerve damage. 
Biological Agents resulting in:
* Food/water contamination (food/water-borne illness) 
requiring medical treatment including hospitalization but 
which are not normally fatal (shigella, e.coli or salmonella). 
* Diseases transmitted by biological vectors that are 
serious but not normally fatal with medical treatment 
(Lymes Disease, Q fever, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever). 
* Venomous animal bites causing serious illness, potential 
for disabling impact (eg amputation)
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in:
* Respiratory irritation resulting in permanent change in 
lung function or severe asthma 
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in:
* Effects of environmental exposures that result in death 
(heatstroke, acute hypothermia) 
* Fatal radiation sickness or radiation exposure related 
cancer 
Biological Agents resulting in:
* Food/water contamination (food/water-borne illness) 
which can be fatal (e.g. botulism, severe dysentery, 
hepatitis). 
* Diseases spread by biological vectors (ticks, mosquitoes, 
rodents) that can be fatal (tetanus, rabies, malaria, 
septisemic or pneumonic plague). 
* Venomous animal bite or animal attack causing fatal 
injury
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in:
* Work-related asbestosis, leukemia or other cancer, 
silicosis, emphysema or other chronic lung disease, kidney 
or liver disease, infertility
 Impact on workforce (5-50): Example descriptions as per 
Major.
 Impact on workforce (> 50): Example descriptions as per 
Major.
Public Impact on public: Not Applicable
* Minor changes in respiratory function 
(coughing/sneezing/nasal congestion or other hay-fever 
like symptoms) 
* Watering of the eyes; mild eye or skin irritation (from 
chronic exposure) 
* Mild, tinitus (ringing in the ear) or Threshold shift in 
hearing but less than Standard Threshold Shift (STS) 
* Gastrointestinal distress (food/water contamination or 
food/water-borne illnesses) that does not require medical 
intervention 
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in: 
* Standard threshold shift (STS) in hearing (such as can 
result from occupational noise or solvent exposure). 
Biological Agents resulting in: Fever, dizziness, nausea, 
vomiting; gastrointestinal distress (food/water 
contamination or food/water-borne illness) that requires 
medical intervention but not hospitalization. 
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in: 
* Respiratory effects such as irritation without tissue 
damage, shortness of breath without loss of consciousness 
or mild, asthma (or exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory 
disease). 
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in: 
* Significant decline or loss in visual acuity, significant 
decline or loss in hearing.
Biological Agents resulting in:
* Food/water contamination (food/water-borne illness) 
requiring medical treatment including hospitalization but 
which are not normally fatal (shigella, e.coli or salmonella). 
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in:
* Respiratory irritation resulting in permanent change in 
lung function or severe asthma 
Chronic exposure to physical agents resulting in:
* Fatal radiation sickness or radiation exposure related 
cancer 
Biological Agents resulting in:
* Food/water contamination (food/water-borne illness) 
which can be fatal (e.g. botulism, severe dysentery, 
hepatitis). 
Chronic exposure to chemical agents resulting in:
* Leukemia or other cancer, silicosis, emphysema or other 
chronic lung disease, kidney or liver disease, infertility
 Impact on public (> 10): Example description as per 
Severe.
Health
(Adverse effects resulting from 
chronic chemical or physical 
exposures or exposure to 
biological agents) 
Detailed Explanation
Calibration Examples - Case by Case Judgment shall be Applied 
NOTE: Adverse effects on the workforce or public resulting from chronic exposures to physical or chemical agents associated with ongoing operation either within or outside of operating basis should generally be considered Health impacts. All adverse effects caused 
by biological agents (e.g. microbes, parasites, noxious plants, insects, vermin, wildlife) should be considered Health consequences, regardless of exposure regime (acute or chronic).
 
 
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Appendix C: Environmental Consequence Examples 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Consequence Impacts such as localized or short term effects on habitat, species or environmental media. 
Impacts such as localized, long term 
degradation of sensitive habitat or widespread, 
short-term impacts to habitat, species or 
environmental media
Impacts such as localized but irreversible 
habitat loss or widespread, long-term effects 
on habitat, species or environmental media 
Impacts suchas significant, widespread and 
persistant changes in habitat, species or 
environmental media (e.g. widespread habitat 
degradation) .
Impacts such as persistent reduction in 
ecosystem function on a landscape scale or 
significant disruption of a sensitive species. 
Loss of a significant portion of a valued 
species or loss of effective ecosystem function 
on a landscape scale.
Description
In most cases, operational practices that adhere to 
accepted industry or Company standards will have 
Incidental consequence because they are localized, 
short term and/or do not result in significant change 
to the environment (e.g. within the assimilative 
capacity, within natural variability, or not resulting in 
a detectable shift from baseline). However, in cases 
where the receiving environment is particularly 
valued, sensitive or highly stressed environmental 
consequences could be greater. Likely impacts 
found to be acceptable with routine management if 
assessed within the framework of a properly 
performed ESHIA and all activities that are compliant 
with a corporate or OPCO environmental 
performance standard should have no greater than 
Incidental consequence.
Minor impacts may entail greater change, larger 
scales and/or longer time frames. In this context, 
long term refers to the time required to re-establish 
acceptable environmental conditions. When 
assessing an ongoing or planned operational activity, 
consideration should be given both to the time frame 
over which the activity will occur and recovery time 
once the practice is discontinued. The Minor 
consequence category may be assigned to routine 
operational practice outside of what is standard 
and/or where the receiving environment is 
particularly sensitive such that additional measures 
above standard practice may be required. Likely 
impacts found to be marginally acceptable or only 
acceptable with highly managed mitigation within the 
framework of a properly performed ESHIA will 
typically be considered Minor.
Moderate consequences apply when there is 
localized but persistent habitat loss. In this case, 
some recovery may occur but to a state significantly 
different and unacceptable. Moderate should also 
be assigned when the effect is pronounced, occurs 
on a moderate to large spatial scale, and when it is 
long term but recoverable. Planned or ongoing 
activities that are reasonably judged to be 
unacceptable or intolerable should have Moderate or 
greater consequence. In general, likely impacts 
found to be unacceptable and that cannot be 
mitigated to acceptable levels within the framework 
of a properly performed ESHIA will also have 
Moderate or greater consequence. 
Major should be assigned when the effect is 
pronounced, occurs on a spatial scale that is 
moderate to large, and when the disrupted or 
degraded state is likely to persist. When considering 
significance, the assessment should take in account 
the underlying stability and variability of the habitat 
and species of concern and the degree of deviation 
from baseline or from acceptability criteria. Similarly, 
temporal and spatial scales should be thought of 
relative to the habitat or species of concern.
Severe consequences occur on a spatial scale that 
is very large considering the target receptors or the 
receiving environment (i.e. on a landscape scale). 
Severe represents not only a significant change from 
the initial environmental conditions but also a much 
lower level of functioning. Further, this low 
functioning must be persistent. This category also 
applies to ongoing stress on an entire population of 
concern such that the long term survival of that 
species or important sub-population is threatened. 
Potential impacts that could result in critical habitats 
being permanently removed or that could cause a 
valued species to become threatened or extinct 
would be considered catastrophic. Catastrophic 
would also apply to very large (landscape) scale, 
dramatic change to an ecosystem such that while 
organisms may still be present, the system can be 
considered non-functional. In making this 
determination, the scale of the activity should be 
considered relative to that of the ecosystem and its 
communities. Often this type of impact is cumulative 
and evolving; however the risk assessment should 
be conducted exclusively on a forward basis. 
Planned or Ongoing
Open pit not acting as a source to groundwater or 
resulting in unintentional take of a sensitive or valued 
species (e.g. migratory birds); Most 
controlled/treated discharges and emissions; Most 
permitted discharges and emissions meeting 
regulatory limits; Most clearing activities to industry 
standards, provided access management, erosion 
control, and restoration planning are in place; Most 
maintenance dredging of clean sediment
Open pit in a sensitive environment; Open pit with 
unintentional take of valued species; Significant 
discharges to low dilution environments (even if 
treated); Discharges causing intermittent sheen or 
localized sediment impacts such as oil loading or 
anoxia; Significant incremental emissions to highly 
degraded air quality environment and/or a low 
dispersion environment; Clearing significantly larger 
areas than industry standard practice but where 
restoration is possible and access can be managed 
and/or is consistent with current resource use; 
Clearing resulting in episodic erosion
Pit or active hydrocarbon source with associated 
plume discharging or likely to discharge to a high 
dilution surface water body; Discharges causing 
chronic sheens; Chronic, significant black smoke 
emissions; Uncontrolled dredging of contaminated 
sediments; Cleared areas (e.g. drill sites, camps, 
and right always) without soil conservation measures 
for sensitive soils or where site restoration is not 
planned/possible; creation of new mineral oil drill 
cuttings mounds
Chronic hydrocarbon release (plume or pit) 
discharges resulting in significant alteration of the 
receiving body (e.g. widespread sediment 
contamination); widespread clearing without 
restoration; chronic uncontrolled discharge resulting 
in widespread sediment contamination or changing 
aquatic community structure
Significant, unintended take in a pit sufficient to 
disrupt long term viability of a bird species; Linear 
clearing resulting in unmanaged, very large scale 
associated clearing with recovery to marginal 
habitat/ecosystem function. Provision of uncontrolled 
access resulting in changes to regional populations 
of wildlife species or significant regional barriers to 
migration with long term implications to species 
success; Light or noise from ongoing operation that 
impacts breeding or feeding success of an isolated 
or threatened species
Creation of a new chronic hydrocarbon release (e.g. 
from pit or groundwater plume) causing significant 
kill event to an isolated or threatened aquatic 
species (i.e. near term threat to a valued species); 
Linear clearing resulting in unmanaged, very large 
scale associated clearing where area is likely to 
remain in a cleared state (i.e. recovery is not 
possible or will be actively prevented). Very large 
scale (regional) dredging with salt water intrusion 
and land loss; Clearing resulting in provision of 
uncontrolled hunting access to a threatened game 
species
Event or 
Excursion/Deviation/Upset 
In general, relatively small releases and episodic 
operational events will have Incidental 
consequences because they are limited in spatial 
and often temporal extent and because changes to 
the affected environment tend to be relatively small. 
In making this determination, consideration shouldbe given to the sensitivity and likely degree of 
change within the receiving environment.
Relatively small releases and episodic operational 
events in cases where the receiving environment is 
particularly sensitive and recovery is unlikely. May 
also apply to large spills and unplanned releases 
where baseline conditions will help to reduce the 
seriousness of the consequence (e.g. limited 
receptors, high dilution, evaporation or dispersion)
Chronic or large high salinity produced water spills to 
land; small to moderate releases of nondegradable 
or very slowly degradable chemicals to land or 
sediment; most moderate to large (e.g. pipeline, tank 
rupture) hydrocarbon releases. 
Large, multiple releases of high salinity produced 
water to land; large, multiple releases of 
nondegradable or very slowly degradable chemicals 
to land; partial beaching of a very large (e.g. tanker) 
oil spill.
An operational incident that significantly disrupts a 
major breeding or nesting area over several breeding 
seasons. This condition could arise, for example, 
from a large or very large spill (e.g. tanker, blowout) 
partially reaching a shoreline or from a significant oil 
release into a marsh or other wetland.
The benchmark for Catastrophic consequence from 
an unplanned event is of a magnitude similar to a 
major tanker spill or blowout impacting significant 
sensitive and/or pristine coastline. However, it 
should be kept in mind that the key to the 
consequence determination is not the size of the 
event but the nature and scope of the environmental 
impact. 
Pits
Open pit not acting as continuing source to 
groundwater or resulting in unintentional take of a 
sensitive or valued species (e.g. migratory birds)
Open pit in a sensitive environment; open pit with 
limited unintentional take of valued species; and/or 
pit acting as a continuing source with groundwater 
consequences consistent with definition of Minor. 
Extremely large, open pit (where multiple pits are 
present may consider overall effect) and/or pit acting 
as a continuing source with groundwater 
consequences consistent with definition of Moderate.
Numerous pits in a sensitive environment or altering 
character of habitat; pits resulting in significant 
chronic unintentional take of wildlife or birds; and/or 
pit acting as a continuing source with groundwater 
consequences consistent with definition of Major.
Unintental take sufficient to disrupt widespread 
distribution or behavior of wildlife or bird species 
(e.g. measurable, directly attributable impacts to a 
rare species) and/or pit acting as a continuing source 
with groundwater consequences consistent with 
definition of Severe.
Unintentional take sufficient to alter population 
numbers of wildlife or bird species (e.g. measurable, 
directly attributable decreases in a threatened 
species) and/or pit acting as a continuing source with 
groundwater consequences consistent with definition 
of Catastrophic.
Environment 
Specific Calibration Examples - Case by Case Judgment shall be Applied
Applies to environmental receptors only; human health and safety should be evaluated separately
Detailed Explanation
Summary Calibration Examples - Case by Case Judgment shall be Applied
Applies to environmental receptors only; human health and safety should be evaluated separately
In establishing potential consequence level, the user should be guided by the matrix, additional description and examples below and should consider the following:
 - the nature of the receiving environment
 - the spatial scale of effects 
 - the duration (temporal scale) of effects
 - the degree of change relative to baseline or to some criteria of acceptability
 
Version 1.0. Revised March 2006. 21 
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CORP_RM_Matrix_User_Guide.doc 
Corporate – Integrated Risk Prioritization Matrix User Guide 
6 5 4 3 2 1
Incidental Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic
Consequence Impacts such as localized or short term effects on habitat, species or environmental media. 
Impacts such as localized, long term 
degradation of sensitive habitat or widespread, 
short-term impacts to habitat, species or 
environmental media
Impacts such as localized but irreversible 
habitat loss or widespread, long-term effects 
on habitat, species or environmental media 
Impacts such as significant, widespread and 
persistant changes in habitat, species or 
environmental media (e.g. widespread habitat 
degradation) .
Impacts such as persistent reduction in 
ecosystem function on a landscape scale or 
significant disruption of a sensitive species. 
Loss of a significant portion of a valued 
species or loss of effective ecosystem function 
on a landscape scale.
Discharges
Most controlled/treated discharges into environments 
with adequate dilution; most permitted discharges 
meeting regulatory limits.
Significant discharges to low dilution environment, 
often even if treated or controlled; discharges 
causing intermittent sheen or localized sediment 
impacts such as oil loading or anoxia.
Discharges causing chronic sheens; Chronic 
discharges resulting in widespread, moderate 
sediment contamination and/or localized and 
persistent contamination. 
Chronic uncontrolled discharges resulting in 
widespread, long term sediment contamination or 
changing aquatic community structure.
Chronic discharges resulting in widespread and 
persistent impacts on sensitive species migration, 
feeding and breeding. Discharges resulting in large 
scale alteration of receiving body use. 
Chronic discharges resulting in population level 
impacts to species of concern (including food chain 
effects). Discharges creating widespread, long term 
degradation of habitat value or ecosystem instability 
in the receiving body. Discharges resulting in large 
scale loss of receiving body use. 
Emissions
(Atmospheric)
Most permitted emissions and emissions of 
conventional pollutants with standard control 
technologies. 
Significant incremental emissions to highly degraded 
air quality environment and/or a low dispersion 
environment.
Chronic emissions resulting in widespread deposition 
of contaminants above background; chronic 
emissions causing measurable changes in local 
habitat or species composition. 
Chronic emissions resulting in widespread 
measurable changes to habitat or species 
composition. Emissions creating widespread, long 
term degradation of habitat value. 
Chronic emissions resulting in persistent impacts 
which affect the breeding, feeding or migration of a 
sensitive species. 
Chronic emissions resulting in population level 
impacts to species of concern (including food chain 
effects). Emissions creating ecosystem instability in 
the receiving environment.
Noise, Vibration and Light 
Localized, transient disturbance to wildlife with no 
changes in population viability or significant changes 
to behavior (migration, feeding, breeding).
Relatively widespread, transient changes to ambient 
conditions causing wildlife behavior change but 
without change to population viability; ongoing, 
localized distrubance to sensitive or valued species.
Widepread, ongoing changes to ambient conditions 
above those expected due to natural variation; 
changes causing ongoing wildlife behavior change 
but without implications to population viability.
Significant, persistent change to ambient conditions 
sufficient to impact species populations or to notably 
degrade the quality of the environment.
Significant, ongoing disturbance to sensitive species 
impacting behaviors such as feeding and migration 
with implications to long term species or sub-species 
success.