Elimination & Substitution
Elimination and substitution, while most effective at reducing hazards, also tend to be the most difficult to implement in an existing process. If the process is still at the design or development stage, elimination and substitution of hazards may be inexpensive and simple to implement. For an existing process, major changes in equipment and procedures may be required to eliminate or substitute for a hazard.
These strategies are considered first because they have the potential to completely eliminate the hazard, thus greatly reducing the probability of an accident. Redesigning or replacing equipment or machinery may be expensive, but remember, according to the National Safety Council, the average direct and indirect cost of a lost work-time injury is $34,000 and $1,115,000 to close a fatality claim.
What's the difference between the elimination and substitution methods?
When using elimination, the hazard is completely removed, making it impossible for an accident to occur. The hazard is not simply reduced, but it is completely eliminated.
When using substitution, the hazard is reduced or eliminated by using a less hazardous component. Although it is possible to eliminate the hazard, the substitution method does not necessarily eliminate the hazard. This is why the elimination control is preferred over the substitution control.
Some examples of these two strategies include:
- Eliminating the source of excessive temperatures, noise, or pressure
- Substituting a toxic chemical with a less toxic or non-toxic chemical
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. Replacing a lead-based paint with a non-lead paint is an example of using which hierarchy of control method?
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