Hazard Trigger Approach

The Co-operative Risk Reduction Process is based on a “Hazard” trigger approach. This provides an alternative to “Impact Risk Assessment”, which makes a judgement about ‘risk’ (Assessing risk estimates the 'likelihood' and 'severity' of a particular hazard) and who may be affected. Instead the “Hazard-trigger approach” says that where a hazard is recognised by a reputable body, then the Co-op will take action on that – and not look to whether “risks” were fulfilled. A ‘hazard’ is any chemical with the potential to cause damage.

A 'hazard-trigger' approach was adopted for determining which pesticides were the main concern, regarding health or environmental impacts. If a pesticide is included on any of a number of internationally acknowledged lists, the Co-oerative will prohibit its use. E.g if a pesticide is included in any of the EU, USA or WHO lists for carcinogenicty (EU 2; EPA A+B1; IARC 2A) it gets on the Cooperative 'Prohibited' List.

The Co-operative’ Advisory Committee drew up a range of criteria for health and environmental concerns, including endocrine disruption, workers’ health and persistence in water. Each pesticide was then subjected to this range of criteria and triggered to be on either a “Prohibited” , “monitored” list - or got “Green light” for go if it didn’t trigger any.

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