risk assessment
An environmental survey of an existing building to determine the extent of hazardous materials that may be present; for lead paint, may include atomic absorption spectroscopy, chemical spot tests, dust wipe tests, and x-ray flourescence analysis; for asbestos, typically includes a visual survey, sampling, and laboratory analysis. See also asbestos abatement, lead poisoning. 2. An inspection and analysis of the safety risks, such as tripping, inherent in the normal use of a facility. 3. An insurance company analysis of the likelihood of a claim being filed. (Bucher, 1996)