DAF Form 3: Hazard Abatement Plan – Download & Guide

DAF Form 3: Hazard Abatement Plan – Download & Guide – The DAF Form 3, officially titled Hazard Abatement Plan, is a critical document in the Department of the Air Force (DAF) mishap prevention and occupational safety program. It provides a structured method to identify, track, and abate safety, fire, and occupational health hazards that cannot be corrected immediately.

This form ensures commanders, supervisors, safety offices, and Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE) teams document long-term hazard mitigation efforts, maintain accountability, and protect DAF personnel, facilities, and resources in compliance with federal and DAF standards.

What Is DAF Form 3 and Its Purpose?

DAF Form 3 serves as the official record for planning and tracking the abatement (correction or control) of hazards. It is used when a hazard—identified through inspections, hazard reports (such as DAF Form 457), or workplace assessments—is expected to take longer than 30 days to resolve.

Key purposes include:

  • Documenting the hazard description, risk assessment code (RAC), and root causes.
  • Outlining specific abatement actions, responsible parties, target completion dates, and interim controls.
  • Tracking progress and ensuring managerial oversight.
  • Supporting the Installation Master Hazard Abatement Plan (MHAP) maintained by the installation safety office.
  • Demonstrating due diligence for compliance with DAFI 91-202 (The Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program) and related publications like DAFMAN 91-203 (Occupational Safety and Health).

The form applies across the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and United States Space Force. It covers occupational safety, fire protection, and health hazards (including those with high RAC ratings: RAC 1, 2, and 3 for health hazards).

Note: The current fillable PDF is available for official download directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site: DAF Form 3 PDF.

When Is DAF Form 3 Required?

Commanders and supervisors must initiate a DAF Form 3 in these situations:

  • Hazards identified as RAC 1, 2, or 3 (especially health hazards) where full abatement exceeds 30 days from identification.
  • Following hazard reports submitted via DAF Form 457, SAFEREP, or workplace inspections.
  • When interim protective measures are needed while permanent fixes (engineering controls, administrative changes, or PPE upgrades) are planned or funded.
  • As part of the installation-wide Master Hazard Abatement Plan.

For health hazards, Bioenvironmental Engineering personnel typically coordinate with unit commanders and supervisors to initiate the form and document details in the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS). Commanders review these plans semi-annually.

Failure to properly document and track abatement can imply risk acceptance by the commander, which must then be formally documented and reviewed with each change of command.

How to Complete DAF Form 3? (Key Sections Overview)

While the exact block-by-block layout appears in Chapter 15 of DAFI 91-202 (Instructions for Completing AF Form 3 / DAF Form 3), typical sections include:

  • Hazard Identification: Description of the hazard, location (building/room), date identified, and RAC (using the standard Risk Assessment Code matrix that combines severity and probability).
  • Cause(s): Root or contributing causes.
  • Interim Controls: Immediate actions to reduce exposure (e.g., signage, temporary barriers, PPE, or work restrictions).
  • Abatement Actions: Detailed steps for permanent correction, including engineering solutions, training, or policy changes.
  • Responsible Organization/Person: Who owns each action and target dates.
  • Funding/Source: If resources are required (e.g., work orders, project funding).
  • Progress Tracking and Closure: Status updates, actual completion date, verification of effectiveness, and signatures/approvals.
  • Commander Review: Space for periodic commander acknowledgment and risk acceptance if full abatement is deferred.

Best Practices for Completion:

  • Be specific and measurable in describing the hazard and actions.
  • Coordinate with Safety, BE, Civil Engineering, and the Unit Safety Representative (USR).
  • Upload supporting documents (photos, AF Form 1118 Notice of Hazard, risk assessments) into DOEHRS or the unit records system where applicable.
  • Ensure the plan aligns with OSHA-consistent standards in DAFMAN 91-203 and DAFI 91-202.

Always refer to the latest version of DAFI 91-202 for detailed block instructions, as guidance is updated periodically (including recent guidance memorandums).

Integration with Broader DAF Safety Programs

DAF Form 3 is a core component of the DAF Mishap Prevention Program. It supports:

  • Hazard reporting systems (DAF Form 457 and SAFEREP).
  • The Installation Master Hazard Abatement Plan (MHAP).
  • Risk Management (RM) processes outlined in DAFPAM 90-803.
  • Occupational health assessments and workplace inspections.

Installation safety offices maintain the master list of open Form 3s, ensuring high-priority hazards receive visibility at higher command levels. This process helps prioritize funding and resources for abatement projects.

Why Proper Use of DAF Form 3 Matters?

Effective hazard abatement:

  • Protects Airmen, Guardians, and civilian employees from preventable injuries and illnesses.
  • Reduces mishap rates and associated costs.
  • Demonstrates command commitment to safety culture.
  • Ensures compliance during inspections by higher headquarters, OSHA-equivalent reviews, or external audits.

Commanders and supervisors who actively use and review DAF Form 3 strengthen their unit’s safety posture and contribute to the overall DAF goal of zero preventable mishaps.

Download and Resources

  • Official DAF Form 3 PDF: Download here
  • Primary guidance: DAFI 91-202, The Department of the Air Force Mishap Prevention Program (available on e-Publishing.af.mil).
  • Supporting standards: DAFMAN 91-203, Occupational Safety and Health.
  • Additional tools: SAFEREP for hazard/near-miss reporting and DOEHRS for health-related documentation.

Important: Always use the most current publications from the official e-Publishing website, as DAF safety instructions and guidance memorandums are updated regularly (e.g., changes in 2025–2026).

For unit-specific procedures, contact your local Installation Safety Office, Unit Safety Representative, or Bioenvironmental Engineering flight. Proper documentation and timely abatement save lives, preserve readiness, and demonstrate professional leadership in the Department of the Air Force.

This article is for informational purposes and reflects publicly available DAF guidance as of 2026. For official use, consult the latest directives and your chain of command.