Risk Receptor Meaning

A risk receptor refers to an entity (such as a person, environment, or asset) that could be negatively affected by potential hazards or failures in a system. In other words, it’s the element exposed to risk due to potential system faults or unsafe conditions. The concept of a risk receptor helps identify the specific targets of safety measures, allowing for targeted risk assessment and mitigation strategies to protect them from harm.

For example:

Human risk receptors: Workers, operators, or the general public who are potentially exposed to safety risks.
Environmental receptors: Ecosystems or habitats that could be impacted by hazardous events.
Asset receptors: Infrastructure, machinery, or other capital assets that may be damaged.
By understanding risk receptors, safety engineers can better assess the potential impacts of hazards and apply necessary controls to achieve acceptable risk levels for each identified receptor.