README.md

---
license: cc-by-4.0
language:
- en
size_categories:
- n<1K
tags:
- hse
- risk-matrix
- risk-assessment
- alarp
- iso-31000
- 5x5-matrix
- risk-score
- tolerable-risk
- process-safety
- occupational-safety
pretty_name: "Risk Matrix Reference 2026 — 5x5, 4x4, and 3x3 with ALARP Zones"
---

# Risk Matrix Reference 2026 — 5x5, 4x4, and 3x3 with ALARP Zones

> Fully populated risk matrices in 5x5 (25 cells), 4x4 (16 cells), and 3x3 (9 cells) configurations. Each cell: severity level + descriptor, likelihood level + descriptor, risk score, risk band (Very Low / Low / Medium / High / Very High), ALARP zone (Broadly Acceptable / Tolerable / Intolerable), and recommended management action. Follows ISO 31000, UK HSE five-step, and IOGP ALARP conventions.

## Dataset details

- **Publisher**: SmartQHSE Ltd (https://www.smartqhse.com)
- **License**: CC BY 4.0 -- please cite with link to https://www.smartqhse.com
- **Format**: CSV (UTF-8)
- **Schema**: see data.csv first row (header)
- **DOI**: [10.5281/zenodo.20171695](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20171695) -- permanent Zenodo citation
- **Update cadence**: annual or on regulatory change
- **Canonical home**: https://www.smartqhse.com/datasets

## Suggested citation

SmartQHSE Ltd (2026). Risk Matrix Reference 2026 — 5x5, 4x4, and 3x3 with ALARP Zones [dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20171695

## Related SmartQHSE resources

- [SmartQHSE platform](https://www.smartqhse.com) -- full QHSE software with ARIA AI assistant
- [Open datasets catalog](https://www.smartqhse.com/datasets)
- [Companion full-text corpus](https://www.smartqhse.com/llms-full.txt) (LLM-optimised SmartQHSE knowledge base)

## Disclaimer

This dataset is published for reference, training, and research. Regulatory text and action levels are summarised; consult the authoritative source listed before basing operational or compliance decisions on this dataset. SmartQHSE Ltd accepts no liability for errors or omissions.