Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) of Fablab Setting and Infrastructure at President University

This study demonstrates the methodological contribution of applying the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC) framework to a previously underexplored setting: an academic Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab). Key findings reveal that the facility’s pre-assessment safety profile was medium-high, primarily due to critical hazards such as exposed electrical cables and obstructed emergency equipment. By employing a systematic, qualitative approach and implementing a tailored control plan based on the hierarchy of controls, the study successfully reduced the overall risk level to low-medium. The research concludes that the HIRAC method offers a replicable and effective model for proactive risk management in academic makerspaces, ultimately enhancing safety culture through structured assessment and prioritized intervention.