This document is designed to help transit agencies identify potential sources of hazards for analysis through the Safety Risk Management (SRM) process. SRM works within agency Safety Management Systems (SMS) to help  assess and mitigate safety risk.

FTA defines a hazard in 49 C.F.R. § 673.5 as "any real or potential condition that can cause injury, illness, or death; damage to or loss of the facilities, equipment, rolling stock, or infrastructure of a public transportation system; or damage to the environment." A hazard has potential consequences that may cause harm or adverse effects. To meet SRM requirements under Part 673, your agency must "establish methods or processes to identify hazards and consequences of the hazards" (§ 673.25(b)).  This includes assessing the safety risk of a hazard’s potential consequences and mitigating any risk your agency finds unacceptable.