au plus près

09:58 Nov 21, 2008 

As far as translation is concerned, this works for both time and location, doesn't it?

I would interpret it as "close in time". Assuming these "permis de travail" are hot-work permits, risks that might change in time could be fuel tanks more or less full, delivery of explosives expected at such and such a time, etc., depending on the nature of the project, other work of a flammable nature (e.g. painting) being carried out alongside at that particular point in time, etc.

09:22 Nov 21, 2008 

I would agree with Chris's interpretation: it is clear that some risks are going to be specific to the actual job underway, and so it makes most sense, logically, to examine the risks as close to the actual time of the job as possible.
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I don't think anyone would imagine that such risks could possibly be assessed other than on site, so the idea of geographical (rather than temporal) distance seems illogical to me.

06:15 Nov 21, 2008 

I guess the "ponctuelle" must refer to "étude" and not to "risque". One possible meaning of "ponctuel" is "targeted or specific" when referring to an "étude". Logic suggests that "près" should refer to time, not place.