Health and Safety Executive: ALARP "at a glance"

Summary

"ALARP" is short for "as low as reasonably practicable". "SFAIRP" is short for "so far as is reasonably practicable". The two terms mean essentially the same thing and at their core is the concept of "reasonably practicable"; this involves weighing a risk against the trouble, time and money needed to control it. Thus, ALARP describes the level to which we expect to see workplace risks controlled.

This guide from the Health and Safety Executive has been produced to explain the concept of "reasonably practicable" in a simple way for those new to decision making and incorporates guidance currently held on HSE's website.