The RWE risk matrix is an aid to make us aware that before starting an activity, we should ask the question: "What are the risks associated with the activity?"
The left-hand part of the risk matrix relates to the question:
- What are the potential consequences of an incident?
- Choose the line that is most applicable.
The top part of the risk matrix relates to the question:
- What is the likelihood of an incident with these consequences?
- Choose the column that is most applicable.
Read off the numerical values from the point where the potential consequences (horizontal line) and the potential likelihood of an incident (vertical column) meet. Check those numerical values against the values from the coloured blocks at the bottom of the risk matrix.